Drag and Drop Cells in Excel 2016

Dragging and dropping cells in Excel 2016 is one of the simplest ways to move data. You don’t need to use copy, cut, or paste commands. It’s a quick method that helps you organize your worksheet easily. Let’s go through the steps to master it!

Step 1: Select the Cells You Want to Move

Start by selecting the cells you want to move. For example, if you want to move the data from cells H4:H12, highlight them using your mouse. Make sure all the cells you need are selected before you proceed.

Step 2: Hover Over the Border

After selecting the cells, move your mouse pointer to the border of the selection. You’ll notice that the cursor changes into a four-sided arrow. This indicates that you can now move the selection.

Step 3: Drag to a New Location

Click and hold the left mouse button. While holding, drag your selected cells to the new position where you want to place them. For example, drag them from H4:H12 to G4:G12.

Step 4: Drop the Cells

Once you’ve reached the desired spot, release the mouse button. The selected cells will move to the new location instantly. Excel automatically shifts the data without any extra steps.

Tip: If you don’t see the four-arrow cursor, check whether drag-and-drop editing is enabled. You can turn it on by going to File > Options > Advanced and checking the option Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop.

Why Use Drag and Drop?

  • It saves time compared to cut and paste.
  • Helps in rearranging data quickly.
  • Perfect for organizing tables and reports.
  • No formatting or formula loss during movement.

Pro Tip

If you want to copy instead of moving the cells, hold the Ctrl key while dragging. This duplicates your selected data in the new location.

5 FAQs About Drag and Drop in Excel 2016

1. What if drag and drop doesn’t work?

Ensure that the option “Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop” is turned on in Excel settings under File → Options → Advanced.

2. Can I drag and drop across different worksheets?

No, you can only drag and drop cells within the same worksheet. To move data between sheets, use cut and paste.

3. Will formulas update when I drag and drop cells?

Yes, Excel automatically adjusts cell references in formulas when you move them using drag and drop.

4. Can I use drag and drop with mousepad or touchscreen?

Yes! You can use drag gestures on touchscreens or touchpads just like with a mouse.

5. Is drag and drop available in all Excel versions?

Yes, this feature is available in Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Conclusion

Dragging and dropping cells in Excel 2016 is an effortless way to organize your data. It saves time, keeps formatting intact, and makes your worksheet more manageable. Once you get used to it, you’ll find it much faster than traditional copy-paste methods!

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