I want to copy a date from once cell to the one underneath it. When I click on the cell and pull down the little yellow dot, Numbers puts the next date into the cell instead of copying the date. For example, if I start with May 2, 2025, when I pull it down, expecting it to copy, it instead puts May 3, 2025 in the lower cell. How do I prevent this from happening?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Instead of "filling" it by dragging the yellow dot, try "copying" it. Select the cell with the date, command-c to copy to clipboard, select the cells where you want to insert that date, and command-v or Edit > Paste and Match Style to paste.
SG
Instead of "filling" it by dragging the yellow dot, try "copying" it. Select the cell with the date, command-c to copy to clipboard, select the cells where you want to insert that date, and command-v or Edit > Paste and Match Style to paste.
SG
Hi Mario,
It is what it is. Dragging the yellow dot down on a single cell or Menu > Table > Autofill Cells will increment.
Copy, select the cells where you want to repeat (not increment) the copied value and Paste.
Done.
I find Fill Down (or Up, or Left or Right) very useful to increment values.
Numbers is very good at detecting a series, but it does need a hint:
Drag the yellow dot down:
Regards,
Ian.
Mario Milosevic wrote:
SG, Think of a database of expenses with many entries that have the same date. That would be a perfect place to be able to override incrementation.
For the date column just insert a formula that refers to the previous row (e.g. =A2 in cell A3) and fill that formula down. Numbers will then automatically enter the same date when you add a new row to the bottom of the table.
SG
Mario Milosevic wrote:
I was looking for a way to override this particular Numbers feature.
I find the incrementation-when-you-fill feature helpful, and have trouble imagining situations where I wouldn't want it, especially given that copy-paste is so accessible.
Copy-paste is even possible without hands leaving the keyboard. Select the cell, command-c, shift-command-downarrow, command-v.
SG
Thanks for the reply, SG. I am well aware of copy and paste! I was looking for a way to override this particular Numbers feature.
It would be nice, not just for dates but for any text that ends with a number. There are many times I'd like to fill down with the exact same text without it incrementing the number.
Absolutely, Badunit. There should be a simple way to override incrementation in particular circumstances.
SG, Think of a database of expenses with many entries that have the same date. That would be a perfect place to be able to override incrementation.
Thank you, Yellowbox. That is very helpful!
How can I keep the date from increasing when I copy it on the Numbers app?
