Changing an AutoShape

Excel allows you to work with predefined shapes. In Excel 2007 these are called (oddly enough) shapes. In earlier versions of Excel they are called AutoShapes. There may be times when you want to completely change a shape or AutoShape from one to another. For instance, you may want to change one banner shape to another. While you can simply delete your original shape and then draw a new one, Excel makes it easy to change shapes.

Follow these steps if you are using Excel 2007:

1. Select the shape you want to change. Handles appear around the outside of the shape.
2. Make sure the Format tab of the ribbon is displayed.
3. In the Insert Shapes group, click Edit Shape tool and then click Change Shape. The familiar palette of shapes appears.
4. Select the shape you want to use.

In earlier versions of Excel follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Drawing toolbar is displayed.
2. Select the AutoShape you want to change. Handles should appear around the outside of the shape.
3. Click your mouse on Draw on the Drawing toolbar, and then choose Change AutoShape. The familiar AutoShape categories will appear.
4. Select the AutoShape you want to use.

Excel changes the shape used, without changing the overall size or shape of the bounding rectangle that contains the shape. You can then proceed to edit the new shape or AutoShape, as desired.