Insert Picture from dropdown selection

[Guest]

I'm working at a Marina and trying to make a comparison chart for different
types of boats. I am trying to make a list, and based upon the users
selection of a boat, insert a corresponding picture to match the boat
selected from that list. I've researched other thread discussions, and tried
to approach it this way, as reccommended by Ron Coderre:

Select Sheet2 and turn off Grid Lines
(Tools>Options>View tab:Uncheck Grid Lines)
1)For each picture to be displayed:
1a. Insert>Picture from file. (select picture, put it in the sheet and
resize it).
1b. Select the range of cells that contains the picture.
1c. Name that range of cells, using the prefix "pic" followed by the
dropdown list text:
Example for a picture of an Elephant on cells A210:
Select those cells
Insert>Name>Define
Name: picElephant

2)Build your data validation list on a cell in Sheet1 and pick one of the
items.
If you need help: use Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

3)Create a dynamic range name that refers to that cell:
Insert>Name>Define
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)
....or whatever cell you chose.

4)Copy/Paste one of the pictures from Sheet2 to the display cell on Sheet1.

5)With picture selected, type this in the formula bar, then press [Enter]:
=ShowMyPic


After trying this method, instead of getting the picture inserted, I get the
name of the cells that the picture is in...(the name I gave the cells that
contained the picture). It does change according to my selection from the
list, but doesnt display the picture. The text that is returned instead of
the picture seems distorted as well. Any ideas of what I could be doing
wrong? I've also tried making this work through macros which I am even
less familiar with. I was able to get that to work for one selection, but I
dont know how to properly code it to work for every boat in my list. I used
this code reccommended by Bernie Deitrick:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Cells.Count <> 1 Then Exit Sub
If Target.Address <> "$A$1" Then Exit Sub
If Target.Value = "Yes" Then
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Range("B9").Select
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert( _
"C:\Documents and Settings\PHIL\My Documents\My
Pictures\test.jpg").Select
Selection.Name = "PictureName"
Range("A2").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Else
On Error Resume Next
ActiveSheet.Shapes("PictureName").Delete
End If
End Sub

I assume I would need to somehow nest this or create If - Else commands?
Also to clarify, I did change the file names and paths to those that matched
my project. It worked for one selection, but I don't know how to code it for
a list of say 40 boats

Any suggestions of the easiest way to go about doing this? Ive been trying
for a few days now, and could use any help I can get!

 

[Guest]

I'll try to address the method I posted.

With a value in the drop down list, you should be able to:
Edit>Go to>
In the reference field, type: ShowMyPic
Click the [OK] button

That should bring you to the range that contains the picture that is
referenced.
If it does not, then the problem is in your definition of ShowMyPic

Example:
with this definition...
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)

If cell A1 on Sheet1 contains "Camel" and you have a range named: picCamel,
then ShowMyPic will refer to that range.

In order to help, I'll need a little more information:
1)What is the exact location of your dropdown list (sheet name and cell
address)?
2)What is the exact name you gave to one of the pictures?


***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro

I'm working at a Marina and trying to make a comparison chart for different
types of boats. I am trying to make a list, and based upon the users
selection of a boat, insert a corresponding picture to match the boat
selected from that list. I've researched other thread discussions, and tried
to approach it this way, as reccommended by Ron Coderre:

Select Sheet2 and turn off Grid Lines
(Tools>Options>View tab:Uncheck Grid Lines)
1)For each picture to be displayed:
1a. Insert>Picture from file. (select picture, put it in the sheet and
resize it).
1b. Select the range of cells that contains the picture.
1c. Name that range of cells, using the prefix "pic" followed by the
dropdown list text:
Example for a picture of an Elephant on cells A210:
Select those cells
Insert>Name>Define
Name: picElephant

2)Build your data validation list on a cell in Sheet1 and pick one of the
items.
If you need help: use Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

3)Create a dynamic range name that refers to that cell:
Insert>Name>Define
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)
...or whatever cell you chose.

4)Copy/Paste one of the pictures from Sheet2 to the display cell on Sheet1.

5)With picture selected, type this in the formula bar, then press [Enter]:
=ShowMyPic


After trying this method, instead of getting the picture inserted, I get the
name of the cells that the picture is in...(the name I gave the cells that
contained the picture). It does change according to my selection from the
list, but doesnt display the picture. The text that is returned instead of
the picture seems distorted as well. Any ideas of what I could be doing
wrong? I've also tried making this work through macros which I am even
less familiar with. I was able to get that to work for one selection, but I
dont know how to properly code it to work for every boat in my list. I used
this code reccommended by Bernie Deitrick:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Cells.Count <> 1 Then Exit Sub
If Target.Address <> "$A$1" Then Exit Sub
If Target.Value = "Yes" Then
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Range("B9").Select
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert( _
"C:\Documents and Settings\PHIL\My Documents\My
Pictures\test.jpg").Select
Selection.Name = "PictureName"
Range("A2").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Else
On Error Resume Next
ActiveSheet.Shapes("PictureName").Delete
End If
End Sub

I assume I would need to somehow nest this or create If - Else commands?
Also to clarify, I did change the file names and paths to those that matched
my project. It worked for one selection, but I don't know how to code it for
a list of say 40 boats

Any suggestions of the easiest way to go about doing this? Ive been trying
for a few days now, and could use any help I can get!

 

[Guest]

Ron,
Thanks for the response, Here's exactly what I've created as a trial
experiment:
3 worksheets: Sheet one contains a drop down list created using data
validation in cell A5. I want the picture that matches the selction from that
to be displayed in cell A2 of that same sheet, sheet 1. On Sheet two I have
three pictures of boats. Picture one is placed over cells A1-D6 (
=Sheet2!$A$1:$D$6) and is named "picOne". Picture two is placed over cells
A7- D12 (=Sheet2!$A$7:$D$12) and is named "picTwo". Picture three is placed
over cells A13- D18 (=Sheet2!$A$13:$D$18) and is named "picThree". Finally on
my third worksheet I have my list of names (One, Two, and Three) on cells
A1-A3 used for my data validation on sheet 1.

I'll try to address the method I posted.

With a value in the drop down list, you should be able to:
Edit>Go to>
In the reference field, type: ShowMyPic
Click the [OK] button

That should bring you to the range that contains the picture that is
referenced.
If it does not, then the problem is in your definition of ShowMyPic

Example:
with this definition...
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)

If cell A1 on Sheet1 contains "Camel" and you have a range named: picCamel,
then ShowMyPic will refer to that range.

In order to help, I'll need a little more information:
1)What is the exact location of your dropdown list (sheet name and cell
address)?
2)What is the exact name you gave to one of the pictures?


***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro

I'm working at a Marina and trying to make a comparison chart for different
types of boats. I am trying to make a list, and based upon the users
selection of a boat, insert a corresponding picture to match the boat
selected from that list. I've researched other thread discussions, and tried
to approach it this way, as reccommended by Ron Coderre:

Select Sheet2 and turn off Grid Lines
(Tools>Options>View tab:Uncheck Grid Lines)
1)For each picture to be displayed:
1a. Insert>Picture from file. (select picture, put it in the sheet and
resize it).
1b. Select the range of cells that contains the picture.
1c. Name that range of cells, using the prefix "pic" followed by the
dropdown list text:
Example for a picture of an Elephant on cells A210:
Select those cells
Insert>Name>Define
Name: picElephant

2)Build your data validation list on a cell in Sheet1 and pick one of the
items.
If you need help: use Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

3)Create a dynamic range name that refers to that cell:
Insert>Name>Define
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)
...or whatever cell you chose.

4)Copy/Paste one of the pictures from Sheet2 to the display cell on Sheet1.

5)With picture selected, type this in the formula bar, then press [Enter]:
=ShowMyPic


After trying this method, instead of getting the picture inserted, I get the
name of the cells that the picture is in...(the name I gave the cells that
contained the picture). It does change according to my selection from the
list, but doesnt display the picture. The text that is returned instead of
the picture seems distorted as well. Any ideas of what I could be doing
wrong? I've also tried making this work through macros which I am even
less familiar with. I was able to get that to work for one selection, but I
dont know how to properly code it to work for every boat in my list. I used
this code reccommended by Bernie Deitrick:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Cells.Count <> 1 Then Exit Sub
If Target.Address <> "$A$1" Then Exit Sub
If Target.Value = "Yes" Then
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Range("B9").Select
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert( _
"C:\Documents and Settings\PHIL\My Documents\My
Pictures\test.jpg").Select
Selection.Name = "PictureName"
Range("A2").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Else
On Error Resume Next
ActiveSheet.Shapes("PictureName").Delete
End If
End Sub

I assume I would need to somehow nest this or create If - Else commands?
Also to clarify, I did change the file names and paths to those that matched
my project. It worked for one selection, but I don't know how to code it for
a list of say 40 boats

Any suggestions of the easiest way to go about doing this? Ive been trying
for a few days now, and could use any help I can get!

