Ampler’s Paste special pastes cells keeping their exact references — even unlocked ones — so a copied formula points to the same cells as the original.
Quick answer: Copy the cells (Ctrl+C), select the destination, click Paste special on the Ampler ribbon, choose Exact content, and click OK.
How to use it
Paste special, choose Exact content, to preserve the references.
- Select the cells to copy and press Ctrl+C.
- Select the area you wish to copy to.
- Click Paste special and select Exact content to preserve the unlocked formula references.
- Click OK.
You can also paste values or links, and choose whether to paste the formatting.
Keyboard shortcut
Paste special has no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Modify on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
A normal paste shifts a formula’s relative references, so a copied formula points somewhere new. Ampler’s Paste special keeps the exact references — even when they aren’t locked with dollar signs — so the copied formula behaves like the original.
How consultants use it
Moving part of a model has to preserve the logic, and shifted references are a classic source of error. Exact-reference pasting protects against that. Three habits apply:
- References stay put: a copied formula points to the same cells, not shifted ones.
- No dollar-sign gymnastics: exact content works even on unlocked references.
- Values or links too: the same dialog pastes values or links when that’s what’s needed.
Exact-reference pasting moves part of a model without shifting its logic.
Tips & best practices
- Use Exact content when a moved formula must keep its references.
- Paste values or links from the same dialog when appropriate.
- Check moved formulas with Inspect formulas.
Availability
Included in Ampler for Excel and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop Excel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you paste a formula in Excel without changing its references?
Copy the cells, click Paste special on the Ampler ribbon, and choose Exact content — the references are preserved even if unlocked.
How do you keep exact cell references when copying formulas?
Ampler’s Paste special Exact content keeps references exact without needing dollar-sign absolute references.
Can you paste values or links with it?
Yes. The same Paste special dialog can paste values or links, and choose whether to paste formatting.