The duplicate shortcut key in PowerPoint and most design programs is Ctrl + D: select a slide, shape or object and press it to create a copy beside the original. In Excel, Ctrl + D copies the cell above into the selected cells, which is called fill down.
Be careful in File Explorer, where Ctrl + D sends files to the Recycle Bin instead. To duplicate a file there, copy it with Ctrl + C and paste it in the same folder with Ctrl + V; Windows names the copy with - Copy.
Quick facts
PowerPoint duplicate
Ctrl + DExcel fill down
Ctrl + DExcel fill right
Ctrl + RDuplicate a file
Ctrl + C, Ctrl + VFile Explorer warning
Ctrl + D deletes thereMac Finder
Command + D
Duplicate shortcut key: what Ctrl + D does where
| Program | What happens |
|---|---|
| PowerPoint | Duplicates the selected slide or object |
| Excel | Fills the selection with the cell above |
| Word | Opens the Font box |
| Chrome and Edge | Bookmarks the page |
| File Explorer | Moves selected files to the Recycle Bin |
| Most design programs | Duplicates the selected object |
The bookmark use is covered in the bookmark shortcut key guide.
Duplicate slides and shapes in PowerPoint
- Select a slide in the left panel, or a shape on the slide.
- Press Ctrl + D. A copy appears right after the slide, or slightly offset for a shape.
- Press Ctrl + D again to make more copies at the same spacing.
Holding Ctrl while dragging a shape also duplicates it, which is handy for placing the copy exactly where you want.
Fill down in Excel
Type a value or formula in a cell, select it together with the empty cells below, and press Ctrl + D. Every selected cell gets a copy, with formula references adjusting row by row. Ctrl + R does the same to the right. To copy one value into many scattered cells at once, select them all with Ctrl and click, type the value, and press Ctrl + Enter. Duplicate values in a list are a different topic; see remove duplicates.
Duplicate a file safely
Select the file in File Explorer, press Ctrl + C, then Ctrl + V in the same folder. The copy appears as filename - Copy. Rename it with F2. On a Mac, Finder's Command + D duplicates directly. Never press Ctrl + D in File Explorer expecting a copy; if you do, Ctrl + Z brings the file back from the bin.
When duplicate does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| File disappeared after Ctrl + D | It went to the Recycle Bin; press Ctrl + Z |
| Excel Ctrl + D copies nothing | Select the source cell together with the cells below |
| PowerPoint copy lands in the wrong place | Drag it, or set position in Format Shape |
| Word opens the Font box | That is Word's use of Ctrl + D; use copy and paste |
Frequently asked questions
What is the duplicate shortcut key?
What does Ctrl + D do in Excel?
It fills the selected cells with the content of the cell above.
Why did Ctrl + D delete my file?
In File Explorer it sends files to the Recycle Bin. Press Ctrl + Z to undo.
How do I duplicate a file in Windows?
Copy with Ctrl + C and paste with Ctrl + V in the same folder.
What does Ctrl + D do in Word?
It opens the Font dialog box.
How do I duplicate a file on Mac?
Select it in Finder and press Command + D.