All caps. MiXeD case LEtTeRs. Lists that just look messy. We’ve all seen them, and they’re hard to read, not to mention unprofessional to share. But with Excel, you don’t have to fix them one by one.This is where you meet your very first formula. Think of it as giving Excel a simple instruction: “Make this look proper.” And Excel listens..

Enter your text here..All caps. MiXeD case LEtTeRs. Lists that just look messy. We’ve all seen them, and they’re hard to read — not to mention unprofessional to share. But with Excel, you don’t have to fix them one by one.This is where you meet your very first formula. Think of it as giving Excel a simple instruction: “Make this look proper.” And Excel listens..

Step-by-Step Instructions

Click into an empty cell to the right of the cell with the first messy text.
Type: =PROPER(
Press the left arrow key once ← this points Excel to the messy cell.
Hit Enter.
Excel instantly fixes the capitalization — turning JOHN DOE into John Doe.

Quick Recap / Key Takeaways Block

The equal sign (=) tells Excel: “Get ready, here’s an instruction.”
PROPER is the helper’s name: “Make it proper case.”
(cell) tells Excel which piece of text to fix.
You’re the boss — Excel does what you tell it.

Practice It Yourself

Copy the list below into Excel, then type your first formula:

=PROPER(

Click on the cell beside it with the wrong format, then hit Enter.

Grab and drag the fill handle (click the bottom right corner of the cell) to fix the list in seconds.

Messy Names to Copy into Excel

JOHN DOEmaRY JoNEScARlos VEGAJANE SMITHPeTEr BrownALICE JOHNSONbObBy cArTerLuCy WILSONdANIEL RoBERTSSARA LEEmICHael CLARKemILY aDAMSchARLie DaVIsOLIVIA moOREeTHan hallsoPHia aNDERSONJAMES THOMASava MARTINwiLLiam THOMPSONisABella WHITE

This avoids file uploads and makes it copy → paste → learn simple.

Summary

With one small formula, you turn a messy list into a polished, professional version. Instead of frustration, you deliver clarity — and that’s the kind of skill your boss and coworkers notice.

Want to learn more?

Check out this intro from Microsoft

Stop the Shouting – Make Text Look Normal

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