In Numbers 10.3.9 - When I copy a cell containing a formula to paste into another cell it will only paste the value of the original cell not the formula. If I check the edit drop down the option to "Paste formula results" is grayed out. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong , I suspect it's an obscure setting somewhere as I tried this on my partner's MacBook and it works fine.
When you select the cell to paste, click only once. This selects the cell and you can use Paste Formula Results. If you click twice instead, it puts you into text editing mode and you will not be able to use Paste Formula Results.
But I'm not sure I totally understood your question. If you double-click and enter text mode, the normal Paste operation seems to do the same as Paste Formula Results. Both put the results of the formula into the cell.
If you want to paste the actual formula into another cell exactly as it appears in the first cell, you have to double click the cell with the formula to bring up the formula bar, select the formula (Cmd A) , Copy (Cmd C), then click on the other cell, type an =, then Paste (Cmd V).
If you want to paste the formula and have any cell references update to match the new cell, you select the cell, Copy, then Paste in the other cell.
When you select the cell to paste, click only once. This selects the cell and you can use Paste Formula Results. If you click twice instead, it puts you into text editing mode and you will not be able to use Paste Formula Results.
But I'm not sure I totally understood your question. If you double-click and enter text mode, the normal Paste operation seems to do the same as Paste Formula Results. Both put the results of the formula into the cell.
If you want to paste the actual formula into another cell exactly as it appears in the first cell, you have to double click the cell with the formula to bring up the formula bar, select the formula (Cmd A) , Copy (Cmd C), then click on the other cell, type an =, then Paste (Cmd V).
If you want to paste the formula and have any cell references update to match the new cell, you select the cell, Copy, then Paste in the other cell.
Both symptoms make it sound like it is in text edit mode when you are trying to paste. If so, you should also be seeing a blinking cursor in the cell. As a test, before using Paste (not Paste Formula Results), hit the escape key to back out of text editing, then Paste.
Does your Mac have any kind of helper app running in the background that might affect copy/pasting or how data on the clipboard is used? Are you running anything that might modify input from the keyboard or how copy/pasting might work? Often something like that is the root cause of the really oddball problems like this.
Hi,
Thank you for replying.
Your last paragraph describes exactly what I'm trying to do but the paste will only paste the value not the formula in my case. On my partner's MacBook it works exactly as you describe and the formula is copied and the cell references update.
Thanks
Mike
What data format have yu set for the cell receiving the pasted value?
I'm not certain this is a significant factor, but the information may help someone determine the reason.
Regards,
Barry
Hi Barry,
Thanks for replying. The format is "Automatic" just like the cell I'm trying to copy from.
Thanks
Mike
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up.
I checked as you suggested but unfortunately no blinking cursor. I tried escape just be sure but it made no difference.
Really appreciate your advice.
Mike
You are an absolute star that was exactly the problem. I stopped the helper app and it works.
Thank you so much for persevering with my problem and solving it.
Mike
Paste formula results grayed out
