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: Setting Default Attributes for Lines and Arrows.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 8, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Glenn adds lines and arrows regularly to flowcharts that he creates in Excel. He is wondering if there is a way to set a default line weight, color, and arrowhead, as it gets tedious to change the attributes all the time.
Setting defaults for AutoShapes (such as lines and arrows) is quite easy in Excel. Just follow these steps:
That's it. For the rest of your current Excel session your lines and arrows will be drawn using your desired formats.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3357) 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: Setting Default Attributes for Lines and Arrows.
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 MoreAdd a drawing object to a worksheet and chances are good you'll need to move it in some way. Here's how to use the mouse ...
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 ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2019-07-12 18:15:18
Lester
How can you make the default stick for ever, not just for "the current Excel session" ??
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.
Comments