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04 / Working with tables

How to copy selected rows and columns from a web table

Open a captured table in Spreadsheet, select a rectangular range, and verify the copied result.

You do not need to copy an entire web table when you only need a few fields. Open the capture in Spreadsheet, select one continuous rectangle, and copy that range into the destination file.

Copy a focused range

  1. Recognize the table with Shift + F, check the header and last visible row, then press F to open Spreadsheet.
  2. Click the first cell of the range and extend the selection across the required rows and columns. Keep the header selected when the destination needs column names.
  3. Press C or use the copy action, then paste into the target sheet without immediately applying formatting.
  4. Compare the first row, last row, row count, and number formats with the captured table. Save the source URL alongside the extracted range.

Non-adjacent fields

A rectangular selection is safest for preserving row order. If you need columns that are separated by unrelated fields, copy each block separately and label the blocks before combining them. Copying a visually aligned region does not fix merged cells, hidden rows, or a malformed source table.

Common questions

Why did extra columns come along?

The selection may have included the surrounding rectangle. Narrow the first and last columns, then paste into a fresh area and compare the headers.

What to remember

Use a whole-table copy for speed and a rectangular selection for precision. Validate row order and headers before using the range in a report.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Try it on your next table.

Install ShiftTable, refresh your source page, and press Shift + F to begin.

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