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: Moving and Copying Graphics Objects.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 25, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
To move an object, click on one of the lines that make up the object. You should see small boxes (handles) appear around the edges of the object. When the handles appear, point to one of the lines in the object—do not point to the handles. Click and hold down the mouse button and move the mouse. The object is dragged along with the mouse pointer. When you release the mouse button, the object stays at the new position.
When you want to copy a graphics object, select the object as already described. Then, press Ctrl+C to copy the object to the Clipboard. You can then press Ctrl+V to paste the object in the worksheet. You can then move the newly pasted object to where you want it to appear.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2317) 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: Moving and Copying Graphics Objects.
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!
Want to change the groupings used by Excel when it creates pie charts? Your options are limited, as you learn in this tip.
Discover MoreNeed to change a shape you previously added to your worksheet? It's easy to do using the graphics tools provided by ...
Discover MoreWhen adding AutoShapes to a worksheet, it can be bothersome to continually work with the menu structure to place them. It ...
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 © 2026 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