Drag and Copy in Excel (Ctrl + Drag)
The Drag and Copy shortcut allows you to quickly duplicate selected cells by dragging them while holding the Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) key, without overwriting existing data unintentionally.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Hold Ctrl + Drag | Hold Cmd + Drag |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Holding Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) while dragging a selection of cells creates a copy of the selected cells in the new location while keeping the original cells intact.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cells you want to copy
- Press and hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac)
- Click and drag the selection to the desired location
- Release the mouse button first, then release the Ctrl/Cmd key
Tips & Best Practices
- Use visible gridlines to ensure accurate placement
- Combine with Shift to copy entire rows or columns
- Check for existing data to avoid overwriting
FAQ
- Q: Can I copy multiple non-adjacent ranges?
- No, Ctrl + Drag works only on a single contiguous selection.
- Q: Does this work in filtered tables?
- Yes, the copied cells will follow the visible cells; hidden rows may affect placement.