Drawing Lines and Arrows

The most basic drawing objects you create on your worksheets are lines and arrows. Excel includes several tools for this purpose. The Line tool creates line segments. The Drawing toolbar's Line Style and Dash Style tools let you determine the type of line used in any drawing object ”solid, dashed, or a combination of solid and dashed lines. The Arrow tool lets you create arrows to emphasize key features of your worksheet.

Draw a Straight Line

Click the Line button on the Drawing toolbar.

Drag the pointer to draw a line on your worksheet.

Release the mouse button when the line is the length you want.

The endpoints of the line are where you started and finished dragging.

Edit a Line

Click the line you want to edit.

Click the Line Style button on the Drawing toolbar to select a line thickness .

Click the Dash Style button on the Drawing toolbar to select a dash style.

Click the Line Color button on the Drawing toolbar to select a line color .

Drag the sizing handle at either end to a new location to change the size or angle of the line.

Draw and Edit an Arrow

Click the Arrow button on the Drawing toolbar.

Drag the pointer from the base of the arrow to the arrow's point.

Release the mouse button when the arrow is the length and angle you want.

Click the Arrow Style button on the Drawing toolbar.

Click the arrow type you want to use, or click More Arrows.

If you clicked More Arrows, modify the arrow type in the Format AutoShape dialog box as necessary.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

You can display the Drawing toolbar . If the Drawing toolbar is not visible, click the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.