Inserting a Voice Annotation in Your Worksheet

Summary: Adding audio notes to a workbook is easy to do in Windows. This tip explains how you can record an audio file for saving with a worksheet, and then play the file again at a later time. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, and Excel 2003.)

Rather than adding notes to the cells in your worksheets, you can imbed audio files that serve as audible annotations. In order to do this, you must have a sound board which is supported by Windows, along with a microphone. Then you can follow these steps:

Position the insertion point where you want the message inserted.
Choose Object from the Insert menu. You will see the Object dialog box.
Make sure the Create New tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
In the list of object types, look for a type of sound object. It may have a name such as Sound or Wave Sound. Select this option.
Click on OK. The Sound Recorder (a Windows accessory) will be displayed. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Use the Sound Recorder to record your message.
Close the Sound Recorder window.
You may be asked if you want to update your workbook. If so, then click on Yes.
An icon of a speaker appears in your workbook where the sound is inserted.

You can later listen to your message by simply double-clicking on the speaker icon.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2870) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Inserting a Voice Annotation in Your Worksheet