Excel Tips


Choose the Right Type of SmartArt »

December 25, 2023

I need to illustrate a circular process in which information can flow in both directions. Which SmartArt type should I use?


Draw Business Diagrams with Excel »

December 21, 2023

My manager needs me to graphically document the steps in a project plan.


Make a Logo into a Shape »

December 18, 2023

I’m looking for a fun way to kill some time while the Internet is down. Can I make my logo into a Shape that can be formatted using the Drawing Tools?


Create Dozens of Lightning Bolts »

December 14, 2023

I need to create multiple shapes. In the old Excel, I could double-click a shape icon and then draw multiple copies of the shape without going back to the menu. Now, I can’t seem to double-click the lightning bolt in the Shapes menu.


Rotate a Shape »

December 11, 2023

How do I rotate a shape? Can I morph a shape?


Place Cell Contents in a Shape »

December 4, 2023

I don’t want to use just static text in a shape; I want to display the results of a calculation in the shape.


Add Text to Any Closed Shape »

November 28, 2023

How can I add fixed text to a shape?


Draw Perfect Circles »

November 20, 2023

The oval tool in the Drawing toolbar is hard to use. If I start drawing the rectangle in the upper-left corner of the cell, the shape will start in that corner. But if I start drawing a circle in the same spot, the oval I draw will not completely include the text in the cells. Also, why aren’t there circle and square shapes? I have a hard time drawing perfectly round circles and perfectly square squares.


Circle a Cell on Your Worksheet »

November 17, 2023

Excel offers an excellent calculation tool. However, I know that some people are visually oriented, and their eyes glaze over when they look at a large white sheet with black numbers. I want to use graphics to call attention to certain numbers.