Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 23, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
The AutoFill feature of Excel can be a great timesaver when entering information. However, you may want to disable the feature for a particular workbook; perhaps you don't want the feature to be used by anyone using your workbook. Doing so is easy if you create a macro that can recognize when you are working with that particular workbook.
To turn off the AutoFill feature for a particular workbook, follow these steps:
Private Sub Workbook_Activate() Application.CellDragAndDrop = False End Sub
Private Sub Workbook_Deactivate() Application.CellDragAndDrop = True End Sub
The first macro is only run when the particular workbook is activated. In other words, when the workbook attains focus or is selected. When a different workbook attains focus, then the second macro is executed.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2594) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Turning Off AutoFill for a Workbook.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
Want a quick way to tell how may rows and columns you've selected? Here's what I do when I need to know that information.
Discover MoreReferring to a range of cells on the current worksheet is easy. But what if you want to refer to a range on a number of ...
Discover MoreSelect a range of cells, and one of those cells will always be the starting point for the range. This tip explains how to ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments