Behavior of text in cells.....

[Lenny]

Normally, when entering text into a cell in a worksheet, the text will flow
into the adjoining cell (to the right) and continue until it runs into a
non-empty cell.

I have created a form whereby I have merged cells in order to create the
necessary layout. There is a large area (block) in the form where the cells
are (unprotected) so the user can insert a graphic or reformat text sizes as
necessary.

The problem... when text is entered into one of the merged cells in the
unprotected area of the form, the text is disappearing and not flowing to the
right. It seems to be stopping at one of the merged cells. When I do this
in an area of the worksheet beyond the form boundaries, the text works
normally. I have checked the cell attributes and can find nothing different
in the settings within the form compared to cell settings beyond the form....
does anyone have any ideas where to look to correct this problem?

I read in one of the excel forums that like Word, Excel has a graphic layer,
however, in Word, you can insert a graphic and change the attributes (in
front of text, behind text, etc) to control the graphic. Also - when the
table is locked, so is the graphic. Excel graphics work differently. Even
though there is a dropdown that allows you to change the position of the
graphic (thru layers)... it doesn't affect the graphic. Even when the cell
containing the graphic and worksheet is locked, the user can click on the
graphic and move or delete it. Is there ANY WAY this can be changed?

Knowledge is always appreciated.... Lenny

 

[Gord Dibben]

Merged cells cause no end of problems.

You have just run into one of them. Text does flow into the unused cells
as it would normally.

I know of no fix other than unmerging cells.

Second problem..............

Cells do not "contain" graphics.

Objects float over the cells, not within.

But you can lock the object on a protected sheet.

With sheet unprotected select the object/graphic and
Format>Protection>Checkmark "Locked"

Now protect the sheet.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP