Are you struggling to fit all the content within the same cell in Excel? Instead of readjusting the cell size every time you add new data, you should start a new line in your spreadsheet. There are multiple ways to insert a new line in Excel, but we’ll show you two of the easiest methods.
How to Start a New Line in an Excel Cell
If you edit documents in a text editor such as Word or Google Docs, you might be used to pressingEnterto enter a new line. However, in Excel, pressingEnterwill move your cursor to the next cell.
Of course, you canedit Excel keyboard shortcutsto start a new line by pressingEnter, but there’s an easier way. You just need an extra key or Excel tool to keep your spreadsheets looking smooth.
Using the Alt + Enter Shortcut in Excel
The easiest way to start a new line in Excel is to pressAlt + Enter. ensure you place the cursor where you want to enter the new line. If you’re using Excel on Mac, you’ll have to use theOption + Returnkeyboard shortcut.
Using the Wrap Text Feature in Excel
If you want Excel to align the text for you within the cell automatically, you canuse the Wrap Text feature. Here’s how to do it:
For a quicker method, you can also use the keyboard shortcutAlt + H + Wto apply the Wrap Text feature for the selected cells.
Using Actual Line Breaks vs. Wrapping Content in Excel
The difference between entering line breaks and wrapping content is that, with line breaks, you decide where to start a new line, whereas with wrapping, Excel automatically determines where to start a new line. Also, by wrapping the content, Excel will display the entire cell content.
If you’re starting an Excel spreadsheet from scratch, entering new lines withAlt + Enterwill give you more control. But if someone sends you a large spreadsheet, we recommend selecting all cells and clickingWrap Text, so you don’t miss anything. Adding new lines within Excel cells is a great way to keep all relevant information visible.
