Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. 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, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Adding Drop Shadows.
Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!
Don't like the way that Excel formats lines and arrows? You can easily make your own formatting changes, and then use ...
Discover MoreWant to get a graphic to just the right position on a worksheet? Sometimes the easiest way is to use the arrow keys on ...
Discover MoreWant to draw a few simple shapes or lines on your worksheet? It really is simple; here's how to do it.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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 © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. 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