copy cell format

users
#1

Good evening
I have been trying to find hints in the documentation, but had no success so far.

I have (naturally) a number of sheets / files.
Sometimes I want to copy let's say the first row, which contains all the names of the columns etc., to create a new document.
(not ALL documents use the same format)
Imagine there are 20-25 columns, most of which have different widths.

But when I copy row No.1 from file A to a new file, no matter HOW I paste it there,
it ALWAYS comes out with equal column width (+ the default height of the new document).
That means, I have to reformat the whole thing EVERY time I do this. (not frequently, but also not a rare operation)

In an ancient but VERY useful software = Lotus123 that requires only checking one box.

If I understand the page:
https://help.libreoffice.org/Common/Copying_Attributes_With_the_Format_Paintbrush
correctly,
"Form control is selected Not supported"
means that Calc is not able to do what Lotus could do 20 years ago.
Is that right? Or am I missing something?
I am also under the impression, that the "paint brush" works ONLY within one file, but not across different files.

Styles do not help either (as far as I can tell), since I could not find any tab there, where I can specify column width + height.

Is there a trick?
Is so, I would really like to know.

Thank you.
Thomas

#2

Sorry for just replying to email vs getting into LO and answering. Just too busy with huge biking event this weekend and am new using LO forums.

That said, if I understand that you want to copy the data from 1 spread sheet file (1 or more rows/columns) and paste just the data into a file with different column/row formatting, then use the "Paste Special" option and only check the items in the "Paste Special" pop-up menu that you want. Do not check "Format" and the column/row format will remain unchanged.

Of course, the number of rows/columns you paste into should equal what you copied.

#3

I think the problem being experienced is that the column widths are not copied or adjusted to fit the contents. The best I can think of is to paste the data, then select it and use Format>Column>optimal width. This may not be quite what is required, but it may at least help a bit. /Gary

#4

No, it is just the other way around.
I want to copy a formatted row with column headers into a blank document.
AND I want the copied row look in the new document exactly as it was in the original document.
THAT is something Calc does not seem to be able to do.
I just tried that trick with Excel (which I usually do not use any longer) - and it works there almost as easy as in Lotus123.

I believe this operation cannot be so tremendously difficult, that it is sheer impossible to accomplish (in Calc) ...
Thomas

#5

Copy the sheet and clear contents.
Way better: Use templates.

#6

I have (naturally) a number of sheets / files. Sometimes I want to copy let's say the first row, which contains all the names of the columns etc., to create a new document. (not ALL documents use the same format) Imagine there are 20-25 columns, most of which have different widths. But when I copy row No.1 from file A to a new file, no matter HOW I paste it there, it ALWAYS comes out with equal column width (+ the default height of the new document).

I think you are right.

In an ancient but VERY useful software = Lotus123 ...

I can't speak for Lotus 1-2-3 (which anyway has been discontinued).

If I understand the page:
https://help.libreoffice.org/Common/Copying_Attributes_With_the_Format_Paintbrush correctly, "Form control is selected Not supported" means that Calc is not able to do ...

I think the relevant entry here is for "Calc table or cells are selected", which says "Copies the formatting that is specified in the Format - Cells dialog as well as the formatting of the cell contents". That confirms that column width is not included.

I am also under the impression, that the "paint brush" works ONLY within one file, but not across different files.

I agree.

Styles do not help either (as far as I can tell), since I could not find any tab there, where I can specify column width + height.

That's right.

I think this all boils down to the fact that column width is a property of entire columns, of course, whereas the other formatting aspects that Calc is happy to copy may apply only to some cells in a column.

Is there a trick?

There are some workarounds:

o Select the entire sheet in the source spreadsheet: go to Edit | Select All or press Ctrl+A or click the cell at top left where the column and row headers meet.
o Copy.
o Paste into the target spreadsheet. Create a new sheet in which to paste if necessary.
o Delete unwanted material.

Alternatively:
o Go to Insert | Sheet From File... .
o Browse to the source document and click Insert.
o Select the appropriate sheet to insert and the required position in the target document.
o OK.
o Delete unwanted material as above.

I trust this helps.

Brian Barker