Left Align Text in Excel (Ctrl + L)
Left alignment positions text and numbers to the left edge of a cell. It is the default alignment for text entries in Excel.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + L | Cmd + L |
What Does Ctrl + L Do in Excel?
Pressing this shortcut aligns the selected cell content to the left side. It does not change the cell value—only how the content is displayed.
How to Use the Left Align Shortcut
- Select the cell or range of cells
- Press Ctrl + L (Windows) or Cmd + L (Mac)
- The content will align to the left instantly
Tips & Best Practices
- Text values are left-aligned by default in Excel
- Use left alignment for descriptions, names, and labels
- Combine with Indent for structured layouts
FAQ
- Q: Why is my number left-aligned?
- A: Excel left-aligns values stored as text. Check for apostrophes or formatting issues.
- Q: Can I left-align multiple cells at once?
- A: Yes, select multiple cells and apply the shortcut once.
- Q: Does left alignment affect formulas?
- A: No, alignment only changes appearance, not calculations.