How to Wrap and Unwrap Text in Google Sheets Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Alt + H + W)

If you have ever tried to wrap text in Google Sheets with a shortcut, you may have noticed it is not as smooth as in Excel. In Excel, the wrap text shortcut works as a toggle. You press it once to wrap, and press it again to unwrap. In Google Sheets, the behavior is less straightforward.

Using the wrap text shortcut on SheetWhiz to wrap and unwrap text. Wrap and Unwrap Text uses the same Excel-like shortcut: Alt + H + W + W (which can be changed accordingly).

The Native Wrap Text Shortcuts for PC Users

If you are on a Windows PC, there are actually two native shortcuts for wrapping text in Google Sheets:

• Alt + O, W → Works on any PC regardless of whether compatible spreadsheet shortcuts are enabled.

• Alt + H, W → Only works if you have Enable compatible spreadsheet shortcuts turned on in Google Sheets.

  
  

Limitations of the Native Shortcuts:

1. They are not toggles. You need a separate command to unwrap text.

2. On a Mac, neither of these shortcuts works. There is no built-in wrap shortcut without going through the menus.

If you prefer not to enable compatibility shortcuts or you are on a Mac, your only native option is to go through Format → Wrapping → Wrap or click the Wrapping icon in the formatting toolbar and then click the Wrap option. Both require your mouse and are thus unideal.

The SheetWhiz Fix: A True Wrap Toggle for Everyone

At SheetWhiz, we decided to make wrapping faster and more consistent across platforms.

Our latest release adds a true wrap toggle shortcut that works on both Mac and PC, and works whether or not compatibility shortcuts are enabled:

• Alt (Option on a Mac) + H + W + W → Wrap text if it is currently unwrapped, or unwrap if it is wrapped.

Run it once to wrap. Run it again to unwrap. No second shortcut to remember.

You can also change the shortcut to another one that's easier for you to remember, like Alt/Option + H + W (just like Excel) OR something even easier like Alt/Option + W.

How to Install SheetWhiz and Use the Wrap/Unwrap Text Shortcut

1. Go to the SheetWhiz Page

   • Visit the SheetWhiz Chrome Web Store listing.

2. Click “Add to Chrome”

   • In the top-right corner, click Add to Chrome and confirm.

3. Open Google Sheets

   • Go to Google Sheets and open any spreadsheet.

4. Look for the SheetWhiz Menu

   • You will see a new SheetWhiz menu in the top toolbar.

5. Use the Wrap Toggle Shortcut

   • Press Alt/Option + H + W + W to toggle wrap on and off instantly.

Why This Matters

Whether you are on a Mac with no native wrap shortcut, or a PC user who does not want to turn on compatibility shortcuts or learn Google Sheets shortcuts, SheetWhiz gives you a wrap text shortcut you can customize to your needs that's a fast, repeatable toggle that works every time.