How to Start a New Line of Text in Microsoft Excel Cells

A simple but relatively unknown feature

Microsoft Excel often requires more than just numbers and brief text entries. At times, you may need to fit detailed descriptions or multifaceted data into a single cell. Imagine trying tofit an addressor a product description into a single, unbroken line of text. It would be very difficult to read.

Fortunately, you can start a new line of text within a cell in Microsoft Excel. This feature, although simple, is relatively unknown because most programs use Shift + Enter to start a new line. Not Excel.

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell in Excel for Windows and the Web

When working withExcel on a Windows PC or through a web browser, starting a new line of text is the same. Here’s how it’s done.

A new line of text is now inserted in the cell.

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell in Excel for Mac

Inserting a line break in Excel for Mac is as simple as doing it for Windows or the Web version. It just requires you to press a different combination of keys.

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell on iOS (iPad only)

You can start a new line of text within a cell if you’re using an iPad. However, line breaks are currently unsupported on iOS for iPhone.

That’s all there is to it!

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell on Android

Inserting a line break in Excel for Android is easy, as it gives you the option via a pop-up menu.

The line break is now inserted within the Excel cell.

Breaking it Down

Starting a new line of text in a Microsoft Excel cell, regardless of your device or operating system, is a straightforward process that can improve the readability andorganization of the data.

Using specific key combinations or interface options available on each platform, you can better manage and present information, such as addresses, in a clear and accessible format within your Excel spreadsheets.

Marshall is a technical writer based in Tokyo, Japan. His bylines are found on VGKAMI, How-To Geek, PCWorld, Zapier, and many other online magazines.Read Marshall’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

How to Start a New Line of Text in Microsoft Excel Cells#

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell in Excel for Windows and the Web#

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell in Excel for Mac#

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell on iOS (iPad only)#

Start a New Line of Text in a Cell on Android#

Breaking it Down#