Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Creating a Drawing Object.
Excel allows you to create drawing objects you can use in your worksheets. These objects (such as an oval, rectangle, line, or AutoShape) are positioned on what is termed the "drawing layer," which is separate and distinct from the values or formulas in the cells of your worksheet. You generally create such objects by using the tools on the Drawing toolbar. (Display the Drawing toolbar by clicking on the Drawing tool on the Standard toolbar.)
On the left side of the Drawing toolbar are several tools that are used to create basic shapes. The line, arrow, rectangle, and oval tools are easily identifiable. In addition, you can use the AutoShapes tool to display a menu of more than 125 different symbols, banners, and callouts. Follow these steps to place a drawing object in your worksheet:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2197) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Creating a Drawing Object.
Professional Development Guidance! Four world-class developers offer start-to-finish guidance for building powerful, robust, and secure applications with Excel. The authors show how to consistently make the right design decisions and make the most of Excel's powerful features. Check out Professional Excel Development today!
Adding labels to a chart can make the information presented in the chart more understandable. Excel allows you to add ...
Discover MoreIf you are bothered by different objects visible in your worksheet, you'll want to turn them off so they aren't displayed. ...
Discover MoreGraphics are a great addition to a worksheet, but there may be times when you don't want them printed. The easy way to handle ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments