BC Tip #5 - F8 Copy Data from Cell Above
- Ben Cole
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10
Hello everyone, my name is Ben Cole and this is my fifth video in a series of weekly tips for D365 Business Central. In this quick video I will walk you through one of my favorite D365 Business Central keyboard shortcuts, F8. A quick and easy way to copy data from the cell above.
Table of Contents
How to use the F8 shortcut
Follow these quick steps to copy data from the cell above:
Enter the value on the initial line.
Press the Down Arrow to move to the next row.
Press F8 to copy the value from the cell above into the active cell.
Press the Down Arrow to move to the next row and repeat F8 as needed.
Demo example
Start by filling one cell with the desired value. For each subsequent row, press F8, then press the Down Arrow to move to the next cell. Repeat F8 and Down Arrow until you have filled all the rows you need. You can do this multiple times in succession to quickly populate long lists.
When to use this shortcut
Repeating document line values like items, quantities, or amounts across many lines.
Invoice or journal lines where the same account, department, or description repeats.
Any data grid view in Business Central where you need to replicate the same value down a column.
Tips and best practices
If a cell already contains data, F8 will replace it with the value from the cell above, so use with care.
Combine F8 and the Down Arrow in sequence to keep your hands on the keyboard and work quickly.
This works in any data grid view, so try it across journals, sales lines, purchase lines, document lines views, and lists.
When copying repeated values across many rows, it is faster than manually typing or using copy and paste repeatedly.
Common scenarios where F8 speeds things up
Entering the same accounts, amounts, or dimensions for multiple lines.
Quickly repeating data combinations across journal lines.
Populating a batch of purchase or sales lines with the same items or quantities.
FAQ
Does F8 work in all Business Central grid views?
Yes. F8 works in any data grid view where cells are editable. It copies the value from the cell above into the currently active cell.
Will F8 overwrite existing data in the cell?
Yes. When you press F8, the current cell is replaced with the value from the cell above. Be careful if the cell already contains important data.
Can I use F8 to copy across columns or only down rows?
F8 copies from the cell directly above in the same column. It does not copy values horizontally across columns.
Does this shortcut work in both the web client and desktop client?
Yes. The F8 shortcut is a Business Central keyboard shortcut and should work in both web and desktop experiences, provided your browser or system has the shortcut enabled.
What happens if the cell above is empty?
If the cell above is empty, pressing F8 will copy that empty value into the current cell, so nothing will change. Make sure the source cell contains the value you want to duplicate.
Want more time-saving tips?
Try adding F8 to your regular data entry routine and see how much faster you can work. If you have a favorite shortcut or time-saving hack, share it with your team and make data entry smoother for everyone.
Ready to optimize your Business Central environment with guidance from a BC expert?
Contact Ben Cole at Ben@BenColeBC.com or (214) 433-0923.
Ben Cole is passionate about making Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central work smarter for real people—users and partners alike. With roots in public accounting, Ben’s seen firsthand how automation and clever solutions can transform the Business Central experience. He’s known for breaking down complex topics with a dash of wit and plenty of practical advice. If you want to get more out of Business Central (and maybe even enjoy the process), Ben’s your go-to guide.
(214) 433-0923
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