EXCEL Forward fill column function

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

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

Description

The Forward fill column function fills blank cells in a column with the last non-blank value above them. This is commonly known as "forward fill" or "ffill".

This is useful when data has been exported with merged cells or grouped rows where only the first row in each group has a value, and subsequent rows are blank. Forward fill propagates each value downward until the next non-blank cell is reached.

Example

Setting it up

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

{{popups:rpas/add:action=excel-forward-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 (right side of the green button labelled “Process”)
3. On the menu that appears, click on the “+ Activity” item
4. From here you can select the EXCEL Forward 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 after opening an Excel file where merged cells have been unmerged, leaving blanks
• The sheet parameter is handled by the step’s sheet selector – make sure you are on the correct sheet
• Only blank/empty cells are filled – cells with values (including spaces or zeros) are left unchanged
• Forward fill starts from the top of the column and works downward

Related functions

• Find closest match
• Column unique values
• Change column values
• Remove blank rows
• Autofill columns