Tip #3294 - Double the Work? No thanks!
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Double
the Work? No thanks!
Ever find yourself
either retyping or copying and pasting information from an Excel worksheet
into a text box or an AutoShape?
Maybe you need that
data stated in a bold way, so it's been put into a text box or an AutoShape
to grab everyone's attention.
Good idea.
Of course, I've got
to ask. What happens when the data changes?
Do you then go back
into the AutoShape or text box and fix the data in there too?
Tired of doing the
double editing?
Yeah, I would be too,
so here's a quick tip on linking the text box or AutoShape to the cell.
The benefit, you ask?
Well, with the direct
link to the cell containing the data, a change in the cell is automatically
updated in the text box or the AutoShape. No more duplicate efforts.
Interested in the
"how to"?
Yep, I was too, so
let's take a look.
For a text box, follow
these steps:
- First, you'll have
to draw the text box you intend to use.
- Now, you can immediately
click into the formula bar and type an equal
sign (=).
- Next, click
the cell that contains your data.
- Finish by hitting
the Enter key.
Voila! The information
from the cell is now displayed in the text box. You can proceed with formatting
the text box to fit your needs.
Looking to use an
AutoShape instead? Then here's what you need to know:
- Again, we need
to start by drawing an AutoShape.
- Now, right
click on the AutoShape and choose Add Text from
the menu. This will put the cursor into the AutoShape.
- At this point,
you're ready to click into the formula bar to type
the equal sign (=).
- Select
the cell with the data and hit the Enter key.
Poof! Once again,
the information is in your shape where you can proceed with the formatting
you want to catch everyone's eye.
The best thing about
all this?
No more duplicate
work for you! Simply update the cell and the text box or AutoShape is
fed the new information automatically!
~ April
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