SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Enhanced Rich Text Formatting Not Showing in Column

Ayan Masood Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to access rich text formatting options like bold or italic in a SharePoint multiple-line text column that is configured for Enhanced Rich Text.

How to Fix Enhanced Rich Text Controls Not Showing in SharePoint Multiple-Line Columns

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing an item in a SharePoint list or document library where the multiple-line column should allow rich text formatting.
Observed behavior: The editing form only displays basic text input controls, completely missing the rich-text editor toolbar despite the column being configured for Enhanced Rich Text.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary site owner or list administrator permissions to modify list configurations, column settings, and view customized forms.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Test a Standard Multiple-Line Text Column

Testing a brand-new column helps determine whether the problem is isolated to your specific column's configuration or caused by a broader site issue.

Sometimes existing columns become corrupted or conflict with legacy settings. Creating a new standard column with Enhanced Rich Text enabled is the most effective way to isolate the issue.

Add a new column

Navigate to your SharePoint list, click 'Add column' at the end of the header row, and select 'Multiple lines of text'.

Enable Enhanced Rich Text

In the column settings pane, click 'More options' and toggle 'Use enhanced rich text (Rich text with pictures, tables, and hyperlinks)' to Yes. Save the column.

Verify formatting controls

Click 'New' to create a new list item. Check if the rich-text editor toolbar (showing bold, italic, and underline) appears for this new column.

Create and Test a Standard Multiple-Line Text Column

Configuration Check: If the new column displays the rich-text toolbar correctly, your previous column likely has a conflicting configuration, customized form, or formatting rule.

Solution 2

Remove Conflicting JSON Formatting

Custom JSON formatting applied to a column only dictates how data is displayed, but it can inadvertently interfere with default rich-text editor behaviors in forms.

Solution 3

Request Advanced Administrator Support

If customized SPFx forms or tenant-level configurations are overriding column settings, professional administrator support is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the enhanced rich text option completely missing in my SharePoint column settings?

The enhanced rich text toggle is exclusively available for 'Multiple lines of text' columns. If you are using a 'Single line of text' column, this option will not appear. Additionally, verify that your site isn't restricted by legacy classic experience constraints.

Can I use JSON column formatting to force the rich-text editor to appear?

No, JSON column formatting in SharePoint is strictly used to customize the display rendering of data in list views. It cannot enable, modify, or inject the rich-text editing toolbar into the item input form.

Does customizing a SharePoint list form with Power Apps remove rich text controls?

It can. When a list form is customized using Power Apps, the default SharePoint editor is replaced. You must ensure that the specific text input control within your Power App is manually set to 'Rich text editor' instead of 'Plain text' to retain formatting capabilities.

How do I retain SharePoint rich text formatting when exporting to Excel?

When exporting a list containing enhanced rich text to Excel, the content may display raw HTML tags instead of formatted text. To extract clean text, you may need to use Power Automate to strip the HTML tags before exporting, or use third-party data extraction tools.

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