Excel Mac: Auto-fit row height not working on merged cells since update to v16.27

Question

My worksheet includes three columns of numbers. Below the numbers in first column, some cells contain a paragraph of text. I've adjusted the column width to accommodate the numbers. I want to merge the cells with text across three rows below the numbers, flush text left, and auto-fit the row height for rows with text.

I can only auto-fit the text cells if text is "merged and centered". If I style the paragraph flush left, auto fit doesn't work, the row reverts to default height. I can manually adjust the row height, but this is a nuisance and I can't predict how the worksheet will print without previewing and tweaking.

Need help - I've spent way too much time trying to make it work. I know it used to work before this update to version 16.27. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Thank you both for your recommendations. I think I solved the problem by drilling down further into options.

FYI: "Flush left/right, center stack or justified" are older graphic design and typesetting terms that mean the same things as "Align left/right, center text or justify". Sorry for the confusion.

The solution I finally discovered relates to the options on the ribbon at top of worksheet window. Under "Merge & Center", I tried "Merge Cells". That retained the left alignment previously set. Then I selected the row and selected "Auto-Fit Row Height". Voila. I thnk that did it.

The problem I was having related to confusion about how the different options worked under "Merge & Center". Perhaps this was due to experience with older versions of the product. I'm still confused about the fine points of how the various options work under "Merge & Center" (i.e., "Merge & Center, Merge Across, Merge Cells"), but don't have time to work on it any more. Anyway, perseverance solved the problem this time.

I like this product, have used it for years but not professionally. Keep learning as I go.

Answer 2

Go to Excel > Preferences > Privacy and allow Excel to send diagnostic data to Microsoft.

Then reproduce the problem in a workbook, and when you encounter the problem click the Smile button in the upper right corner of your workbook to send a report to the Excel team so they can investigate.

Answer 3

Hi Scott,

Thank you for your message in this forum. We understand the inconvenience caused by it, and we’re glad to help you solve the problem.

You mentioned “flush text left”, does it mean that you align the text to the left? If not, to better understand your situation, could you provide detailed steps about how you “flush text left”?

At the same time, we’d suggest you try the suggestions below and hope that will help you:

1. You can select the cell > go to Home > Cell > Format > click Auto fit row height to check if the same problem will occur.
2. You can set up Mac in safe mode according to this article: Start up in safe mode. This can help you troubleshoot whether it is caused by third-party software which installed on Mac.

If the problem persists, to help you better, I want to confirm the information below with you:

1. Could you provide the version of your Mac OS?
2. Do all the files have the same problem? You can create a new one to check if the same problem will occur.
3. Could you provide the screenshot of “I style the paragraph flush left, auto fit doesn't work”?

Best Regards,

Sukie

Answer 4

Hi Scott,

Thank you for sharing your experience here.

I'm glad to hear that you problem has been solved. If you have any other questions, you can come back and we will continue to help you.

Best Regards,

Sukie