New lines in an Excel cell

I just figured out how to enter a new line in an Excel cell. The trick is to use Alt+Enter to create a new line. Also, when you do that, Excel automatically enables text wrap for the cell.
Windows: Alt+Enter
Mac: Hold down apple key + Option + Enter
(Thanks to Tex and Andy for the Mac tip)
Tips List
——————–
Alt+Enter: Enter new line in a cell
F2: Edit a cell
Originally posted: 2005-05-02
Last updated: 2011-01-13

105 thoughts on “New lines in an Excel cell”

  1. well..as far as i know..on mac, hold down Option with either ctrl or apple key and then press the enter..you should get the same thing..

    Reply
  2. Dude, i needed this feature also, cause my boss does not know how to read. Life sucks and I wished I was dead. But hey anyway thanks.

    Reply
  3. Hi Bobby,
    Looks like you have been imortalised. I think you will get hits on this blog for the rest of the century. Thanks heaps

    Reply
  4. you guys are all funny. This is basic functionality – look in Excel help, Keyboard shortcuts. Spend 10 min and it\’ll save you a lot more.

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  5. Wow…I am so glad I googled this. Thanks for the tip. I spent 2 hours trying to find the feature in Excel. Will use keyboard tips in the future.

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  6. Can you imagine just how many people have been helped by this such a simple and single explanation. Not every one replies with a Thank you post. Wonder if Microsoft\’s complex minds would someday provide answers in such a straight way instead of going through 7 or 8 wizzard steps.

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  7. Micro$oft help was pretty useless (online and offline). Wth Bobby, 4 years down the line your blog is STILL helpin folks! Now THAT\’S a good reason for keeping the internet free

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  8. Man Oh Man…
    You know, there is Microsoft (with their online help blabla) and there is you (one line is worth more than … whatever!!! you know what I mean)…
    THANK YOU MAN

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  9. It crashes the ego when we all think that we know a lot in Excel. Even after 5 years of this post, this comes as the first thing when googled. Though I had only came across such a need today, your blog helped me not to spend too much time to figure it out. Great….Thanks a ton….

    Reply

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