Summary  
This chapter covers how to use a utility to copy and apply formatting attributes from one element to others in a single action, including locking the tool to repeatedly transfer styles to multiple targets for consistency and efficiency.

General domain of usage  
Spreadsheet management

The **Format Painter** helps quickly copy formatting from one cell to another.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use it to maintain consistent formatting across your spreadsheet and improve efficiency.

Initial Workbook

import unittest
import json
import os


def _dynamic_test(test_case, condition, success_message, failure_message):
    if condition:
        test_case._testMethodName = success_message
        test_case.assertTrue(True, success_message)
    else:
        test_case._testMethodName = failure_message
        test_case.fail(failure_message)


class TestUserCode(unittest.TestCase):
    @classmethod
    def setUpClass(cls):
        cls._no_data = True
        cls.sheet = {}
        cls.styles = {}
        if os.path.exists("payload.json"):
            try:
                with open("payload.json") as f:
                    raw = f.read().strip()
                if not raw:
                    return
                data = json.loads(raw)
            except (json.JSONDecodeError, ValueError):
                return
        else:
            return
        cls._no_data = False
        cls.sheet_order = data.get("sheetOrder", [])
        cls.sheets = data.get("sheets", {})
        cls.global_styles = data.get("styles", {})
        # Find Section 5 sheet
        cls.section5 = next(
            (s for s in cls.sheets.values() if s.get("name") == "Section 5"),
            None
        )

    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
    # Helpers
    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #

    def _cell(self, sheet, row, col):
        if not sheet:
            return None
        row_data = sheet.get("cellData", {}).get(str(row), {})
        if str(col) in row_data:
            return row_data[str(col)]
        for key, cell in row_data.items():
            if "-" in key:
                try:
                    start, end = map(int, key.split("-", 1))
                    if start <= col <= end:
                        return cell
                except ValueError:
                    pass
        return None

    def _cell_style(self, sheet, row, col):
        cell = self._cell(sheet, row, col)
        if not cell:
            return {}
        s = cell.get("s")
        if isinstance(s, str):
            return self.global_styles.get(s, {})
        if isinstance(s, dict):
            return s
        return {}

    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
    # Guard — Section 5 sheet exists
    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #

    def test_section5_exists(self):
        if self._no_data:
            _dynamic_test(self, True, "Sheet 'Section 5' found.", ""); return
        _dynamic_test(self, self.section5 is not None,
            "Sheet 'Section 5' found.",
            "Sheet 'Section 5' not found in the workbook.")

    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
    # Step 3 — Background color #FFB965 applied to F4:F23 on Section 5
    # (copied from Section 3 B29 via Format Painter)
    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #

    def test_fill_color_F4_F23(self):
        if self._no_data:
            _dynamic_test(self, True, "Fill color #FFB965 applied to F4:F23 on Section 5.", ""); return
        if self.section5 is None:
            self.skipTest("Section 5 not found")
        missing = []
        for row in range(3, 23):   # 0-based rows 3-22 = Excel F4:F23
            bg = self._cell_style(self.section5, row, 5).get("bg", {})
            rgb = bg.get("rgb", "").upper()
            if rgb != "#FFB965":
                missing.append(f"F{row + 1} (bg={rgb!r})")
        _dynamic_test(self, len(missing) == 0,
            "Fill color #FFB965 applied to F4:F23 on Section 5.",
            f"Fill color not applied on Section 5: {missing}.")

    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #
    # Step 3 — Dollar number format applied to F4:F23 on Section 5
    # ------------------------------------------------------------------ #

    def test_number_format_F4_F23(self):
        if self._no_data:
            _dynamic_test(self, True, "Dollar number format applied to F4:F23 on Section 5.", ""); return
        if self.section5 is None:
            self.skipTest("Section 5 not found")
        missing = []
        for row in range(3, 23):
            n = self._cell_style(self.section5, row, 5).get("n", {})
            pattern = n.get("pattern", "")
            if "$" not in pattern:
                missing.append(f"F{row + 1} (format={pattern!r})")
        _dynamic_test(self, len(missing) == 0,
            "Dollar number format applied to F4:F23 on Section 5.",
            f"Dollar format not found on Section 5: {missing}.")



if __name__ == "__main__":
    unittest.main()


test_main.py

Dive into the world of Excel with this comprehensive video course, designed to take you from basic navigation to mastering functions and basic data analysis. Starting with foundational skills like data entry and cell formatting, you'll quickly progress to using powerful tools. Whether you're organizing large datasets, performing statistical analysis, or creating dynamic charts, this course equips you with the practical skills needed in today’s data-driven environment.

Kickstart your journey with Excel by understanding its interface, basic functions, and essential data entry techniques. Learn how to navigate toolbars, worksheets, and master the fundamental elements to set a solid foundation.

Dive deeper into Excel by exploring advanced data entry and formatting options. Sharpen your skills in text and number formatting, discover how to effectively use styles, and enhance spreadsheet readability and functionality.

Unleash the power of Excel with an introduction to basic formulas and functions. Gain confidence in creating calculations, using cell references, and employing key functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX to automate and simplify your data analysis tasks.

In this section, you will master advanced Excel formulas and functions, enhancing your ability to manage complex calculations. Learn to display and audit formulas, utilize nested and logical statements, and apply conditions effectively to streamline your data analysis tasks.

Explore comprehensive techniques for sorting, filtering, and managing data efficiently. This section covers everything from basic data organization to advanced filtering and table management, ensuring you can handle and analyze data effectively.

Dive into the art of data visualization using Excel's powerful charting tools. You'll learn to create various types of charts, customize them to enhance visual appeal, and manipulate data within charts to present clear and compelling visual stories.

Gain proficiency in managing worksheets and workbooks within Excel. This section teaches you how to effectively organize and manipulate workbook elements, utilize formatting tools, and secure your work with passwords, providing a thorough grounding in workbook operations.

Using the Format Painter in Excel

Using the Format Painter in Excel