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Microsoft Excel
Flash Fill Feature
Use Flash Fill to split or string together columns of text, ensure the same case, and so much more. In the examples below, we show the various ways of invoking Flash Fill, along with some examples of how Flash Fill can work for you!
EXAMPLE 1:
Extract the First Name column from the Full Name column by typing.
In this example, we invoke Flash Fill by typing Allie in the First Name column, hit Enter, and then start to type Jane. The remainder of the names will display in gray. Hit Enter to populate the rest of the cells.
Notice that BILL MILLER is in uppercase, and eric mills is in lowercase. Once the cells are populated through Flash Fill, simply edit Eric to proper case at which point Flash Fill will correct any other entries, such as converting BILL to Bill.
EXAMPLE 2:
Extract the Last Name column from the Full Name column by using the fill handle.
For the Last Name, type Williams and then use the fill handle to copy the cell content, just as you would copy a formula down a column. Release the fill handle and choose the Flash Fill option. Correct the case as explained above.
EXAMPLE 3:
Extract the Last Name column from the Full Name column by using the Ctrl + e keyboard shortcut.
Type Williams in the Last Name column, hit Enter, and then hold down Ctrl and the letter e. Correct the case as explained above.
EXAMPLE 4:
Extract the Year from the Date column.
Make sure the Date column is formatted to display the full year, and then simply type 2012 in the Year column and use one of the options above to invoke flash fill.
EXAMPLE 5:
Extract initials from the Full Name column. Notice that Eric Jean Mills has 3 initials, which are properly included.
EXAMPLE 6:
Here, we are creating a Full Name column from the First Name and Last Name columns.
EXAMPLE 7:
To add text to cell content, simply type it. It can be the domain in an email address, as in the example below, or any other text.
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