Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 17, 2025)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Beth asked how to copy the color formatting of an external cell to a cell in the current workbook. Unfortunately, there is no intrinsic way to do this by using the linking features of Excel. You can, however, copy formatting from one workbook to another by using a macro.
As an example, consider the following macro code:
Workbooks.Open Filename:= "C:\mypath\myworkbook.xls"
Range("A1").Select
Selection.Copy
Windows("TargetBook.xls").Activate
Range("C7").Select
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteFormats, _
Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks:=False, _
Transpose:=False
This code does several things. First, it opens the external workbook and selects the range of cells you want to copy. The Copy method is then invoked, so the source range is now in the Clipboard. The macro then switches to the target workbook and select the range there. Finally, the PasteSpecial method is used to paste only the format of the source cells.
If you decide to use code like this, you can place it in the Auto_Open macro for the target workbook. Of course, you need to modify the code so that it refers to the proper path and workbook names, along with the desired source and target ranges.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2601) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Best-Selling VBA Tutorial for Beginners Take your Excel knowledge to the next level. With a little background in VBA programming, you can go well beyond basic spreadsheets and functions. Use macros to reduce errors, save time, and integrate with other Microsoft applications. Fully updated for the latest version of Office 365. Check out Microsoft 365 Excel VBA Programming For Dummies today!
Information in a worksheet needs to be displayed using fonts. If you understand the two different types of fonts ...
Discover MoreMost formatting needs are met by using the predefined formatting options in Excel. The program also allows you to move ...
Discover MoreWhen you format a date in a specific manner, you may be surprised to see that the format changes when you open the ...
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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments