Adding a Drop Shadow to a Text Box

Text boxes are a graphic element you can use in your workbooks to hold information that is ancillary to the main data in the workbook. For instance, you might use a text box to create a sidebar or other text object. To enhance your layout design using text boxes, you can add a drop shadow so the text box appears to float about the actual printed page.

To add a drop shadow to a text box, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Drawing toolbar is displayed. (You can click on the Drawing tool on the standard toolbar to display the Drawing toolbar.)
2. Select the text box you want to format. Small selection handles should appear around the perimeter of the text box.
3. Click on the Shadow tool on the Drawing toolbar. Excel displays a palette of available shadows.
4. Click on the shadow desired.

Users of Excel 2007 will note that there is no longer a Drawing toolbar available. Instead, Excel 2007 users should follow these steps:

1. Select the text box you want to format. Small selection handles should appear around the perimeter of the text box.
2. Select the Format tab on the ribbon. (This tab is available only when you select the text box in step 1.)
3. Click Shape Effects in the Shape Styles group. Excel displays a list of effects you can apply to the text box.
4. Highlight the Shadow option and you will see a palette of available shadows.
5. Click on the shadow desired.