How to Fix Inconsistent Multiline Text Styling in Modern SharePoint
Question details
Users experience inconsistent font sizes and line spacing in multiline text fields when viewing grouped lists in modern SharePoint.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing a grouped list containing multiline text fields in the modern SharePoint experience.
- Observed behavior
- The multiline text fields display inconsistent styling, such as varying font sizes and line spacing, despite having identical formatting settings applied.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to edit the SharePoint list items and settings. It is also recommended to test the list view in an incognito window or a different browser to rule out browser cache rendering issues.
Inspect and Remove Extra Paragraph Tags
Hidden HTML tags, such as extra paragraph tags, can alter spacing and appearance. Removing them ensures uniform text rendering.
Inconsistent spacing in SharePoint multiline text fields is frequently caused by hidden formatting tags (like <p> or <div>) that are inadvertently pasted from other sources. Identifying and removing these tags can restore consistent styling.
Double-click the affected list item or select it and click 'Edit' from the top menu.
Highlight the text in the multiline text field, cut it, paste it into a plain text editor like Notepad to strip hidden HTML tags, and then paste it back into the SharePoint field.
Click 'Save' and refresh the grouped SharePoint view to verify if the text styling is now consistent across all items.
Revert to the Classic SharePoint Experience
If the modern list view continues to display styling bugs, reverting to the classic experience serves as a reliable workaround.
Ensure Consistent Formatting with WPS Office
Browser-based text rendering in SharePoint can sometimes be inconsistent. For critical data and documents that require precise styling and formatting, WPS Office offers a stable, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official website and download the WPS Office suite for your operating system.
- 2. Install the application: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open and edit your files: Export your list data or open your existing Office documents directly in WPS Office for consistent formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my text look different in modern SharePoint list views?
Modern SharePoint views can sometimes struggle to render enhanced rich text consistently, especially in grouped views. Extra HTML tags (like <p> or <span>) pasted from external sources often cause these styling discrepancies.
How can I force plain text on a multiline column in SharePoint?
Navigate to 'List settings', click on your multiline column name, and under 'Specify the type of text to allow', select 'Plain text'. This will remove rich text capabilities and strip hidden formatting tags for all items.
Does switching to classic SharePoint affect my data?
No, switching to the classic experience only changes the user interface and how the list is displayed in your browser. It does not alter, delete, or modify the actual data within your SharePoint list.
