Autofill and Flash Fill

When entering data into large tables, it often happens that some of the values ​​that we enter are repeated. Excel offers two automations that make it easy to enter. The first one is called Autofill and starts automatically as soon as we start typing the text with a template that already existed in the current column. Flash Fill offers data filling based on forms that Excel recognizes in previous columns within the same table.

Autofill is an option to automatically fill a cell with a value from a previous cell that is in the same column. This option works automatically and there is no need for any special setting to activate it. It’s only important that in the column that we fill out we have an uninterrupted set of data. For example, if we have a series of surnames in the column, among which the last name is Petrovic, if we start to enter this surname into a new cell in the same column, Excel will automatically offer the entry of the surname after only a few characters entered.

In order to use the Flash Fill option, we need to have at least one column of data, as well as a column where we combine this data with another text string. In our case, we have two columns; in the first there are surnames, and in the other name. In the first cell in the third column we will first write the name, then the point, and the last name, and finally we will add a domain name, for example “@ gmail.com”. This cell is a form on which to base all other cells in this column. Then, with the right mouse button, we will drag the indicator to fill the arrays. When we leave it, a context menu will open where we can select the Flash Fill option. By selecting this option, the remaining e-mail addresses will automatically be generated, based on surnames and column names, and according to the form in the first cell of the third column.

We can also find the Flash Fill option as one of the Fill options in the Home ribbon, and we can also call it by selecting the cells to be filled in, and then using the shortcut CTRL + E.