 

[Cutter]

Have you had a look at JE McGimsey's site:

http://www.mcgimpsey.com/excel/lookuppics.html

I think it is exactly what you're trying to do.

 

[Guest]

You don't mention if the model you created works. Does it?

If not...did you create the dynamic ShowMyPic range?


***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro

Ron,
Thanks for the response, Here's exactly what I've created as a trial
experiment:
3 worksheets: Sheet one contains a drop down list created using data
validation in cell A5. I want the picture that matches the selction from that
to be displayed in cell A2 of that same sheet, sheet 1. On Sheet two I have
three pictures of boats. Picture one is placed over cells A1-D6 (
=Sheet2!$A$1:$D$6) and is named "picOne". Picture two is placed over cells
A7- D12 (=Sheet2!$A$7:$D$12) and is named "picTwo". Picture three is placed
over cells A13- D18 (=Sheet2!$A$13:$D$18) and is named "picThree". Finally on
my third worksheet I have my list of names (One, Two, and Three) on cells
A1-A3 used for my data validation on sheet 1.

I'll try to address the method I posted.

With a value in the drop down list, you should be able to:
Edit>Go to>
In the reference field, type: ShowMyPic
Click the [OK] button

That should bring you to the range that contains the picture that is
referenced.
If it does not, then the problem is in your definition of ShowMyPic

Example:
with this definition...
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)

If cell A1 on Sheet1 contains "Camel" and you have a range named: picCamel,
then ShowMyPic will refer to that range.

In order to help, I'll need a little more information:
1)What is the exact location of your dropdown list (sheet name and cell
address)?
2)What is the exact name you gave to one of the pictures?


***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP-Pro

I'm working at a Marina and trying to make a comparison chart for different
types of boats. I am trying to make a list, and based upon the users
selection of a boat, insert a corresponding picture to match the boat
selected from that list. I've researched other thread discussions, and tried
to approach it this way, as reccommended by Ron Coderre:

Select Sheet2 and turn off Grid Lines
(Tools>Options>View tab:Uncheck Grid Lines)
1)For each picture to be displayed:
1a. Insert>Picture from file. (select picture, put it in the sheet and
resize it).
1b. Select the range of cells that contains the picture.
1c. Name that range of cells, using the prefix "pic" followed by the
dropdown list text:
Example for a picture of an Elephant on cells A210:
Select those cells
Insert>Name>Define
Name: picElephant

2)Build your data validation list on a cell in Sheet1 and pick one of the
items.
If you need help: use Debra Dalgleish's site:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal01.html

3)Create a dynamic range name that refers to that cell:
Insert>Name>Define
Name: ShowMyPic
RefersTo: =INDIRECT("pic"&Sheet1!$A$1)
...or whatever cell you chose.

4)Copy/Paste one of the pictures from Sheet2 to the display cell on Sheet1.

5)With picture selected, type this in the formula bar, then press [Enter]:
=ShowMyPic


After trying this method, instead of getting the picture inserted, I get the
name of the cells that the picture is in...(the name I gave the cells that
contained the picture). It does change according to my selection from the
list, but doesnt display the picture. The text that is returned instead of
the picture seems distorted as well. Any ideas of what I could be doing
wrong? I've also tried making this work through macros which I am even
less familiar with. I was able to get that to work for one selection, but I
dont know how to properly code it to work for every boat in my list. I used
this code reccommended by Bernie Deitrick:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Cells.Count <> 1 Then Exit Sub
If Target.Address <> "$A$1" Then Exit Sub
If Target.Value = "Yes" Then
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Range("B9").Select
ActiveSheet.Pictures.Insert( _
"C:\Documents and Settings\PHIL\My Documents\My
Pictures\test.jpg").Select
Selection.Name = "PictureName"
Range("A2").Select
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Else
On Error Resume Next
ActiveSheet.Shapes("PictureName").Delete
End If
End Sub

I assume I would need to somehow nest this or create If - Else commands?
Also to clarify, I did change the file names and paths to those that matched
my project. It worked for one selection, but I don't know how to code it for
a list of say 40 boats

Any suggestions of the easiest way to go about doing this? Ive been trying
for a few days now, and could use any help I can get!

