Why is Excel not letting me format cells?

First, make sure that you open the workbook with macros disabled. Hold down the Shift key as you double-click the workbook in Windows Explorer, then indicate that you don’t want to enable the macros. If the problem persists, you can rule out it being rooted in a macro.

How do I convert a number to text format in Excel?

Format numbers as text

1. Select the cell or range of cells that contains the numbers that you want to format as text. How to select cells or a range.
2. On the Home tab, in the Number group, click the arrow next to the Number Format box, and then click Text.

How do you activate cell formatting in Excel?

Formatting text and numbers

1. Select the cells(s) you want to modify. Selecting a cell range.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to the Number Format command on the Home tab. The Number Formatting drop-down menu will appear.
3. Select the desired formatting option.
4. The selected cells will change to the new formatting style.

How do I refresh cell data after number format in Excel?

To refresh the current cell – press F2 + Enter. To refresh the current tab – press Shift + F9. To refresh the entire workbook – press F9.

How do you unlock cells in Excel?

Here’s how to lock or unlock cells in Microsoft Excel 2016 and 2013.

1. Select the cells you wish to modify.
2. Choose the “Home” tab.
3. In the “Cells” area, select “Format” > “Format Cells“.
4. Select the “Protection” tab.
5. Uncheck the box for “Locked” to unlock the cells. Check the box to lock them. Select “OK“.

How do I convert numbers to text in Excel automatically?

Convert number to text using the Excel TEXT function

1. Add a helper column next to the column with the numbers to format.
2. Enter the formula =TEXT(C2,”0″) to the cell D2.
3. Copy the formula across the column using the fill handle.
4. You will see the alignment change to left in the helper column after applying the formula.

How do I format Excel cells to numbers?

Available number formats in Excel

1. Select a cell or a cell range.
2. On the Home tab, select Number from the drop-down. Or, you can choose one of these options: Press CTRL + 1 and select Number. Right-click the cell or cell range, select Format Cells… , and select Number.
3. Select the format you want.

How do I force numbers to format in Excel?

Forcing any other cell format conversion by using VBA

1. Select all the cells you want to change the format.
2. Change the format the cell to “Number” by pressing Ctrl +1 at the same time and select your desired cell format under the “Number”-tab.
3. Make sure, that your cells are still selected.

How do I unfreeze Excel cells?

To unfreeze panes: To unfreeze rows or columns, click the Freeze Panes command, then select Unfreeze Panes from the drop-down menu.