With each new update, Microsoft introduces new features to their apps. Its Office package is a critical component of the system, and it includes several creative features. A new Flash Fill Excel feature is available starting with Microsoft Office 2013. What is the intent of this function? What is its mechanism, and how can it be used without difficulty?
When dealing with large volumes of data in Excel, this feature transforms into a real magic wand that can make your life much easier and save you a lot of time.
What is the Flash Fill Excel feature, and how does it work?
This feature extracts data from adjacent columns using pattern recognition. Its working principle is very similar to Autocomplete’s.
In order for Flash Fill in Excel to function, you must insert multiple (or even only one) values adjacent to the data column and follow the steps below:
How to Integrate into Excel: Easy to Follow Instructions
- Go to the Data tab
- Click on Flash Fill
You can also use the Ctrl + E keyboard shortcut. If that doesn’t work, try adding a few more examples and rerunning the command. To comprehend the method, look at the example below.
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How to flash fill in Excel
Assume that column A contains first names, column B contains last names, and column C contains first and last name combinations. If you type the full name in column C, the feature fills in the rest of the cells with the appropriate information. To finish the procedure, you must:
- Type the full name in cell C2 and press Enter.
- In cell C3, begin typing the next full name. The app will recognize the pattern and show a preview of the remaining column, which will contain the merged text.
- Press Enter to confirm the pattern.
If the options aren’t visible, this feature is most likely disabled. It can be turned on in a variety of ways.
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How to enable Excel Flash Fill
You will need to activate the feature before using it if you’re using a Windows system.
To trigger the function, perform the following steps:
- Go to the File tab
- Click on Advanced in the side options menu
- Check the Flash Fill box if it is not enabled
- Confirm by clicking OK.
After that, you’ll need to restart the program to see the changes in effect. If it’s still not working and you’re certain the feature is switched on, you can manually start it. To do so, take these steps:
- Go to tab Data/Home tab
- Click on Instant Fill, or you can also press Ctrl + E
The Excel Flash Fill feature is an easy and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. The most important thing is to keep track of what you’re doing. It’s essential to organize the data correctly and double-check for errors. We hope that our tutorial has supported you in mastering this useful application feature.
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