Referencing cells from another workbook

**saq7792** · 04-03-2015, 08:48 PM

I am trying to reference a series of cells from a "master list" to other lists contained within other files. That way, since the same information appears in multiple files, I can update all of the files simply by updating the "master". The problem that I am running into is that I seem to only be able to do this one cell at a time. When I link cells within the same file, I enter the formula in the first cell, then use the fill function to populate the rest of the column or row. For some reason, now that I am referencing an external file, when I go to autofill the row, all it does is copy the same information that was contained in the first cell, instead of selecting the next cell from the master. I am really hoping that there is a way to autofill this, becuase if not I am going to have to manually enter a TON of formulas.

Thanks!!!

**alansidman** · 04-03-2015, 09:03 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum

Pictures are of little value. Honestly, no one wants to re-type your data to try and solve your issue. Additionally, we would only be guessing at how your data was structured, ie. formulas, formatting, etc.

Please attach a sample file that represents what you have. The structure of your attachment should be the same structure as your actual data. Any proprietary information should be changed.

Include in the attachment any code you're currently using (whether it works or not) and an "After" of what you wish the output to be.

To attach a file to your post,
click advanced (next to quick post),
scroll down until you see "manage file",
click that and select "add files" (top right corner).
click "select files" find your file, click "open" click "upload" click 'done" bottom right. click "submit reply"

Once the upload is completed the file name will appear below the input boxes in this window.
You can then close the window to return to the new post screen.

**mehmetcik** · 04-03-2015, 09:03 PM

I just tried it and found no major issue.

First are you sure both workbooks are opened in the same instance of excel?

You could have several Excel Applications running but they won't interact

Secondly when I typed = in a cell in one workbook and clicked on cell A1 in another workbook

Excel entered the cell reference as $A$1, when you fill this down only the contents of cell A1 is used.

edit the cell reference to $A1 and then fill down.

**saq7792** · 04-03-2015, 09:17 PM

Actual files are attached. As you can see in the destination file, cell A7 contains the correct information referencing the master file, however, when I attempt to autofill the information either across the row or down the column, it just copies the same exact cell reference. I demonstrated by trying to autofill column A. As you can see, every cell = 1x3 premium pine...

**saq7792** · 04-03-2015, 09:19 PM

Also, to clarify, my end goal is to have the destination file contain the exact same information as the master file, and when I update the master file, I want all workbooks referencing it to update as well. Thank you all for the help!