Excel 2003: How to nudge a chart element or shape on a chart?

[Ted M H]

I'm looking to determine whether or not it's possible to nudge a selected
chart object or a shape or text box that's been added to a chart. When I add
a text box or other shape to a worksheet I select it and then use the arrow
keys to nudge it around. In Charts, however, the arrow keys are used for
selection rather than moving.

So the question is: Is there a way to nudge chart objects for precise
placement on the chart?

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

I don't think so. As you point out cursor keys move between elements
rather than re-position them.

Other than using the mouse the only way would be via code. Creating a
user form to allow you to select the shape to move and buttons to adjust
the position.

Cheers
Andy

 

[Ted M H]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the response. I was afraid this was the case, but didn't want to
leave the assumption untested.

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi Ted,

Actually you can. With the text box selected

1. Display the Drawing toolbar - View, Toolbars, Drawing
2. Choose the command Draw, Nudge and pick one of the directions

To make the process easier, when you choose Draw, Nudge note that there is a
gray bar at the top of the submenu, put your mouse over that gray bar and
drag the Nudge toolbar away from the Draw menu. This way you can float the
Nudge toolbar and quickly and easily use it.

 

[Ted M H]

Hi Shane,

Thanks so much for the reply. I checked out your suggestion and it works
great on text boxes and shapes. Interestingly, it doesn't work for actual
chart object such as titles, data labels, and legends. So I guess what this
means is that if you want precise control over chart objects you should
consider using shapes and text boxes rather than chart objects--Unless you
want to get into VBA coding as Andy suggested.

Appreciate the help. Thanks

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi Ted,

What it really means is Microsoft needs to rework the way we handle moving
(and sizing) chart objects.

And yes it is often preferable to use text boxes for chart titles - not only
can you move them using the Nudge toolbar buttons, you can size them,
something you can't do with chart titles without hoky workarounds.