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Fix Excel for Web Reversing Percentage Input in Firefox
Question details
Users need a workaround for a glitch in Excel for the Web where typing into percentage-formatted cells causes the text to appear vertically and backwards in the Firefox browser.
- Product
- Excel for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Entering numerical data into percentage-formatted cells using the Mozilla Firefox web browser.
- Observed behavior
- Typed characters are displayed vertically and in reverse order instead of appearing normally from left to right.
Ensure your Mozilla Firefox browser is updated to the latest version and verify if the issue persists by opening the same spreadsheet in an alternative browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Use Edit Mode or the Formula Bar for Data Entry
Bypass the Firefox input bug by forcing the cell into edit mode before typing, or by using the formula bar directly.
This glitch occurs when you start typing directly over a selected cell. By actively entering the cell's edit mode first, Excel for the Web handles the text input correctly, avoiding the vertical and reversed text rendering.
Double-click the target percentage cell with your mouse to enter Edit Mode, then type your value.
Select the cell and press the 'F2' key on your keyboard before you begin typing.
Click the cell once to select it, then click into the Formula Bar at the top of the spreadsheet and type your percentage value directly there.
Switch to a Chromium-Based Browser
Since the bug is isolated to Mozilla Firefox, accessing your spreadsheet via a different browser will immediately resolve the display issue.
Report the Issue to Microsoft
Help Microsoft developers identify and release a permanent patch for this Firefox-specific bug.
Avoid Browser Bugs with WPS Office Free Desktop Application
Experience seamless spreadsheet editing without worrying about browser-specific rendering glitches. WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight desktop alternative that is completely free and fully compatible with Microsoft Excel files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free desktop application for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the installation prompts and open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Edit Flawlessly: Open your existing .xlsx files and edit percentage values flawlessly without browser glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel for the Web reverse my text in Firefox?
This is a known rendering bug specific to how Excel for the Web interacts with Mozilla Firefox when formatting percentage cells. It causes the typed characters to render vertically and backwards instead of standard horizontal alignment.
Does this percentage input bug affect Google Chrome or Safari?
No, this issue appears to be isolated to Mozilla Firefox. Users operating Excel for the Web on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari typically do not experience this reversed text glitch.
How can I quickly fix a reversed percentage value?
You can avoid the glitch by double-clicking the cell or pressing F2 to enter Edit Mode before typing. Alternatively, selecting the cell and typing your value directly into the top Formula Bar prevents the issue entirely.
Will Microsoft fix this Firefox compatibility issue automatically?
Microsoft regularly patches browser-specific bugs in their web apps. You can help speed up the resolution by clicking the Help tab in Excel for the Web and submitting a bug report via the Feedback tool.
