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How to save frequently used list and reuse it in future work in Excel?

Author Siluvia Last modified

Do you often use the same list of data in Excel and want an easier way to reuse it without manually re-entering it each time? This tutorial shows two simple methods to save a frequently used list and quickly reuse it in future worksheets:

Save a list and reuse it with Edit Custom List feature
Save and reuse your list with formatting using Kutools for Excel


Save a list and reuse it with Edit Custom List feature

You can use the Edit Custom List feature to save the frequently used list for next time using. Please do as follows.

1. Select the list, and then click File > Options.

A screenshot showing how to access Excel Options from the File menu

2. In the Excel Options dialog box, click Advanced in the left pane, scroll down to the General section, and then click the Edit Custom Lists button. See screenshot:

A screenshot showing the Advanced settings in Excel Options with the Edit Custom Lists button highlighted

3. In the Custom Lists dialog box, click the Import button to add the list values into the Custom lists box, and then click the OK button.

A screenshot showing the Custom Lists dialog box with the Import button highlighted

4. When it returns to the Excel Options dialog box, click the OK button.

5. To apply this list, enter the first value into a cell and drag the Fill Handle down the column to populate the rest of the list.

A screenshot showing how to use the Fill Handle to apply a custom list in Excel


Save and reuse your list with formatting using Kutools for Excel

The Resource Library feature of Kutools for Excel allows you to easily save a frequently used list as an auto-text entry. This method not only saves the list but also preserves its cell formatting, enabling you to quickly reuse the list with consistent formatting whenever needed.

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When first installing Kutools for Excel, the Navigation pane will be opened and located on the left side of Excel by default.

1. Shift to the Resource Library section by clicking the Resource Library button Resource Library button in the Navigation pane.

A screenshot showing the Navigation pane with the Resource Library button highlighted

2. Save the frequently used list as an Auto Text entry:

(1) Select the list you need to reuse.
(2) Click the Add selected content to resource library Add button  button.
(3) In the New Resource Library entry dialog box, enter a name for this list in the Name box.
(4) Choose a group from the Group drop-down list (or create a new group or subgroup for this list if needed).
(5) Click the Add button.

A screenshot of the New Resource Library Entry dialog box for saving a list in Kutools for Excel

3. Quickly reuse the list in future work with just a few clicks:

(1) Select a cell where you want to output the list.
(2) Click on the saved list you created.

The list, along with its cell formatting, will be instantly inserted into the column starting at the selected cell.

A screenshot showing a list being inserted into a worksheet from the Resource Library in Kutools for Excel

Click to know more about Kutools' Resource Library.

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