How keep target text format when copying from other source?

[Kokopelli]

When I have carefully created a table in an Excel 2010 and formatted each column just like I want it and then copy text from, say, an internet site, the formatting is changed to that of the source.



I use the <Ctrl-C>+<Ctrl-V> method as it is, to me, both quicker and more elegant. I know that were I to left-click in the cell, I would get the pasting options but for my needs that is too cumbersome and time-consuming.

Also, I have once found the correct setting years ago, and it worked pefectly for a long time - then my old machine conked out, I had to buy another one, reinstall Office 2010, only to find that I had forgotten how/where to find this setting.

I routinely, for a specific job that I do monthly, copy text of different formats, some words in the form of internet links, and then paste them into my carefully formatted spreadsheet.

This obviously wreaks havoc on my formatting and there is much work involved in setting things straight again - hardly a productive way to do it. Here's how it comes out now:



and here's how I would of course want it to be:



Like I say, I used to know how to do this so I know it is possible. Seems like it was somewhere in File/Options, I just can't find it.

Thank you.

[gebobs]

There are lots of ways to skin that cat though they all boil down to doing a Paste Special of a sort...

* If you right-click on your destination cell, a context menu will appear with commonly used paste special options. You should use the one that looks like a clipboard with "123" on it, Values Only.

* Using only the keyboard, you can press CNTL-ALT-V, then V, and then Enter which is nice if you're a contortionist. A slightly less cumbersome keyboard method is Alt-H-V-V. I don't think there's a way to modify keyboard shortcuts as you can in Word which, not knowing the developers' minds on the matter, seems pretty lame.

* You can add a Quick Access Tollbar button for Paste Values.

* You can create a macro in your normal template (or the sheet you use if it's generally the same one) and assign whatever keyboard shortcut you want.

Personally, I use Paste Special all the time and I always use the first method.

[Kokopelli]

Originally Posted by gebobs

There are lots of ways to skin that cat though they all boil down to doing a Paste Special of a sort...

* If you right-click on your destination cell, a context menu will appear with commonly used paste special options. You should use the one that looks like a clipboard with "123" on it, Values Only.

* Using only the keyboard, you can press CNTL-ALT-V, then V, and then Enter which is nice if you're a contortionist. A slightly less cumbersome keyboard method is Alt-H-V-V. I don't think there's a way to modify keyboard shortcuts as you can in Word which, not knowing the developers' minds on the matter, seems pretty lame.

* You can add a Quick Access Tollbar button for Paste Values.

* You can create a macro in your normal template (or the sheet you use if it's generally the same one) and assign whatever keyboard shortcut you want.

Personally, I use Paste Special all the time and I always use the first method.

Thanks for answering gebobs. Yes, I shall have to use the first method in your list until such time as my memory returns, if it does. But as I said in the OP

'I once found the correct setting years ago, and it worked pefectly for a long time...' and 'I used to know how to do this so I know it is possible. Seems like it was somewhere in File/Options, I just can't find it.' and 'I (like to) use the <Ctrl-C>+<Ctrl-V> method as it is, to me, both quicker and more elegant. I know that were I to left-click in the cell, I would get the pasting options but for my needs that is too cumbersome and time-consuming.'

But it is my faulty memory and I will have to live with it...still, again thanks for taking time to answer.

[gebobs]

Yes, I read your post. I have no idea what it is you used to do or what in Options would accomplish what you need. Are you saying that in a previous version you could set CNTL-V to be Paste Text Only rather than a complete Paste?

[Kokopelli]

Originally Posted by gebobs

Yes, I read your post. I have no idea what it is you used to do or what in Options would accomplish what you need. Are you saying that in a previous version you could set CNTL-V to be Paste Text Only rather than a complete Paste?

Naw, it was Office 2010. I used Office 2003 for the longest time but none of the versions in between.
I stopped using that when I aquainted myself with the 2010 version and liked it; that was about 3 years ago.
(I am no Power User in case you couldn't tell ). Like I said, I do have a distinct memory of having once found a way to set this but have forgotten.
No biggie though. In the grand scheme of things this is a very, very small matter.
Thanks for following up though.

[gebobs]

Originally Posted by Kokopelli

I do have a distinct memory of having once found a way to set this

I still don't know exactly what it is you are trying to set up? Are you trying to set a keyboard shortcut for Paste Text Only?

[Kokopelli]

Originally Posted by gebobs

I still don't know exactly what it is you are trying to set up? Are you trying to set a keyboard shortcut for Paste Text Only?

Oh, never mind. Let it rest. I can explain this to you (every detail is in the OP) but I cannot understand it for you. I'm sorry I posted in the first place.

[gebobs]

Originally Posted by Kokopelli

Oh, never mind. Let it rest. I can explain this to you (every detail is in the OP) but I cannot understand it for you. I'm sorry I posted in the first place.

If you want me to help you, I am glad to do so, but I really don't appreciate the condescension.

If all the detail is in the OP, then I have missed it. I am trying my best to understand your issue and help you out as I have helped out hundreds of others just like you who are Excel neophytes and unfamiliar with the jargon to properly explain the issue.

[Pecoflyer]

@kokopelli

Hello
please don't quote entire posts unnecessarily. They are just clutter and make the thread hard to read.
Thank you