Irving created a chart and placed a text box on that chart. He also drew a line on the chart to serve as a reference for users. If he moves the chart, the text box and the line don't move with it. Irving wonders if there is a way to "lock" the text box and the line so that they move whenever he moves the chart.
There are two ways to approach this. First, you may want to consider how you are actually creating the text boxes and lines. If you select the chart before you create them, you'll notice that Excel makes some new tabs available on the ribbon. Click the Format tab, and you'll notice an Insert Shapes group. You can select shapes and lines from these, and they become part of your chart and will move with it. (Use a rectangular shape in lieu of a text box; Excel allows you to add text inside the shape just as you would with a text box.)
If your text box and line are not part of the chart itself—if they can be moved outside the bounds of the chart by dragging them off the chart—then you can "lock" them in position by grouping objects. Follow these general steps:
At this point, all three items are grouped together and they move as a whole. You'll note that, after grouping, there is an "outer" border on the group that is a bit outside the original chart border. It is this outer border you'll need to click to select the group as you move it around.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (736) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
Got a chart created from your worksheet? You can plot times of day in the chart if you apply the simple techniques in ...
Discover MoreExcel is a whiz at creating charts from your worksheet data. When the program tries to determine what should be included ...
Discover MoreMost charts you create in Excel are based on information stored in a worksheet. You can also create charts based on ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2018-05-22 16:29:46
Himae
Thank you!!!
2017-05-22 04:21:29
DaveS
Gael (& Allen)
Insert Shapes is actually on the Chart Tools - Layout ribbon, NOT the Chart Tools - Format ribbon.
2017-05-22 03:57:57
Gael
I do not see an insert shapes group when I click Format Chart. I see the groups Current Selection, Shape Styles, WordArt Styles, Arrange and Size. There is an Insert group on the Layout tab and includes Shapes. Is this what you are referring to? When I add a shape outside of the chart box it does not move with the chart. It only moves if I put it into the chart box.
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments