Drag and Insert Copy in Excel (Ctrl + Alt + Drag)
The Drag and Insert Copy shortcut allows you to copy selected cells and insert them at a new location, shifting existing cells downward or to the right without overwriting any data.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Hold Ctrl + Alt + Drag | Hold Cmd + Option + Drag |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Holding Ctrl + Alt (Cmd + Option on Mac) while dragging a selection inserts a copy of the selected cells into the target location and pushes existing cells down or right, keeping the original cells intact.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cells you want to copy and insert
- Press and hold Ctrl + Alt (Windows) or Cmd + Option (Mac)
- Click and drag the selection to the desired location
- Release the mouse button first, then release the keys
Tips & Best Practices
- Ensure enough space at the target area to avoid overwriting existing data
- Use visible gridlines to see exactly where the copy will be inserted
- Combine with undo (Ctrl + Z) if placement is incorrect
FAQ
- Q: Can I insert copies of multiple non-adjacent ranges?
- No, Ctrl + Alt + Drag works only on a single contiguous selection.
- Q: Does this work in filtered tables?
- Yes, but only visible cells are considered for shifting; hidden rows may affect placement.