Merging and splitting cells

You can merge a range of cells to form one cell and split an already merged cell back into its component cells. In this way it is possible to have a large cell and its contents stand out among otherwise normal cells.

Merge a selected range of cells as follows:

  1. Select the cells you want to merge.

  2. Select Merge Cells from the Format menu.

The cells will be merged to form one big cell. Note that the individual cell borders disappear and that when you click anywhere within the merged cell the whole cell is selected, as you would expect.

If you would like to convert a merged cell back into its component cells, follow these steps:

  1. Select the merged cell you wish to split.

  2. Select Split Cells from the Format menu.

The cell will be split into normal cells.

Note: The merge and split options are useful as aids to designing your spreadsheet’s appearance. Once this is settled, you can then enter the required data. However, if a range of cells that are to be merged already contain data, it is only the data in the top left-hand cell that is displayed in the new merged cell. To retain all of the data in the cells that comprise the range, you should use copy or cut and then paste into the top left cell of the range before merging. When you split a merge cell the data is displayed in the top left cell after the split has been performed.