copy columns keeping format

Here is a way to copy/paste a range of columns to somewhere else in the table without overwriting any other columns.

1. Select the columns to be copied (click on leftmost column letter then shift-click on rightmost column letter)
2. Click and hold on one of the highlighted column letters until the columns "lift" out of the table
3. Start dragging them away then hold down the Option key to copy vs relocate them
4. A green line will appear in the table to indicate where they will be placed when you drop them
5. Drop them

If you don't hold Option, you will be moving them to the new location.

You can do the same thing with rows.

You can drop them on a blank place on the canvas to create a new table.

You can relocate a cell using the same technique. Click and hold on the cell until it lifts.

This is a really nifty feature of Numbers. I use it to rearrange columns/rows and move cells around as I am designing.

From what I see, you're copying the entire column and pasting the data which is creating a new table. I'm assuming this is not the intended behavior you're trying to achieve?

The reason for this might be because you're just pasting the data. Could you try highlighting the rows and columns you want to replace?

1. Copy the data you're trying to replicate (Command + C)
2. Select the rows and columns where you want that data to confine to
3. Paste the data by clicking Command + V

Hello s49,

Everything should permit by default. The only way it wouldn't, to my knowledge is if you're clicking Paste and Match Style (or Command + Option + Shift + V). If you Copy (Command + C) and Paste (Command + V) the size, color, formulas should copy over with no issues.

Is this how you're copying them or are you doing something else to move the data?

Generally yes. If you copy say 5 rows of a specific column, then paste into a new column but only select 3 rows. The last two rows will be clipped and not included.