Tabulated information has become an integral part of almost all official documents. While adding tables, it becomes necessary to merge cells for titles, headings, etc. This tutorial takes you through how to merge cells in Microsoft Word online.
How to merge cells in Word Online
Case-1: On a PC
Tables are easy to integrate into Word documents online. Here is a step-by-step guide on inserting a table in Word and merging cells.
- Open the document that needs a table inserted
- Click on insert
- select table
- wait for the prompt on the number of rows and columns
- click ok to insert the table into the document.
- Now that you have the table, select the cells you need to merge. Shift + left click / Shift + left & right arrow keys
Please note: The selection process can be done by clicking on the first one and keeping the shift key pressed or by clicking on other cells you want to merge it with. You could also use the arrow keys to move around the selection while pressing the Shift key.
- After selecting the cells to be merged, click on Table tools
- Under this, you have two options: Design and Layout. Select Layout
- The Merge cells option is under the Merge section.
- Click on Merge cells.
- Changes will show instantly on the document.
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Separating merged cells in Word online
Merging and separating cells in a table is not difficult. It can be done in a few clicks. Here is how you can separate cells in Word online
- Open the document that has the table
- Select the merged cells that need to be separated
- Go to the Table Tools
- Select Layout
- The merge section has an option called Split cells
- Click on split cells, and the merged cells will be separated.
When it comes to tables in Word formatting options, along with merging and splitting cells, you can also split a table. For this, you only need to select the portion of the table that needs to be separated > click on Table tools > Layout > Split table.
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Case-2: On macOS
Cells in the same row or column can be merged together. This is particularly helpful while presenting tabular data to demarcate sections clearly. Here is how to merge cells on macOS.
- Open the document and go to the table that needs to be edited.
- Click on the cell that you want to merge.
- With the shift key pressed, click on the other cells you want to merge.
- Once the selection is made, go to the Layout tab
- Here, you will see an option to Merge cells
- Click on it, and the cells on your tables will be merged
Separating cells in Word on macOS
When it comes to separating cells on macOS
- Click on the cells that are merged and need to be split
- Then click on Layout
- Click on the split Cells option near Merge cells.
Case-3: On an Android device
Editing documents is convenient when saved on the cloud and accessed through Word online. Having the luxury of editing them on the phone is an added advantage. Here is all you need to know about merging cells in Word on an Android device.
- Login to your microsoft account and access the file on your Android device. This can be done on the application or the web browser.
- Once you have the document open, scroll to the table.
- Tap the edit icon on the right corner of the screen
- The menu at the bottom will have all the formatting options required to edit the document.
- Tap on the arrow near home and select the insert option
- Scroll down to tables, and you will be able to add a new table to the document
Once you have the table ready, merging cells is easy
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- Select the sales that need to be merged. To select, tap on one tab. You will see tabs on both sides of the cell. Drag the corners of this tab to include adjoining cells.
- Under the Table menu, you will find the Merge Cells option.
- The change will show in the document as soon as you select Merge cells
- Tap the check mark after you are done to save the changes made.
Word Online is a collaborative platform; most of its functions are based on your permissions. If you are unable to edit or merge cells, it is possible that you do not have permission to edit. Even if you are the file’s owner, there is a chance you have changed the settings. Hence, it is important to make sure that you are editing. To check if you are in editing or reading mode, check the tag close to the ribbon at the top.
Press Alt + A to release the A key, and press M. You can also click on the cells that need to be merged and press Alt + Enter. So, all you need to do is select all the cells that you want to merge and press Alt + A and then M.
Select the cell you need to work on to unmerge, separate, or split in Word on your Mac device. Then choose the format option > go to Table and select Unmerge cells. On doing this, all the previously merged cells will return to individual cells. You can merge them again if you like by selecting the cells and choosing the merge option.
If you want to merge two cells in Word, select the cells you need to merge. Then, right-click on those cells and choose the merge cell option. Once you have done this, the selected cells will be merged.
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My name is Carissa Gudino and I am an expert in word online, using Word Online in my day-to-day tasks. In this blog, I will share with you tips and tutorials on how to use word online to its fullest potential. I work for various clients in various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc. My tutorials are designed to help beginners, as well as more experienced users, learn new tricks and tips on Microsoft word online. Check out more.