Clever Clogs tip # 676
14 October 2021


How to make sure hidden rows and columns are not copied (Microsoft Excel) *

Do you sometimes hide rows or columns in your workbook? If so, have you ever tried to copy the area and noticed it also pastes the hidden rows and columns?

Well, there is a way to only paste what you see.

Here's how:

  1. Select the cells you want to copy.
  2. On the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Find & Select, followed by Go To Special. (Or press CTRL + G and click the Special button.)
  3. Select Visible cells only and click OK or press ENTER.
  4. Make sure the cells are still selected and copy and paste as normal. (CTRL + C and CTRL + V, anyone?)

So in a nutshell, introduce step 2 and 3 and Bob's your uncle.

Finally, Happy Spreadsheet Day for Sunday! Yep, it really exists ;)

Related tips

  1. Find hidden rows and columns in your worksheet - tip_478.php
  2. Temporarily hide data you don't want to see - tip_232.php
  3. Unhide all rows and columns - tip_250.php


* Unless stated otherwise this tip is written for Microsoft 365 desktop apps and Windows 10 users, but might also be useful in Office 2010, 2013 and 2016.