Using the Fill Handle from the Keyboard

Summary: The fill handle can save a huge amount of time when you are editing a worksheet. If you are really good at using the keyboard but dislike using the mouse, you may want to use the capabilities of the fill handle without removing your hands from the keyboard. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

The fill handle is very helpful for filling cells with various values. Select some cells, click the fill handle, and drag it to fill cells in a variety of ways. If you hate to use the mouse (or at least want to minimize your use of the mouse), you may long for a way to utilize the fill handle by only using the keyboard.

The easiest way to do this is to display the Series dialog box by using these steps:

Use the keyboard to select the cells on which you want the fill based.
Hold down the Alt key as you press, in turn, E, I, S. Word displays the Series dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Use the Tab key to move from option to option within the dialog box.
When you've chosen the option you want, press Enter to select it.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3922) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Using the Fill Handle from the Keyboard