How to Fix Truncated Multiline Text in a Modern SharePoint List View
Question details
Users need a way to view the complete content of a multiple-lines-of-text field within a grouped modern SharePoint list view.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing data in a modern SharePoint list view where items are grouped and contain lengthy text fields.
- Observed behavior
- The final lines of a multiple-lines-of-text field are truncated in the list view. Modifying a single truncation CSS class does not completely correct the display.
Confirm whether you have sufficient site permissions to switch the list experience to classic mode or deploy SharePoint Framework (SPFx) customizers if necessary.
Use Item Details or Revert to Classic List View
Since modern list truncation is a functional limitation of the interface, the fastest and most reliable workaround is reading the full text in the item details or using the classic SharePoint view.
The modern SharePoint list view is designed to save space by standardizing row heights, which automatically truncates lengthy text columns.
The classic list view does not enforce this restriction and allows multiline fields to expand dynamically.
Click directly on the specific list item title. This will open the details pane on the right side of the screen where you can read the complete, untruncated multiline text.
If you prefer to see all content directly in the list grid, scroll to the bottom left corner of the list page and click 'Return to classic SharePoint'.
As this is a known limitation, you can submit your requirement to Microsoft as product feedback to request native text-wrapping options in future modern view updates.
Override Multiple CSS Classes via SPFx
If you are customizing the list view using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx), you must target multiple specific CSS classes to override the truncation behavior.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
While SharePoint list views may truncate your lengthy text fields, choosing WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, managing, and storing comprehensive document data without interface limitations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, complete the setup, and open the application to access Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation modules.
- 3. Manage Data Freely: Open your exported CSV or Excel lists from SharePoint in WPS Spreadsheets to view and edit multiline text fields effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the modern SharePoint view truncate my text?
The modern SharePoint interface uses strict CSS classes on list rows to maintain a consistent row height and optimize performance. This forces multiple lines of text to be cut off with an ellipsis rather than expanding the row.
Can I permanently force the modern list to wrap text without coding?
Currently, there is no out-of-the-box native toggle in the modern SharePoint interface to completely disable this truncation for grouped list views. You must rely on the classic view, item details, or custom SPFx extensions.
How do I make the classic SharePoint view the default?
Go to the list's 'List Settings', click on 'Advanced settings', scroll down to the 'List experience' section, and select 'Classic experience'. This will force the list to load in the classic view where text truncation does not occur.
