Turning Off Insert Options

Excel 2002 and later versions include a feature that allows you to modify how you insert rows, columns, or cells in your worksheet. When you insert any of these, Excel displays a small, floating "button" right near the inserted row, column, or cell. The button, called "Insert Options," has a small paintbrush on it, similar to the Format Painter tool. Click the button, and Excel displays some options about how the inserted row, column, or cell should be formatted.

If you find the Insert Options button distracting, or if you never use it, you may want to turn it off. Follow these steps if you are using Excel 2002 or Excel 2003:

1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Excel displays the Options dialog box.
2. Make sure the Edit tab is displayed. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Clear the Show Insert Options Buttons check box.
4. Click on OK.

If you are using Excel 2007, follow these steps instead:

1. Click the Office button and then click Excel Options. Excel displays the Excel Options dialog box.
2. At the left of the dialog box click Advanced.
3. Scroll through the available options until you see the section named Cut, Copy, and Paste.
4. Clear the Show Insert Options Buttons check box.
5. Click on OK.