Why does "Show Formulas" in Excel 2007 lock column alignment

[Collingwood]

When I select show formulas in Excel 2007 all the columns imediately shift
their contents to the left and whatever I do I cannot align them centre or
right. It makes no difference if the column contens are text or number etc.
The only way I can control their alignment is to enter an apostrophe in each
cell but then the formulas don't work.

 

[Spiky]

When I select show formulas in Excel 2007 all the columns imediately shift
their contents to the left and whatever I do I cannot align them centre or
right. It makes no difference if the column contens are text or number etc.
The only way I can control their alignment is to enter an apostrophe in each
cell but then the formulas don't work.

Because Show Formulas is a special View Format (not really intended
for long-term use) and dictates its own cell format. But apparently it
still allows Text to be formatted differently. You may notice that if
you change alignment while in Show Formulas, the change will show up
when you go back to Normal view.