Inserting Multiple Drawing Objects

by Allen Wyatt
(last updated August 20, 2018)

1

There may be times when you want to insert multiple drawing objects (such as squares, rectangles, ovals, or circles) in your worksheet. Rather than click on the drawing tools on the Drawing toolbar before creating each object, Excel provides a nifty shortcut. All you need to do is double-click on the drawing tool you want to use. For instance, you can double-click on the Rectangle tool if you want to draw rectangles or squares. Excel "locks" the tool into place, and you can create as many of the objects as you desire. When you are done creating them, click on the tool again or press the Esc key to return the mouse pointer to normal.

You can apply the same concept to creating AutoShapes, but the process is just a bit longer. Follow these steps:

  1. Click on the AutoShapes tool on the Drawing toolbar. Excel presents a listing of AutoShape categories.
  2. Click on the category you want to use. Excel displays a wide array of AutoShapes you can use.
  3. Notice that at the top of the AutoShapes menu there is a small horizontal bar. Click on this bar and drag it to some other location on your screen. When you release the mouse button, the AutoShapes menu appears on its own, floating on your desktop.
  4. Double-click on any item on the menu. It remains selected.
  5. Create any number of that AutoShape in your worksheet.
  6. Press Esc or click on the AutoShape again (in the floating menu) to return the mouse pointer to normal.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2356) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Undoing an AutoFormat

Excel allows you to automatically format data tables using a number of different schemes. What happens if you want to ...

Discover More

Printing a Macro List

Need a list of all the macros you've created? Word doesn't provide a way to create such a list, but you can use the ...

Discover More

Changing a Field Parameter

Fields are a powerful way to add dynamic content to your documents. Some fields rely on the use of parameters to control ...

Discover More

Excel Smarts for Beginners! Featuring the friendly and trusted For Dummies style, this popular guide shows beginners how to get up and running with Excel while also helping more experienced users get comfortable with the newest features. Check out Excel 2013 For Dummies today!

More ExcelTips (menu)

Changing the Pattern Used in a Data Series

When you create a chart, Excel attempts to assign colors to your data series that it thinks will work best for you. If ...

Discover More

Sorting with Graphics

If the graphics that you insert in your worksheet meet a couple of simple requirements, it is possible to have those ...

Discover More

Positioning a Graphic in a Macro

Macros are a great way to process information in a worksheet. Part of that processing may involve moving graphics around ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three less than 5?

2013-04-27 09:09:00

Dave O

The "Double Click To Lock" technique works great for the Format Paintbrush, giving you the "Midas touch" until you click the paintbrush again or press esc. Works in any Office program and any version!!

This Site

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.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.