 

[Guest]

Cutter,
THANK YOU! I've been trying different methods for over a week now, and
finally got it to work. Ron, thanks as well for the response, I must have
been making some small error that I didn't recognize, a wrong reference or
something, but since the V lookup method worked for me, I will just go with
that. That is exactly how I wanted it to work. I appreciate all your help,
and prompt reply, and I think the message board is a great resource. Thanks
for helping out!

 

[Guest]

One More problem,
that solution worked great for one pull down list, but I'm trying to compare
two boats by selection, so I need apply this code to two dropdown lists:

Option Explicit

Private Sub Worksheet_Calculate()
Dim oPic As Picture
Me.Pictures.Visible = False
With Range("B12")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
End Sub

This code works for my output in cell B12 from the dropdown list in B11. Now
I would like to do the same for my second dropdown list in C11, and would
like to display it in C12. Both dropdown lists are coming from the same list
named picTable on Sheet 2 as informed by your excel help. I can't seem to
just duplicate the code and change the range on the second code. I'm guessing
I have to nest the two codes into one code for that sheet? I don't know how
to properly code this. Any help?

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[Cutter]

Try this:

Private Sub Worksheet_Calculate()
Dim oPic As Picture
Me.Pictures.Visible = False
With Range("B12")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
With Range("C12")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
End Sub

Make sure you change the formula in C12 to refer to the drop down list
in C11

And you'll have to do something to your lists so that the name for the
picture already showing (from one list selection) does not show up in
the other. This is because each picture can only be shown once. I
think you'll have to have 2 lists.

 

[Guest]

Wonderful. Thank you Cutter, your codes work perfectly. This is exactly how I
wanted it to work. I did make two seperate lists and associated two different
pictures, and now I can select two of the same boats without losing the
picture(even though the point is to compare two different boats). I
definitely need some coding practice, but having someone to point you in the
right direction helps. I would have been lost without the help. Thanks.

Thanks to Ron as well for your approach. My minimal experience with Macros
made the approach a bit more complicated. It kept returning the text name of
the picture instead of the picture itself. I'm sure it had to do with one of
my definitions, or a small error with my code. But thanks for your input as
well.

Mike

 

[Cutter]

You're very welcome. I'm a VBA novice myself so the real thanks fo
what I was able to give you goes to JE McGimpsey for writing th
original code and providing it to people like you and me in a way tha
we can understand it and get it working for our specific needs.

PS - Do I get a great deal on a boat? ;-)

PPS - It would have to be an icebreaker if I do. Canada, eh

 

[Jufa]

Hello,

I tried the method on the McGimpsey site, but it doesn't seem to work
in my case. Well, it does exactly what it is supposed to do I guess,
but I have other graphics on my sheet (another picture=a logo that
should stay fixed and a bunch of Combo boxes). Isn't there a way to
define a list of the photo's that should be hidden, rather then
everything on the page? The problem is that the "Me.Pictures.Visible =
False" command hides everything, including what should remain visible.
Help would be very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

 

[Cutter]

Hello Jufa

As I mentioned above, I'm not an expert in VBA but if you add a line t
the code shown on the McGimpsey site you can retain your logo.

Try this:

Private Sub Worksheet_Calculate()
Dim oPic As Picture
Me.Pictures.Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 8").Visible = True
With Range("F1")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
End Sub

Notice the added line: ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 8").Visible = True
(You could add additional lines right after it for other pictures yo
want retained)

This will keep Picture 8 visible at all times so add that line to you
code and use the name of your logo instead of Picture

 

[Jufa]

Hey Cutter,
Thanks for your input. That should safeguard my logo, but I'm not too
sure about the dropdown boxes. They dissapear too.
However, I see other use for you line of code. it seems that if I use
your line, but define all pictures that can be triggered as a result of
my dropdown as ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 8").Visible = False and omit
the Me.Pictures.Visible = False line, I might get where I want to be.

