In this episode of the AppleVis Podcast, Gaurav returns with Lesson 6 in the ongoing series on mastering Numbers, Apple’s free spreadsheet app for Mac.

In the previous lesson, he explored how to insert formulas effectively. This time, the focus is on using the autofill feature to save time and eliminate repetitive tasks.

Autofill Essentials

Apply formulas across multiple cells with ease using autofill.
Insert the same formula into multiple rows by holding Shift and using the arrow keys.
Access autofill options from the table menu.

How to Use Autofill

Select the range of cells where the formula should be applied.
Choose the direction for autofill (up, down, left, or right).
Use the autofill command to extend the formula across the selected area.

Adjusting Formulas

Copy formulas from one column (e.g., January) to others (e.g., February, March).
Ensure row numbers stay the same while updating column references.
For instance, replicate the formula from B2–B5 in January to C2–C5 in February.

Reviewing and Editing

Review and edit formulas in each column as needed.
Maintain row consistency while adjusting for different columns during autofill.

Using these techniques will help streamline your workflow and minimize manual input.

Transcript

Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.

Gaurav: So in this lesson, if you remember in the previous lesson, we had learned how to insert formulas. In this lesson today, we are going to learn how to quickly autofill formulas so that you don't need to fill them in again and again when you want to put in the same formula across different cells. So we're back into our numbers table.

Gaurav/VoiceOver: Sap Food, Rope Water, Rope Transportation, Internet. So our January has now got a total, but our February and March remain blank.

Gaurav: So I'm going to move into the February total cell.

VoiceOver: February empty.

Gaurav: I'm going to hold down the shift key. And I'm going to hit right arrow again. C6 through D6 are now added to my selection, which means these cells are selected. And I want to insert the same formula into these two rows as I had inserted into column B, where I inserted the total for the January month. I'm going to hit view, press M for menu.

Gaurav: I'm going to keep hitting right arrow until I get to table. I'm going to hit down arrow.

Gaurav/VoiceOver: I'm going to type in autofill, autofill cells, submenu. I'm going to hit right arrow here.

Gaurav/VoiceOver: Here I'm going to explore the various menu options by hitting down arrow. auto fill left auto fill down auto fill up auto fill from row above command option auto fill from column before command control back auto fill from column before so now it if i hit enter it's going to auto fill the formula from column b into columns c and d and only into the cells which i've…

Getting Started with Numbers on Mac: Lesson 06 - Autofill feature to quickly copy formulas across cells

AppleVis Podcast

Getting Started with Numbers on Mac: Lesson 06 - Autofill feature to quickly copy formulas across cells