What is the Shortcut for Copy Format in Google Sheets?

To efficiently copy formatting from one cell or range and apply it to another in Google Sheets using keyboard shortcuts, you first copy the source cell with Ctrl+C (Windows/Chrome OS) or Cmd+C (Mac), and then paste the formatting to the target cell(s) with Ctrl+Shift+V (Windows/Chrome OS) or Cmd+Shift+V (Mac).

Mastering Format Copying in Google Sheets

The ability to quickly replicate formatting is crucial for maintaining a professional and consistent look across your spreadsheets. Google Sheets offers powerful keyboard shortcuts that allow you to transfer only the styles, number formats, and conditional rules without affecting the underlying data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Copying and Pasting Format

This two-step shortcut method is the fastest way to apply copied styles:

1. Copy the Source Cell(s):

   • Select the cell or range of cells that has the desired formatting you wish to replicate.
   • Press Ctrl + C (on Windows or Chrome OS) or Cmd + C (on Mac). This action copies all aspects of the selected cell(s) to your clipboard, including both content and formatting.

2. Paste Only the Formatting:

   • Navigate to and select the target cell or range where you want the copied formatting to be applied.
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + V (on Windows or Chrome OS) or Cmd + Shift + V (on Mac). This specific shortcut is designed to paste only the formatting from the clipboard, leaving any existing cell content, formulas, or data values untouched.

   Example: Imagine Cell A1 contains a date formatted as "December 25, 2023" with a blue background and bold text. If Cell B1 contains the number "123". After selecting A1 and pressing Ctrl+C, then selecting B1 and pressing Ctrl+Shift+V, B1 will then display "December 31, 1899" (the default date for "123") with a blue background and bold text. The number "123" is still the cell's value, but it is displayed according to the copied date format, and the blue background and bold text are also applied.

What Formatting Gets Copied?

When you paste formatting, Google Sheets transfers a comprehensive set of visual and structural properties, including:

• Text Styles: Font family, size, color, bold, italic, underline, strikethrough.
• Cell Appearance: Fill color, border styles (color, weight, type).
• Number & Date Formats: Currency, percentage, custom date/time formats, etc.
• Alignment: Horizontal (left, center, right), vertical (top, middle, bottom), text wrapping settings.
• Conditional Formatting: Any applied conditional formatting rules will be duplicated and adjusted for the new cell references.
• Data Validation: Rules defined for the source cell(s) will also be applied to the target.

The Paint Format Tool: A Mouse-Driven Alternative

While keyboard shortcuts offer maximum speed, Google Sheets also provides a "Paint format" tool for a click-based approach, especially useful for less frequent tasks or when precise dragging is preferred.

1. Select Source: Click on the cell or range with the desired formatting.
2. Activate Tool: Click the Paint format icon (which looks like a paint roller) in the toolbar.
   • Tip: Click it once to apply formatting to a single destination cell or range. Double-click it to "lock" the tool, allowing you to apply the format to multiple non-contiguous cells or ranges until you click the icon again or press Esc.
3. Apply to Target: Click or drag your mouse over the cell(s) where you want to apply the format.

Quick Reference for Formatting Shortcuts

For easy recall, here's a summary of the primary shortcuts related to copying formatting:

Action	Windows / Chrome OS Shortcut	Mac OS Shortcut	Description
Copy Cell (all contents)	Ctrl + C	Cmd + C	Copies all data, formulas, and formatting from the selected cell(s) to the clipboard.
Paste Formatting Only	Ctrl + Shift + V	Cmd + Shift + V	Applies only the formatting attributes (like font, color, borders, number format) from the clipboard to the target cell(s).
Clear Formatting	Ctrl + \	Cmd + \	Removes all custom formatting from selected cells, reverting them to default styles. (For reference: Google Sheets Help)