How to place a colored rectangle BEHIND some data cells?

[Guest]

I have various cells in use but I want a graduated colored background behind
all of them. If I use a colored rectangle, it covers them. Can I move the
rectangle to the back, so it only shows where no data cells are in use?

 

[Guest]

Don't think that's possible since it floats above the cells.

Perhaps an alternative way to get the visual that you're after (in xl2003):
Select and copy the cell(s). Hold down Shift key, click Edit > paste
picture link. This creates a linked picture object that can be formatted with
graduated fills. Right click on the linked picture object > Format picture >
Colors and Lines tab. Under Fill > Colors droplist, click Fill Effects, and
select to taste.

 

[Guest]

Greg

Could conditional Formatting be enough? There is no graduated fills but you
can use colours and patterns.

To format C3:E7, select the range Choose >Format>Conditional Format>. For
condition 1 choose Cell Formula is: and type =NOT(ISBLANK(C3)) in the dialog
box which fills used cells with the format you choose.

You can add a second condition to format blank cells in the range with:
=ISBLANK(C3)

Regards
Peter