Excel Flash Fill For MAJOR Time Saving (7 Examples)

Learn how to use Excel Flash Fill correctly with these 7 Examples.

Flash Fill in Excel is similar to Autofill except it will fill the values down based on a certain logic. That logic is derived automatically once Excel sees a pattern in the data.
There are different ways you can use flash fill:
1. Use the Excel shortcut key for Flashfill: Control + E
2. Pull down the values with the fill handle and then select Flash Fill
3. Go to Home / Fill / Flash Fill
4. Start typing the 2nd value and once Excel recognizes the pattern, you will see the results shown in the cells in light grey. Just Press Enter.

Excel Flash Fill not working? Check out 2:02.
You can only apply Flash Fill close and adjacent to your data set. You can also apply Flash Fill one column at a time. For example to split first name and last name, you can do the first name first and then do the last name separately. For Flash Fill to work it also needs to recognize a pattern. For really messy data, it might not find a consistent pattern.

If for some reason Excel doesn't show you the Flash Fill preview, it might be turned off in your Excel Options. To make sure Flash Fill is turned on go to File - Options - Advanced Editing Options - put a check mark in the "Automatically Flash Fill" box.

👩‍💻 What You'll Learn:
- Effortless Data Splitting: Discover how to effortlessly split names into first and last name columns.
- Instant Email Generation: Learn to create email addresses with a simple keystroke.
- Perfect Text Formatting: Transform text into proper case and extract initials with ease.
- Date Manipulation: Quickly isolate years from date formats.
- Pattern Recognition: Understand how Flash Fill intuitively recognizes and applies data patterns.

🌟 Key Features:
- No Formulas Needed: Flash Fill operates without complex formulas, making it accessible to all Excel users.
- Dynamic Data Adjustment: Adapt to varying data requirements with just a few examples.
- Efficiency in Repetitive Tasks: Reduce the time spent on repetitive data entry and formatting.

🚩Let’s connect on social:

Note: This description contains affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, we will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using the links. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

#excel

[hanysadek]

What’s really different about you is that you know how to break it down so that everyone can understand it as easy as can be. It’s a blessing, you’re awesome 👏

[mostafa]

I like it, especially when trying to put the last name and first name without using the concatenate formula. This way you do not have a cell reference and can delete the source data without impacting your outcome. Thank you Leila you always teach me something new :)

[gabriellaprievara]

Again, a great solution to a recent problem. Thank you Leila! :)

[andrewmoss]

It’s amazing how intelligent Flash Fill is and how much time can be saved by using it. I have been aware of it for a while, but have never really used it. For the example you showed, I would usually be using the Text to Columns feature or the LEFT function to break up data — and CONCAT to join together data. Flash Fill is definitely a time saver though!

[sajju]

You always amazed us with your excel approach. Thank you so much for another magic. Keep up the good work.

[imranmushtaq]

Ma'am very informative and really time saving techniques in a busy schedule with efficiently achieving the deadlines.


And once thanks a lot for excel searching and exploration for users like us.

[mackygreen]

*_The first time I saw this used, I was amazed like magic. I didn't even know what it's called until now. Regularly been using this since learning it. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge as usual, Leila. You're the best._* #excel

[salumali]

Thank you Leila. I learned sth new in a very simple and less time cosuming way.

[darrylmorgan]

Having completed the Excel Essentials for the Real World course would like to say it is packed with Gold Nugget tips such as the one demonstrated in this video tutorial!Thank You Leila

[happymm]

Leila, thank you so much for sharing Flash Fill! These examples are great!

[irmanorminton]

I love EVERYTHING YOU DO!!! You are a lifesaver!!

[joepeters]

This is AMAZING!! Thank-you for sharing info on Flash-fill and for all of your tutorials.

[vijaygusain]

I was gonna ask you the excel version but you answered my question towards the end of the video... you are awesome⛄️

[ChristopherTFennell]

This is an amazing video. Excel is changing. Her examples should excite you. Look at what you can do. Great presentation. Very nice work.

[fangzhang]

I like your Excel videos, clear and easy to be understood. Thanks for your help!

[ignatiusmba-borq]

I love your videos, well explained and a great tone and voice for teaching. You are well appreciated.

[nicolaspettini]

Never used that feature in years of practice. Awesome tip, thanks!

[deevah]

You just saved me over an hour each day! Thank you!

[simoiyahector-morales]

Absolutely amazing tips, thank you a million for your time and effort to making these VERY valuable excel vids.

[GT]

This video was very well-done! Thumbs-up to your instructional designer. Excellent work.