If you’re working with spreadsheets regularly, knowing how to autofill data in Excel is a game-changer. Excel’s autofill feature automatically completes patterns such as dates, numbers, days, or custom series, saving you tons of time. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc), this built-in functionality works seamlessly with just a few simple clicks or keystrokes.
✨ What Is Autofill in Excel?
Autofill allows you to quickly populate cells with sequential or patterned data like:
- Numbers (1, 2, 3…)
- Dates (Jan, Feb, Mar…)
- Formulas (auto-referenced)
- Custom lists (Mon, Tue…)
- Text with numbers (Item1, Item2…)
You can drag the fill handle, use keyboard shortcuts, or apply Excel’s Flash Fill feature for even smarter predictions.
🪟 How to Autofill Data in Excel on Windows
Method 1: Drag the Fill Handle
- Enter data in one or more cells
- Select the cell(s)
- Hover your cursor over the bottom-right corner (a small square called the fill handle)
- When the plus sign (+) appears, click and drag to autofill the range
Method 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the filled cell
- Press
Ctrl + Dto fill down - Press
Ctrl + Rto fill right
These shortcuts copy the content and formatting into the adjacent cell(s).
🍏 How to Autofill Data on macOS
Fill Handle (Mouse Method): Same as Windows—click and drag the fill handle in Excel for Mac.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Fill down:
Cmd + D - Fill right:
Cmd + R
Tip: Excel for macOS supports Flash Fill via Cmd + E to auto-recognize patterns in columns.
🐧 How to Autofill in Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc)
Drag to Fill:
- Enter initial value(s)
- Select the cell(s)
- Drag the bottom-right corner to fill in a direction
Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Fill down:
Ctrl + D - Fill right:
Ctrl + R
LibreOffice also allows custom list setup via Tools > Options > LibreOffice Calc > Sort Lists.
🔄 Autofill Series Options
After dragging the fill handle, you can click the small Auto Fill Options button that appears and choose:
- Copy Cells
- Fill Series
- Fill Formatting Only
- Fill Without Formatting
- Flash Fill (Excel only)
Custom Tip: You can create your own autofill list in Windows Excel via:
File > Options > Advanced > Edit Custom Lists
⚙️ Smart Fill Examples
| Input | Fill Result | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | 3, 4, 5… | Continues numeric pattern |
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday… | Autofills weekdays |
| Q1 | Q2, Q3, Q4… | Fills fiscal quarters |
| 10/01/2024 | 10/02/2024, 10/03/2024… | Fills dates forward |
| =A1*2 | =A22, =A32… | Formula adjusts automatically |
📌 Keyboard Shortcut Comparison Table
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D | Ctrl + D |
| Fill Right | Ctrl + R | Cmd + R | Ctrl + R |
| Flash Fill | Ctrl + E | Cmd + E | Not supported |
❓ FAQ – How to Autofill in Excel
Can I autofill without formatting?
Yes! After dragging, click Auto Fill Options and choose Fill Without Formatting.
How do I autofill a formula?
Just enter the formula, and drag the fill handle. Excel will adjust cell references automatically.
Can Excel detect patterns automatically?
Yes! Use Flash Fill (Ctrl + E / Cmd + E) to detect and fill based on pattern recognition.
Does autofill work for dates?
Absolutely. Enter a date and drag the fill handle to auto-increment.
✅ Conclusion
Knowing how to autofill data in Excel is one of the fastest ways to streamline data entry. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, Excel and LibreOffice provide powerful autofill tools that go beyond basic copying. By mastering fill handle tricks and keyboard shortcuts, you’ll make repetitive tasks a breeze—and look like a spreadsheet ninja!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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