I will use the example of an Excel Workbook that has 3 Worksheets linked together.

Worksheet 1 is like a base that supplies the info to be linked to Worksheet 2. Worksheet 1 has cells that are merged, text colors other than black, boarders, specific column widths and row heights.

Is there any way for all the above mentioned formats in linked cells to carry into Worksheet 2?

I'm familiar with Paste Special but have not had luck with this. The linking disappears.

You cannot use links or formulas to transfer cell formatting characteristics in this way. Sorry.

You can select multiple sheets at once, so you could highlight sheets 1, 2 and 3 and then any formatting or changes you make on one sheet are being applied to all sheets, I use this trick a lot. Just be sure to "ungroup" the sheets when you're done editing this way.