Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. 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 Drop Shadows.
One helpful drawing tool you can use to format your drawings is known as the Shadow Style tool. Using this tool you can add a drop shadow behind an object. Adding drop shadows can help add more depth to your graphics, making them look like they are raised off the surface of the Excel worksheet.
To apply a drop shadow to an object, start by selecting the object. The Format tab of the ribbon should be visible. In the Shape Styles group, click the Shape Effects tool. Excel displays a drop-down list from which you should select Shadow. The resulting options indicate the different types of drop shadows you can apply to the shape. You can also modify the shadow, once placed, by choosing Shadow Settings (Excel 2007) or Shadow Options (later versions of Excel).
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12702) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Adding Drop Shadows.
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!
You can add all sorts of objects to your workbooks, including video clips. Here's the pros and cons (along with the how-to) ...
Discover MoreWant to draw a few simple shapes or lines on your worksheet? It really is simple; here's how to do it.
Discover MoreIf you use Excel's graphic capabilities to insert a line or an arrow into a worksheet, you can change how that arrow looks. ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2016-05-25 19:56:46
Kevin
And for those wanting hints on how to add it to cells you can buy Allen's book "Excel Tips: The Macros" as I can't see it on the website.
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 © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. 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: 
Comments