two lines of text in a single row?

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Guest

I would like to enter two lines of text in a single row (using ALT-ENT), but
I don't want to merge cells. It's ok if the text spills across adjacent
columns. And I don't want the text to wrap. Any ideas?
thanks
 
That is one option, but in this case I can't widen the columns. I made a
calendar and the columns need to remain a uniform width.

Any other thoughts?
Thanks
Steve
 
Once you use alt-enter, the wraptext property is set to on. This means the text
won't spill over into the adjacent cell.

If you turn off the wraptext (format|cells|alignment tab), then your alt-enters
will turn to little boxes and you won't see separate lines within the cell.

Maybe you can change the font to something smaller???
Or even Format|cells|alignment tab|shrink to fit???
 
Yes, that is what I found as you described in first two paragraphs. Problem
is my columns are only 3 units wide. Even typing my name in a cell spills
across 2 columns. I am using 10 font, and don't want to go much smaller.
Shrink to fit definately is too small. (My eyes aren't what they used to be
you know).

Any other ideas?
thanks
Steve
 
If I had to have this, I'd bite the bullet and use MergedCells (ugh!).

But maybe you could do something else.

Put that long string into another cell. Make it look exactly the way you want
(use whatever width you want).

Now Edit|Copy that cell.
Back to the "real" location
shift-edit|Paste Picture Link

Now you have a picture that can overflow into the adjacent cell.

(I'm not sure which one I'd hate more--the picture or the mergedcell!)
 
Well, we are getting closer. One reason I don't want to use merged cells is
I use color fill as coding to indicate the duration of an event. If the text
goes farther than the event's duration, then I would lose track of the
event's actual duration.

I tried your technique - yes a bit cumbersome, but seems to do the trick.
I found an equally cumbersome trick as well - using text boxes. I can put
my lines of text in text box and overlay it with the event. Of course I have
to size the box and align it with the cell.

I think Microsoft should have a format option that allows text wrapping
WITHOUT confining the text to that column.

If this is a hidden feature in Excel, I hope someone can tell me about it.

Thanks for the input.
SteveB
 
This portion: "I think Microsoft should have a format option that allows text
wrapping
WITHOUT confining the text to that column."

How would excel know when you wanted to overflow to the adjacent cell and when
you wanted to wraptext--The wraptext will break automatically when the text
becomes long--not just when you have alt-enters in the cell.


Well, we are getting closer. One reason I don't want to use merged cells is
I use color fill as coding to indicate the duration of an event. If the text
goes farther than the event's duration, then I would lose track of the
event's actual duration.

I tried your technique - yes a bit cumbersome, but seems to do the trick.
I found an equally cumbersome trick as well - using text boxes. I can put
my lines of text in text box and overlay it with the event. Of course I have
to size the box and align it with the cell.

I think Microsoft should have a format option that allows text wrapping
WITHOUT confining the text to that column.

If this is a hidden feature in Excel, I hope someone can tell me about it.

Thanks for the input.
SteveB
Click to expand...
 
Perhaps "wraptext" is the wrong verbage.
What I would like to see is if I use an "ALT-ENT," the text should break at
that point, regardless if I have chosen "wraptext" or not.
If wraptext is NOT selected, then the second line would show up and spill
into the adjacent cells.
If wraptext IS selected, then the text would stay within that cell.
Does that make more sense?
thanks
Steve
 
It makes more sense (kind of...). But wraptext needs to be on for alt-enters to
force new lines, if wraptext is off, then you see a little box where that
alt-enter would be.

I think what you want is alt-enter to force a new line with or without wraptext
checked. Everything else will overflow to the right.

if you want to pursue this, you can request an enhancement:
(e-mail address removed)

Good luck,
Perhaps "wraptext" is the wrong verbage.
What I would like to see is if I use an "ALT-ENT," the text should break at
that point, regardless if I have chosen "wraptext" or not.
If wraptext is NOT selected, then the second line would show up and spill
into the adjacent cells.
If wraptext IS selected, then the text would stay within that cell.
Does that make more sense?
thanks
Steve
Click to expand...
 
Yes, this is exactly what I am saying..... "....alt-enter to force a new
line with or without wraptext checked. Everything else will overflow to the
right."

I will contact Microsoft as you suggested.
thanks for the input.
STeve
 
How would excel know when you wanted to overflow
the same way that posters think we read minds.
 
Not quite sure what you are getting at, but if you look at my post just prior
to this one may answer that.
Basically, I would like to see excel force a new line when I use ALT-ENT. If
wraptext is NOT selected, then the text would spill into adjacent columns.
SteveB

Don Guillett said:
the same way that posters think we read minds.
Click to expand...
 
Didn't mean it personally. It's just that many times it is assumed that
minds are read here. Therefore, clear explanations with examples and desired
results are omitted.

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software
(e-mail address removed)
SteveB said:
Not quite sure what you are getting at, but if you look at my post just prior
to this one may answer that.
Basically, I would like to see excel force a new line when I use ALT-ENT. If
wraptext is NOT selected, then the text would spill into adjacent columns.
SteveB
Click to expand...
 
Understand, thanks for the clarification. I can sympathize with reading the
minds. Did my previous couple of posts clear up what I am trying to do?
Should I give an example?
thanks
Steve
 
Just jumping in where I don't belong....

I think Don understood your predicament. In fact, if he had a good
suggestion/workaround for you, I'm sure he would have posted it.

And to Don:
I knew you were going to post that. <vbg>.
 
Yes, I think he would have. There is a fine line of providing just enough
info for someone to understand the problem and writing a book about it. I
tend to go for fewer words in hopes that will get the message across. But,
sometimes I have too few words. I was hoping with my brief explaination
someone would have jumped out and said "oh ya, I know how to do that!" But,
looks like this was more of a stickler.
Anyway, I send a request to microsoft.
thanks for weighing in.
Steve
 
Why don't you use comments? Since they "float" above the cells they
shouldn't interfere with your calendar. I know it's not what you wanted to
do in the first place, but I thought it might help.
 
Thanks for the idea, I tried it. Similar to using a text box, but then I
have the arrow that shows and I have to do extra formatting to turn off fill,
etc.
I made a calander in excel, and the text I enter are notes about the events.
The text is printed with the calendar and needs to be as compact as possible.
thanks
 
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