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: Changing a Shape.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 6, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Excel allows you to work with predefined shapes called AutoShapes. There may be times when you want to completely change an 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:
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 AutoShape, as desired.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2201) 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: Changing a Shape.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
You can configure images in Excel so that if someone clicks on them, a macro is executed. You cannot, however, have a ...
Discover MoreExcel allows you to add comments to individual cells in a worksheet, but what if you want to add comments to graphics? ...
Discover MoreBackground images for a worksheet are automatically repeated over and over (tiled) by Excel. This tip describes a ...
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 © 2025 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