Sometimes when you are working with data, you may need to just copy and paste numbers from one range to another. Here is a handy little trick to achieve that.
Use Paste Special > Add operator to paste numbers only.
- Select the source range, press CTRL+C
- Now, go to target range, press ALT+E and then S to activate paste special dialog
- Select “Add” operator (you can press d)
- Click ok.
See this short screen-cast to understand how to do this:
Bonus tips:
Convert numbers from positive to negative:
- Select and copy a bunch of numbers
- Go to an empty cell, press ALT+E and then S and then S (or choose subtract operator)
- That is all. Your numbers are negated now.
Convert from one currency to another instantly:
- Enter the exchange rate in a cell. Copy it.
- Now select all the cells which needs to be converted.
- Press ALT+E and then S and then select Multiply operator (press m)
- That is all. Your currencies are converted. That will be $2.00 plus 1$ per 100.
16 more tricks on how to use paste special
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9 Responses to “Show forecast values in a different color with this simple trick [charting]”
While this works in a pinch, it clearly "lightens" the colors of the entire chart. Depending on where you use this, it will be blatantly obvious that you don't know what you are doing and present a poor looking graph.
Why not separate the data into different segments when charting and have as many colors as you have data points? You might have to create a new legend and/or repeat the chart in "invisible ink", but it would be cleaner and more consistent when new or updated data becomes available.
While I think I agree that doing it "properly" via a second series is preferable, I don't necessarily agree that making the entirety of the "future" (data, gridlines, and even the axis) semi-transparent is "poor looking". I think it could be seen as adding more emphasis to the "future-ness" of the forecast data.
In short, it's another tool for the toolbox, even if it's never needed.
Simply and clever 🙂
Quick & effective, cool. thanks.
I always use the dummy series.
Nice little trick, thanks very much!
Two sets of data better. Control is much better.
You can use the same chart next month to see what is actual and what is forecast.
To use this trick, I think grid lines has to be removed, that will make the graphic much more sharp.
to be honest, i dont understand why there is needed to do this way... in this case horizontal lines will be pale as well. then why a just can't change the color of the line partly???
Great tutorial. Thanks for the tutorial!