Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Adding a Drop Shadow to a Text Box.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 30, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Text boxes are a graphic element you can use in your workbooks to hold information that is ancillary to the main data in the workbook. For instance, you might use a text box to create a sidebar or other text object. To enhance your layout design using text boxes, you can add a drop shadow so the text box appears to float about the actual printed page.
To add a drop shadow to a text box, follow these steps:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (9010) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Adding a Drop Shadow to a Text Box.
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2019-12-27 10:06:32
J. Woolley
@Mister Tumnus
Well, you can add border elements to a cell or range of cells. Select the cell or range, right-click and pick Format Cells..., then click the Border tab. You can simulate shadows by adding discrete borders after choosing a Style.
2019-12-26 13:09:34
Mister Tumnus
Oh...perhaps I misunderstood. By "text box", I was hoping for a cell that contains text. Sorry about that. I don't suppose there is a way to add shadows below a cell with text in it?
Impressive site by the way, lots of information, thank you.
2019-12-26 12:51:07
Allen
Did you complete step #1? As it says in step #2, the Format tab should be visible if you select a text box.
-Allen
2019-12-26 12:43:28
Your instructions fail at step #2. There is no format tab for me. File, Home, Insert, Page Layout, Formulas, Data, Review, View, Developer, Help.
Is it supposed to be under one of those?
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
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