How to Copy Excel Cell Formatting with Line Breaks (Alt+Enter)
Question details
The user wants to know how to copy the line break formatting (Alt+Enter) from one Excel cell to another using the Format Painter.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to copy cell formatting that includes manual line breaks to apply the same multi-line text display to other cells.
- Observed behavior
- The Format Painter does not copy the Alt+Enter line breaks, causing the destination cells to display text on a single line unless Wrap Text is also applied.
Ensure you understand the difference between actual cell content (characters) and cell formatting (display rules) before attempting to copy line breaks, as this dictates which tool you should use.
Use Format Painter to Copy Wrap Text Settings
Since Alt+Enter inserts a physical text character rather than a format, use Format Painter to copy the associated 'Wrap Text' property to achieve a multi-line display.
A new line created with Alt+Enter is actual text data, not a formatting style. The Format Painter cannot copy text characters, but it can copy the 'Wrap Text' setting, which forces text to display on multiple lines when it reaches the cell boundary.
Click on the cell that contains the line break and has the 'Wrap Text' property enabled.
Go to the Home tab on the Excel ribbon and click the 'Format Painter' icon (paintbrush).
Click the target cell. It will now have the 'Wrap Text' property enabled. Note that it will only break lines automatically at the cell boundary unless you manually insert an Alt+Enter character into the new text.
Copy the Exact Cell Content or Use a Formula
If you need the exact same line breaks in the exact same positions, you must copy the cell's content instead of just its formatting.
Manage Cell Formatting and Line Breaks Easily in WPS Office
WPS Office provides an intuitive Spreadsheet tool that perfectly handles manual line breaks, text wrapping, and Format Painter features, operating exactly like Microsoft Excel but with a lighter footprint.
- 1. Insert a line break: Double-click a cell in WPS Spreadsheet and press Alt+Enter exactly where you want the line to break.
- 2. Enable text wrapping: Select the cell and click 'Wrap Text' in the Home tab to ensure the line breaks display correctly.
- 3. Copy formatting: Use the Format Painter tool in the Home tab to quickly apply the Wrap Text display setting to other cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the Format Painter copy my line breaks?
A line break created with Alt+Enter is a physical text character, not a formatting style. The Format Painter only copies cell styles, borders, fonts, and properties like 'Wrap Text', but it deliberately ignores the actual text characters.
How do I remove Alt+Enter line breaks from multiple cells at once?
You can use the Find and Replace tool. Press Ctrl+H, click inside the 'Find what' box, and press Ctrl+J (the keyboard shortcut for a line break character). Leave the 'Replace with' box empty and click 'Replace All'.
Does 'Wrap Text' do the same thing as an Alt+Enter line break?
No. 'Wrap Text' automatically flows text to a new line when it reaches the edge of the cell's column width. Alt+Enter forces a hard line break at a specific point in the text, regardless of how wide the column is.