Don't have time to test it right now. What I'm trying to do is actually
an "in between project". The basics are finished, but the fine-tuning is
for when my main monthly recurrent projects are finished. I just wanted
to say thanks right away though. I'll be in touch later to inform you
whether it worked, or ask more questions

So thanks and see you later.

 

[Jufa]

Hello all,

I used cutter's code-line to hide all pictures I do not want to see (13
flags, picture 25 through 37). However, when I select an item now in the
drop down list, I get a "Run-time error '13' Type mismatch. When I open
the debugger, the arrow points to "For Each oPic In Me.Pictures" Can
someone please have a look at my code and see what's wrong? I would
LOVE to get this thing working. I left out the line
"Me.Pictures.Visible = True" at the beginning as I see no use for it
since I define all pictures NOT to show. Many thanks in advance!

Private Sub Worksheet_Calculate()
Dim oPic As Picture
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 25").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 26").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 27").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 28").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 29").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 30").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 31").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 32").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 33").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 34").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 35").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 36").Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 37").Visible = False
With Range("E3")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
End Sub

 

[Cutter]

Hi Jufa

To use this method you have to define the pictures that you want to
show, not the ones that you want to hide. If you have too many then
hopefully one of the VBA experts will jump in with an alternative
method.

The line you took out is needed because the line that is now causing
the error refers to it. And note that the line you took out is:
Me.Pictures.Visible = False (Not =True) as you stated in your last post

 

[Jufa]

Hey Cutter,

I'm now using exactly your code (except for the cell reference which I
adjusted to my needs), but it keeps giving the error on the line "For
Each oPic In Me.pictures". I have no clue of what I'm doing wrong. When
I apply the same addition of code (ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture
1").Visible = True) it works fine, it's just that in my sheet, the
error keeps popping up.

Can the problem be, that it says "For Each oPic in Me.Pictures" while
some pictures seem to be missing. For example. The pictures that are in
my look-up table are pictures 25-37. The numbers before that refer to
the logo and drop down boxes I guess. However, when I define those
first 24, I'm told that he doesn't recognise some of them and I have to
remove those numbers. I think this is due to the fact that while
originally setting up my sheet I deleted some pictures/drop down boxes
and added them again. Excel however, just keeps taking the next number
instead of recycling the nrs of the pics that were deleted. Can this be
causing my conflict and how can I solve this??

Kind regards,

 

[Cutter]

Let me see the code you're using. Keep in mind that I'm not an expert
but I'll see if I can help.

 

[Jufa]

Hey Cutter,
First of all, thanks for all your help. I was using a regular combobox
like you mention, but maybe it's something in the settings (I use
placement 1) that identifies them like pictures?
Anyways, I started over and used data validation now instead of the
drop boxes and now it's working just fine. It looks a bit less
professional in my opinion, but it will have to do. It has been
distributed. I'm a financial analyst in the first place and I couldn't
keep spending time in cosmetics. I think somehow something in my
original sheet got messed up and the code SHOULD be working fine, but
it just isn't. Maybe for a learning proces I'll post it. This is the
most simple form, asking to keep the logo visible. I would have to add
a few more to keep the drop boxes. Again, thanks for your efforts. Best
of luck. I will still be checking out your comments though. I hate it
when things don't work the way I want them too and I might distribute
an update later It's the line "For Each oPic..." that seems to block
things.

Private Sub Worksheet_Calculate()
Dim oPic As Picture
Me.Pictures.Visible = False
ActiveSheet.Shapes("Picture 7").Visible = True
With Range("F3")
For Each oPic In Me.Pictures
If oPic.Name = .Text Then
oPic.Visible = True
oPic.Top = .Top
oPic.Left = .Left
Exit For
End If
Next oPic
End With
End Sub

 

[Guest]

Hi Cutter is it possible to do this the other way around and have the
pictures themselves be in the drop down? I have many parts to choose from and
a person in the field probably won't know what the part number is but they
will be able to look at the part. It would be great if they were able to pick
it out from a list of pictures and then have the part number displayed in a
cell next to it.

Sorry to jump in like this but I haven't been able to get any response on
whether or not this is possible and whom to talk to. ANY help would be much
appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cutter]

Jono

I doubt that it's possible. I've never heard of it being done (or eve
heard of anyone asking for it until now). But you'd have to hear fro
the VBA experts for a definite answer.

Cutte