Learn the shortcut for how to merge and center cells in Excel using this simple tutorial. This guide will provide you with the complete information you need for this feature.
As workers engaged with Excel, we want to boost our productivity and save time. We can do that by knowing the various shortcuts in Excel. And if you are a beginner, worry no more, as we will teach you everything you need to know in Excel. All you have to do is visit our website and see tons of Excel tutorials.
Before jumping to our tutorial, learn why we use the function “merge and center” in Excel. So, without beating around the bush, here’s why there are some cases in which we must use this function:
Why Use Merge and Center in Excel?
There are many reasons for using the Excel “merge and center” function. The main reason is due to its benefits. What are these?
- It increased our productivity. Using the shortcut for Merge and Center in Excel increased our productivity as it saved us time.
- It enhances the visual appeal of our spreadsheet. Merging and centering cells also enhances the visual appeal of our spreadsheet, making it more professional.
- It improved organization. Lastly, it helps us create a more organized spreadsheet, making it reader-friendly and easier to understand.
What is the merge and center function in Excel?
The Excel merge and center function is a fascinating tool that allows us to merge cells into a massive cell. This function is useful when you want to place a title that spans multiple columns.
Here’s an example of a spreadsheet to which the merge and center functions in Excel were applied.
Now that we understand the use of the merge and center functions, let’s proceed to our tutorial.
Shortcut for Merge and Center in Excel (Tutorial)
Time needed: 1 minute
Here’s how to use the shortcut for Merge and Center in Excel.
- Select cells.
The first thing we should do is select the cells that we want to merge and center.
- Hold the alt key, then press the H key.
Next, hold the alt key on our keyboard, then the H key.
- Press the M key.
Without letting go of the alt key, press the M key after pressing the H key. - Press the C key.
After pressing the M key, press the C key. Still, without letting go of the alt key.
Note: After pressing the M key, you’ll notice four options (see the picture below). - Result.
Summary: The shortcut keys for merge and center in Excel are Alt + H + M + C.
Tip: Once you have applied the "merge and center" functions to your cells, you don't need to repeat the same process. Instead, you can use the F4 key. See the sample below.On your next selection, just press the F4 key to merge and center cells. This is only applicable if you already used the merge and center tool.
Note: You can do the same to the cells you want to use the merge and center functions on.
Before we end our tutorial, let us first learn the manual method of using the merge and center functions.
You might also be interested in how to merge and unmerge cells in Excel.
Manual Procedure
The following is the manual method of merging and centering your cells.
Step 1: Select cells, then press the drop-down arrow of the merge and center button on the Home tab.
Note: You can directly click the merge and center button without clicking the drop-down arrow. It will automatically merge and center your cells (see the picture below).
Step 2: If you click the drop-down arrow, you’ll see four choices. Since we want our cells to merge and center, press the merge and center button.
Note: You can again use the F4 shortcut once you have applied the merge and center functions to your cells.Conclusion
In conclusion, this tutorial is essential for making Excel work simple and more productive. Learning keyboard shortcuts is crucial since they speed up our work, not just simplify it.
I believe that we have accomplished this tutorial. I hope you’ve learned something from this. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below, and for more educational content, visit our website.
Thank you for reading!