Quick AutoFill Variations

Summary: The AutoFill feature of Excel can be very handy. Most people are not aware that there are a number of ways you can use the feature, and all those methods are only a right-click away. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

Everyone knows that when you are working on a spreadsheet and entering text, Excel attempts to be helpful and will suggest AutoFill based on the letters you type. There may, however, be times when you don't remember the exact beginning of the text, so the AutoFill feature is of little value.

One way around this conundrum that allows you to still take advantage of AutoFill is to right-click on the cell where you want to enter information and choose Pick From List from the resulting Context menu. Excel displays a drop-down list that shows the other items you have entered in the column, thereby allowing you to select from the list.

If you need still faster access, you can hold down the Alt key and press the Down Arrow. Excel displays the same list of items and allows you to pick the one you want. (And you don't even need to remove your hands from the keyboard!)

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2495) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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