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Merge and Center not working in Excel 2018

Anonymous
2019-02-27T01:09:17+00:00

I am surprised how Excel became so popular when basic merge and center function doesn't work. I am on Mac and its very frustrating experience

Please look into this video for complete information

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ijyrhzvymac8wqb/Untitled.mov?dl=0

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435K Reputation points
    2019-02-28T13:30:02+00:00

    It appears that the problem is caused by the manner in which you're selecting the additional cells - The video suggests that you're holding the Command key while clicking. That selects each cell individually which prevents them from being merged.

    To select multiple cells as a single selection among other options either:

    • Drag across them, or
    • Select the first then Shift+Click the last, or
    • Select the first then use Shift+→ to select the rest

    BTW: Merging cells is something that most experienced users will advise against. It alters the integrity of the grid & can present any number of issues with the use of other features, as well as corrupting the workbook. If you do use it, keep it to a bare minimum in any workbook which will be used on a working basis for storing data. (It can be used rather safely when designing a form layout for printing. For example, when I was Secretary of my dart league I designed scoresheets which used the features but strictly for printing the sheets which were filled in by hand.)

    For the effect you are intending try selecting the cells then going to Format> Cells - Alignment to select Center Across Selection from the Horizontal alignment dropdown.

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-02-27T21:48:42+00:00

    I tried every thing possible but still no luck. its not merging even in my normal excel file stored on my Mac 

    Excel version and Mac version attached. this is the first time I am trying it on mac

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-02-27T03:37:49+00:00

    Hi Shaardu,

    Very sorry for the inconvenience caused by this issue.

    I notice that your file is AutoSave enabled, that means this file may be stored on your OneDrive or SharePoint online.

    Here are my test steps, please have a look:

    1. Move to OneDrive online and select one of my workbooks.
    2. Click the Excel icon then click Open in Excel.
    3. Select some cells and click Merge.

    I can merge selected cells normally.

    To check if this issue is related to Mac cache, please launch your Mac in safe mode to see the outcome.

    Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

    If you still can't merge your cells normally, please share with me more info as below to let me have a clear understanding of your scenario:

    1. Screenshot of the detailed the version number of your OS(Apple menu>About this Mac) and Excel(Excel>About Microsoft Excel).

    1. Can you merge your cells on the file stored on your Mac?
    2. Does this issue happen before? What have you changed before this issue persists(e.g. update OS/Office)?

    Regards,

    Neo

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-02-28T06:15:04+00:00

    Hi Shaardu,

    Sorry for the bad user experience. 

    Since you are not using the latest version of Office, please update your Office to the latest version to see the outcome. You can follow the steps as below to do that: 

    1. Open any Office application such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook.
    2. On the top menu, go to Help > Check for Updates.
    3. Select for Check for Updates.

    Regards,

    Neo

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-02-27T21:50:27+00:00

    For some reason the screenshot didn't show up, here is my version

    Excel for Mac - 16.21 (190115)

    Mac OS Mojave = 10.14.2, MacBook Pro 2018, 2.2ghz i7, 16gb ram

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