It is possible to start a newline in a cell in nearly all spreadsheet programs. However, there’s more to it than pressing Enter and varies a bit depending on the software you are using. The following sections detail how to start a new line in a cell in several of the different spreadsheet programs available to users. To proceed, locate the spreadsheet program you want instructions for and follow the directions.
Microsoft Excel
In the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program, press Alt+Enter to create a new line in the same cell. You can create many new lines in a cell by repeatedly pressing Alt+Enter.
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Sheets
- OpenOffice Calc
For early versions of Excel, Apple computers, and other devices using Excel, see the link below for further information and help with moving down a line in Excel.
- How to move down a line in a cell within Microsoft Excel.
Google Sheets
In Google Sheets, press Ctrl+Enter to create a new line in the same cell or between text. You can create many new lines in a cell by repeatedly pressing Ctrl+Enter.
OpenOffice Calc
In the OpenOffice Calc spreadsheet program, press Ctrl+Enter to create a new line or split up text in the same cell. You can create many new lines in a cell by repeatedly pressing Ctrl+Enter.
Related information
- How to split an Excel cell using the Text to Columns function.
- Where can I get a free spreadsheet program?
- How to create a spreadsheet.
- See our cell and new line definitions for further information and related links.
- Microsoft Excel help and support.
