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OneNote Table Merge Cells – How to Combine Table Cells in OneNote

TL;DR

Currently, OneNote does not support a direct feature to merge table cells. However, you can simulate merging by using workarounds such as using empty cells, manual formatting, or exporting to Word and reimporting the table. These solutions help improve layout flexibility in OneNote tables.

Organizing content in OneNote tables is useful for notes, plans, schedules, and even checklists. But one common question users ask is how to perform OneNote table merge cells operations. Unlike Microsoft Word or Excel, OneNote does not yet offer a built-in feature to merge cells directly inside a table.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. While you can’t click a button to merge cells, there are several clever workarounds you can apply to simulate merged cells and maintain a neat, structured appearance in your notes.

Why Merge Cells in a Table?

Merging cells in a table is useful for:

  • Creating headers that span multiple columns
  • Grouping content under a single label
  • Customizing the visual layout for readability
  • Highlighting important information

In Word or Excel, you simply select the cells and choose Merge Cells. But in OneNote, it requires a bit more effort and creativity.

Does OneNote Support Merging Table Cells?

No. As of now, OneNote table merge cells functionality is not available natively. This limitation applies to both the desktop version and OneNote for Windows 10 or web.

Microsoft has not added this feature to OneNote’s table editor, which remains more minimal compared to Word.

Workaround 1: Use Empty Cells to Simulate Merging

One workaround is to type content in the first cell and leave the adjacent cell(s) blank. Then use formatting tricks to make it look like the cells are merged.

Steps:

  1. Select the first cell and type your text
  2. Leave the next cell(s) empty
  3. Use the Tab key to navigate to the next row
  4. Resize the columns to visually align the merged area

While the cells are technically separate, visually they will appear merged.

Workaround 2: Merge in Word, Then Paste Back

This method involves using Microsoft Word to create your table with merged cells, and then pasting it into OneNote.

Steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word
  2. Create a table
  3. Use Right-click > Merge Cells to combine as needed
  4. Copy the entire table
  5. Paste into OneNote

Important: Once pasted, the merged format remains intact in OneNote, but the cells are not editable as individual OneNote cells.

Workaround 3: Use Table Headers or Text Blocks

You can use a text block above the table as a header instead of merging cells. This method is effective for creating a visually clean and labeled table.

Steps:

  1. Click outside the table
  2. Create a new text box
  3. Type your header or section label
  4. Use font size, color, or bold for emphasis
  5. Position it directly above or aligned with the table columns

This layout keeps your table editable and neat, with a clear structure.

Using Borders and Cell Width for Appearance

Although OneNote does not allow merging, you can manipulate cell width and row height to create the illusion of a merged layout.

  • Drag column borders to align content
  • Use Tab to move between cells
  • Format text to center-align it for merged appearance
  • Use Ctrl + E to center content in a cell

This improves the table’s presentation without actual merging.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Tables in OneNote

ActionShortcut (Windows)Shortcut (Mac)
Insert new rowTab at last columnTab
Move to next cellTabTab
Move to previous cellShift + TabShift + Tab
Insert tableCtrl + TCmd + T
Center text in cellCtrl + ECmd + E

While there’s no shortcut to merge cells, combining manual layout control and alignment can produce the same effect.

Best Practices for Table Formatting in OneNote

  • Use consistent row height and column width
  • Bold headers to separate sections
  • Use shading (via table tools) to group related cells
  • Keep tables simple for better mobile compatibility
  • Avoid nested tables, as formatting becomes harder to manage

FAQ – OneNote Table Merge Cells

Can I merge table cells in OneNote?
No, OneNote does not offer a built-in cell merging function. However, you can simulate merging with formatting tricks.

How do I create a merged header in a OneNote table?
Use a text box above the table or format the first row by leaving adjacent cells blank and resizing columns.

Can I copy a merged table from Word into OneNote?
Yes, if you merge cells in Word and paste the table into OneNote, the visual layout is preserved, but editing the merged cells may be limited.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to merge cells in OneNote?
No, OneNote does not support merging cells via keyboard or menu.

Will Microsoft add table merge functionality to OneNote?
There is no official announcement yet. Users often request it via Microsoft’s feedback channels.

Conclusion: Simulating Merged Cells in OneNote

While the lack of a native OneNote table merge cells feature may seem limiting, there are reliable alternatives to achieve the same visual outcome. By using formatting tricks, Word integration, and layout techniques, you can still organize your tables clearly and professionally in OneNote.

If merging cells is a crucial part of your workflow, consider preparing your tables in Word and importing them into OneNote. With a little creativity, your notes can look just as polished.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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