The format painter shortcut in Excel is Alt, H, F, P, pressed one after another with a formatted cell selected. The pointer becomes a brush; click or drag over the target cells and they take on the same colours, borders, number format and font.
A keyboard only alternative is to copy the source with Ctrl + C, select the target, and paste formats with Ctrl + Alt + V, then T, then Enter. Excel does not support Word's Ctrl + Shift + C for formats.
Quick facts
Format Painter
Alt, then H, then F, then PKeep it on
Double click the brushPaste formats
Ctrl + Alt + V, T, EnterColumn widths
Ctrl + Alt + V, WStop
EscMac
Brush button on the Home tab
Format painter shortcut in Excel, step by step
- Click a cell that already looks right.
- Press Alt, H, F, P. A moving border appears around the source and the pointer shows a brush.
- Click a cell, or drag over a range, to apply the formatting.
- Double clicking the brush button instead keeps it active; press Esc when done.
Format Painter copies number formats too, so a cell showing rupees with two decimals passes that format on. The values in the target cells do not change.
Paste formats with the keyboard only
| Press after Ctrl + Alt + V | Copies |
|---|---|
| T | All cell formatting |
| W | Column widths only |
| R | Formulas and number formats |
This route suits large areas: copy the formatted row, select hundreds of target rows, and paste formats in one go. More on this box in the paste special in Excel guide.
Copy a whole sheet's look
To format a new sheet exactly like an old one, click the triangle at the top left corner of the old sheet to select everything, press Alt, H, F, P, switch to the new sheet and click its top left corner. Every column width, colour and border transfers. Alternatively, copy the whole sheet tab with Ctrl and drag.
Repeat with F4
If you just applied a fill colour or border to one cell through the ribbon, F4 repeats that single action on any other selection. For one formatting change applied many times, F4 is often faster than Format Painter. See fill colour shortcut and border shortcut.
When format painter does not work in Excel
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Brush disappears after one click | Double click the button to keep it on |
| Ctrl + Shift + C does nothing | That is a Word key; use Alt, H, F, P in Excel |
| Column widths not copied | Format Painter copies widths only when whole columns are selected; or paste widths |
| Merged cells cause errors | Target area must match the merged shape |
Cell styles for repeated looks
If the same look is needed across many workbooks, such as a company heading style, save it as a Cell Style from the Home tab. Apply it with two clicks, and change it once to update every cell that uses it. Cell styles travel with the workbook, and they can be merged into other workbooks from the Cell Styles menu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format painter shortcut in Excel?
Can I copy formatting in Excel with Ctrl + Shift + C?
No, that works in Word. In Excel, use Format Painter or paste formats.
How do I paste only formatting in Excel?
Copy, then Ctrl + Alt + V, T, Enter.
How do I use format painter on many cells?
Double click the brush button and click each target.
Does format painter change the values?
No. Only formatting is copied.
How do I use format painter in Excel for Mac?
Use the brush icon in the Clipboard area of the Home ribbon.