Microsoft KB Archive/88576

{|
 * width="100%"|

Excel: Printing and Displaying Text Across Rows

 * }

-

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for OS/2, version 3.0
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0

-

SUMMARY
If a text string typed in a cell is too long to fit into a cell, Microsoft Excel extends the text across multiple cells. In Microsoft Excel version 3.0, there is no way to rotate the text vertically in a cell. While it is possible to rotate text vertically in Microsoft Excel version 4.0 and later, the text does not display and print across multiple rows. Instead, the row height expands to accommodate the entire text string.

MORE INFORMATION
To be able to display and print text across multiple rows in both Microsoft Excel versions 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0, use a text box. You can do this by following the steps below:


 * 1) Choose the text box tool and create a text box on your sheet.
 * 2) Type a line of text into the box.
 * 3) Select Text from the Format menu. Choose one of the vertical text options and choose the automatic size option.
 * 4) Select Patterns from the Format menu and change both the border and fill to None.

The text is now oriented vertically and appears to be spanning multiple cells.