Merge Cells

[Bagia]

Hello,

Can someone explain the difference between the Merge Cells from the Text
control and Center Across Selection in the Alignment tab of Format Cells? And
what is the advantage of one over the other.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Bagia

 

[tim m]

They are different in that the 1st one is taking the cells you highlight and
mergeing them into one cell. The center across appears to just centre the
data in each cell. What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[Bagia]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for responding so quickly. I'm trying to understand the difference
between the two and when would you want to use one over the other. I
understand that Center Across Selection doesn't merge the cells. Is that all
there is to it? There has to be a benefit for using one over the other
besides merging the cells into one cell.

Bagia

 

[Gord Dibben]

Merged cells cause many problems on a worksheet.

Problems with sorting, copying, filtering, pasting, cutting, autofilling will
arise.

Center Across Selection poses none of these problems.

Avoid merged cells like the plague.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[Bagia]

Thanks Gord and Tim for taking the time out and answered my question.

Greatly appreciated!

 

[Elkar]

I've just got to throw my 2 cents in here. "Avoiding meged cells like the
plague" isn't really the best advice. There are times when merged cells can
be extremely useful.

Now, if you are primarily focused on data storage and calculations, and want
to use filtering and sorting, then yes, this is good advice. Stay away from
merged cells.

But, Excel is a very versitle program, and can be used for so much more.
Merged Cells can be invaluble in situations where appearance matters. I use
them in Electronic Forms quite often, and they never cause problems.

So, just keep an open mind. Ask yourself how the spreadsheet will be used.
Merged Cells are a very useful feature when used appropriately.

HTH,
Elkar

 

[Ragdyer]

The main advantage of "merged cells" is the ability to combine cells
*vertically*.

IMHO - *don't* use them unless there is no other alternative available to
attain your objective.