Excel Cell Line Return on Mac and Windows

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

To create a line return in an Excel cell on Windows, press Alt + Enter. On a Mac, use Option + Enter or Control + Option + Return. This method is the quickest way to start a new line within a cell.

Find and Replace Feature

For multiple line breaks, use the Find and Replace feature to add a line break after a specific character. This is effective for editing several lines at once in an Excel sheet.

Formulas for Line Returns

To merge text from various cells with each text starting on a new line, employ a formula. Use the CHAR function with code 10 on Windows or 13 on Mac within your formula. The TEXTJOIN function simplifies the process, especially for users of Excel for Office 365, Excel 2019, and Excel 2019 for Mac.

Text Wrapping and Cell Width

Ensure text wrapping is enabled and the cell width is sufficient for the line returns to display properly. Without text wrapping, the Option + Enter and CHAR(13) on Mac may not show the intended results.

Special Cases for Excel on Mac

When using Excel for Mac via Citrix or Excel online on Mac, standard shortcuts might differ. Alternative shortcuts such as 'fn' + 'alt' + 'cmd' may be required for a line return.

Common Use Cases

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  Creating multi-line headers for better readability of complex spreadsheets
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  Entering detailed data that requires line breaks, such as addresses or multi-part instructions
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  Improving the aesthetic layout of cells by controlling text placement
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  Writing formulas that return results in a multi-line format for clarity
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  Organizing lengthy pieces of text, such as quotes or comments, within a single cell

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