Are you tired of merging cells in Excel with your mouse? Do you wish there was a faster way to merge cells? Look no further than the Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut. This handy shortcut can save you time and frustration while using Excel.
What is the Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut?
The merge cell keyboard shortcut in Excel is a combination of keys that allows you to quickly and easily merge cells. The shortcut varies depending on your operating system and version of Excel, but it usually involves pressing the Ctrl key along with another key.
For example, in Excel 2016 on a Windows computer, the shortcut is:
Alt + H + M + M
While on a Mac, the shortcut is:
Command + Option + M
Knowing the merge cell keyboard shortcut can save you time and reduce the number of clicks required to complete a task in Excel.
How to use the Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut
Using the merge cell keyboard shortcut is easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Select the cells you want to merge.
- Press the merge cell keyboard shortcut.
- The selected cells will be merged into one cell.
That’s it! You can now use the merged cell as you would any other cell in Excel.
Why use the Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut?
There are several benefits to using the merge cell keyboard shortcut in Excel:
- It saves time by reducing the number of clicks required to merge cells.
- It is easier than using the mouse to access the merge cells function.
- It can be used with one hand, freeing up the other hand for other tasks.
Overall, using the merge cell keyboard shortcut can make working with Excel more efficient and less frustrating.
Other ways to merge cells in Excel
While the merge cell keyboard shortcut is a quick and easy way to merge cells, there are other methods you can use as well:
- Using the “Merge Cells” button in the “Alignment” section of the “Home” tab.
- Right-clicking on the selected cells and selecting “Merge Cells” from the context menu.
Both of these methods are effective, but they require more clicks than the merge cell keyboard shortcut.
When not to use the Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut
While the merge cell keyboard shortcut is a useful tool, there are times when you should not use it:
- When merging cells with data, as this can cause the data to be lost or distorted.
- When merging cells that contain formulas, as this can cause the formulas to be lost or distorted.
- When working on a shared workbook, as merging cells can cause conflicts with other users.
Always use caution when merging cells in Excel, and make sure to save your work before making any changes.
Conclusion
The Excel merge cell keyboard shortcut is a quick and easy way to merge cells in Excel. It can save you time and reduce frustration while working with Excel. However, it is important to use caution when merging cells, especially when working with data or formulas. By following these guidelines, you can become a master of merging cells in Excel.
