EXCEL Backward fill column function

This article describes the RPA Excel functionality to backward fill a column.

For a full list of available functions, please read EXCEL functions.

Description

The Backward fill column function fills blank cells in a column with the next non-blank value below them. This is the reverse of forward fill – values propagate upward instead of downward.

This is useful when data labels appear at the bottom of a group rather than the top, or when you need to pre-fill cells before a value that appears later in the column.

Example

Setting it up

To use the Backward fill column function, follow these instructions:

{{popups:rpas/add:action=excel-backward-fill}}

Once on a process map:

1. Navigate to the process where you would like to add the function
2. Click on the green button’s drop-down
3. Click on “+ Activity”
4. Select the EXCEL Backward fill column option
5. Click "Add" once you are done

Input parameters

Output

This function does not return a value. It modifies the sheet in place.

Errors

• Column not found – the specified column name does not exist in the sheet

Tips

• Use this when group labels appear at the bottom of each group rather than the top
• Combine with Forward fill to fill gaps in both directions

Related functions

• Forward fill column
• Find closest match
• Column unique values
• Change column values