Tips for using copy and paste

Learn how to use copy and paste within Smartsheet, as well as how to copy and paste data from other programs into Smartsheet. 

Who can use this?

Plans:

  • Smartsheet
  • Pro
  • Business
  • Enterprise

There are different ways to copy and paste information in Smartsheet or between Smartsheet and other programs.

Copying and pasting columns isn't supported.

Copy and paste between Smartsheet and other programs

You can also import files to create new sheets. 

To copy data between Smartsheet and another program, such as Microsoft Excel, use keyboard shortcuts:

Ctrl+C (or Command+C) to copy
Ctrl+V (or Command+V) to paste

When you copy/paste between programs, keep the following in mind:

  • Right-select menu commands, copy, and paste don’t always work as expected when switching between applications.
  • If you've copied a multi-line cell in Excel or other programs, double-click the cell in Smartsheet before pasting it. Doing this prevents the lines from spilling over into the cells below.

Create cell links, copy formula results, or formatting

Customize your pasted cell or row content by using Paste Special.

To use Paste Special

  1. Copy the data you want from a cell or row.
  2. Paste the data in the destination cell. 
  3. Right-click the cell and choose Paste Special. 
  4. Select how you want to paste the cell or row content.
Options to paste special

If you use paste special in table view, you can only paste values or formats.  

Understand better which paste special option to use:

  • Values. Paste in the values you’ve copied. For example, there is a formula in the copied cell. Use this option to paste the formula's result into the cell rather than the formula itself.
  • Formats. Paste the formatting from the copied cell, including background color, font color, font style, and more.
  • Links to copied cells. Copy cells links created on the original cells. You can only do this by copying a linked cell and then switching to the target sheet without switching tabs in your browser. Copy the linked cell and then use the left panel to navigate to the target sheet or cell without changing tabs. 

You need to have at least Editor permissions in the target cell and copy the linked cell into a column type that supports  cell links.