You don't need to merge the cells if the text is too long for a single cell.
Simply use the left alignement and allow the text toextend beyond the cell's
right border. If you want it right-aligned then move the text to the
right-most cell and use the right align button/format

BTW, though I didn't state as emphatically as JE, I agree that Merge should
be HARD to do so that it's used rarely, while Center Across selection should
be part of the standard toolbar.


"Michele" wrote:

Duke and JE: Thanks very much and for responding so quickly. I'll practice
using the "center across" until the advantages become clearer in my brain.
BTW, what if I don't want to CENTER items? What if I want to still have a
left or right alignment? How is that overcome? Thanks again.

"Duke Carey" wrote:

Merging cells interferes with selecting a range - to apply formatting, for
instance.

Simple example:
If B3 & C3 are merged and you want to select A1:B4, you end up with A1:C4

I *think* in older versions of Excel it also hindered the column autofit
feature activated by double clicking the border between column headers.

"Michele" wrote:

When is it more appropriate to "center across" selection rather than "merge"
cells? What are the advantages/disadvantages to these two types of cell
alignment? Thanks very much.