Excel Justify
If we have a lengthy set of text that we wish to contain between columns C through L, we need to highlight what we’ll call a “containment zone”; the area we wish to hold the paragraph-style text.
Since we are unsure as to the number of rows we’ll need to accommodate this text, we will highlight from column C to column L and down as many rows as we believe are necessary.
With the destination cells highlighted, select
Home (tab) -> Editing (group) -> Fill -> Justify.
Excel has figured out where all the necessary break-points are to create a paragraph-look for our text.
This is different from the Text Wrapping feature where the text is contained in a single cell; Justify breaks the text into segments and positions each segment in a separate cell.
Updating the Justified Text
If you need to update the text to include or remove text, you’ll find that the existing break-points no longer work for the updated information.
To fix this, re-highlight the cells that should act as the “containment zone” and reapply the Justify feature.
Altering the Paragraph Dimensions
If you change your mind and wish for the paragraph to be spread across fewer (or greater) columns, highlight the new “containment zone” dimensions and reapply the Justify feature.
A Note and a Warning
Note on Row Selections
If you select fewer rows that can contain the supplied text, you will receive a message indicating that the selected range will be extended.
You can either accept this adjustment or reject it.
Warning – Character Count Limitation
The Justify feature supports a maximum of 255 characters. Any text after the 255th character position will be discarded.
If you Justify the text, then reverse the Justify feature, the lost text does not return.
Leila Gharani
I'm a 5x Microsoft MVP with over 15 years of experience implementing and professionals on Management Information Systems of different sizes and nature.
My background is Masters in Economics, Economist, Consultant, Oracle HFM Accounting Systems Expert, SAP BW Project Manager. My passion is teaching, experimenting and sharing. I am also addicted to learning and enjoy taking online courses on a variety of topics.
