In the past, if user wants to link a column with an existing column, there are two ways:

• Refer to the column by column formula

• copy columns to with auto update on.

Draw back: It will take up storage. E.g. if there are millions of rows in the column, the workbook and project size will be big.

In Origin 2026b, user can copy a column and paste it as mirror column. Such mirror column will be updated based on source column but will not take storage.

Ways to add mirror column:

1. Copy column(s) and in new worksheet, right click a column header and choose Paste as Mirror Column(s)

2. In F(x) cell of destination worksheet, enter <<[book1]1!A syntax, or book1_A

3. In F(x) cell of destination worksheet, enter regular column reference, e.g. 1!A, or [book1]1!A, [book1]sheet1!A, Origin will prompt you to choose using Mirror column or keep it as regular column formula.

Icons will show in mirror and source columns with further options including Go to the source or mirror, convert back to formula, etc.

For large opju file with old way to refer to columns, Worksheet: Convert to Mirror Columns… menus with dialog is provided for user to convert them to mirror columns to reduce opju file size.

Project Browser dialog is also updated to manipulate on mirror columns.