Alt HMC

Alt + H + M + C in Google Sheets (Merge & Center)

Merges the selected cells into one and centers the contents, the classic way to title a block of columns.

In Excel: Home tab, Merge Cells. In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: "Merge All and Center Text".

What Alt + H + M + C Does in Excel

Merges the selected cells into one and centers the contents, the classic way to title a block of columns.

How to Use Alt + H + M + C in Google Sheets

  1. Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Sheet.
  2. Select the cells you want to work on (if the command needs a selection).
  3. Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Excel-style key-tips appear over the sheet.
  4. Press H, M, then C. ShortieCuts runs Merge & Center, just like Excel.

Without an extension: Google Sheets doesn't support Excel's Alt key-tips, so Alt + H + M + C won't run Merge & Center on its own.

Related Shortcuts

KeysShortcut
Alt HMA Merge AcrossMerges each row of the selection separately, so a multi-row selection becomes several merged rows rather than one big cell.
Alt HMM Merge CellsMerges the whole selection into a single cell without changing alignment.
Alt HMU Unmerge CellsSplits merged cells back into individual cells.
Alt HVV Paste ValuesPastes only the values of the copied cells.
Alt HVF Paste FormulasPastes the copied formulas without bringing over the source cells' formatting.
Alt HVT Paste TransposePastes the copied range with rows and columns swapped, so a row of headers becomes a column and vice versa.
Alt HVB Paste All Except BordersPastes everything from the copied cells (values, formulas and formatting) except their borders.
Alt HVR Paste FormattingPastes only the formatting of the copied cells: number formats, fonts, fills and borders.

FAQ

Does Alt + H + M + C work in Google Sheets?

Not on its own. Google Sheets doesn't have Excel's ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + M + C won't run Merge & Center. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, Alt + H + M + C works in Google Sheets the same way it does in Excel.

What does Alt + H + M + C do in Excel?

Merge & Center. Merges the selected cells into one and centers the contents, the classic way to title a block of columns.

How do I use Alt + H + M + C on a Mac?

With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then M, then C: Option + H + M + C. The same key-tips appear as on Windows.

Is ShortieCuts free?

ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.