Try These Excel Tricks When AutoFilter Doesn't Work in a Filtered List
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated October 20, 2021
Applies to: Microsoft® Excel® 2013, 2016, 2019 or 365 (Windows)
It's a common issue for Microsoft Excel users to attempt to use AutoFill to fill data in a filtered list and it doesn't work as expected. The fill data is entered into all cells, including the hidden or invisible cells. The solution is to enter data into visible cells only. You can accomplish this in a number of ways.
Recommended article: 10 Great Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Filtering Data
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The first thing you will need to do is select visible cells only in the filtered list using Go to Special.
Below is the Go To Special dialog box in Excel:
Entering data into the visible cells using Go to Special in the Ribbon
To enter data into visible cells only in a filtered list using Go to Special:
- Select the range of cells containing the filtered list into which you want to enter data.
- Press Ctrl + G to display the Go To dialog box and then click Special to display the Go To Special dialog box. Alternatively, you can click the Home tab in the Ribbon and then select Go to Special from the Find & Select drop-down menu.
- Select Visible cells only in the Go To Special dialog box and click OK. Excel will select all of the visible cells in the range.
- In the active cell (which should be the first selected cell below the first heading), type the data you wish to enter.
- Press Ctrl + Enter. The same data will be entered into the visible cells only.
Entering data into the visible cells using keyboard shortcuts
To enter data into visible cells only in a filtered list using keyboard shortcuts:
- Select the range of cells containing the filtered list into which you want to enter data. You could use the arrow keys on your keyboard or Ctrl + Shift + down arrow.
- Press Alt + ; (semi-colon) to select the visible cells only.
- In the active cell (which should be the first selected cell below the first heading), type the data you wish to enter.
- Press Ctrl + Enter. The same data will be entered into the visible cells only.
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More resources
10 Great Excel Navigation Shortcuts
How to Use Flash Fill in Excel (4 Ways with Shortcuts)
How to Quickly Fill in Missing Values from the Cell Above in Excel
3 Excel Strikethrough Shortcuts to Cross Out Text or Values in Cells
How to Replace Blank Cells with a Value from the Cell Above in Excel
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Microsoft Excel: Intermediate / Advanced
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