Microsoft Knowledge Base

XL: Cannot Create Wallpaper Effect in Chart Sheet
Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q107536
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SUMMARY

In the verisons of Microsoft Excel listed above,it is not possible to create a "wallpaper" effect by sending a picture or other object to the back of a chart if the chart is on a chart sheet.

However, you can simulate this "wallpaper" effect if you are using an embedded chart in a worksheet or a Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheet.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel versions 5.0 and 7.0, you can insert pictures and other objects directly in a chart window. However, you cannot send a picture to the back of a chart so that the columns, lines, and other chart series are in front of this picture.

If you select a picture or other object and choose Placement from the Format menu, you can choose Bring To Front or Send To Back. Choosing these options only changes the object's placement with respect to other objects. Chart elements such as series, attached text, and legends will always remain behind the object.

You can simulate a "wallpaper" effect if you embed your chart on a worksheet or Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheet. To do this:

  1. Embed your chart on a worksheet by either creating the chart using the ChartWizard or by copying a chart and pasting it into the worksheet.

  2. Select the embedded chart by clicking it once.

  3. From the Format menu, choose Object.

  4. Select the Patterns tab.

  5. In the Fill box, select the "None" option.

  6. Choose OK to accept the change.

The chart should now be mostly transparent. If you position a picture or other object on top of the chart, you can send the picture to the back by choosing Placement, and then choosing Send To Back from the Format menu. You can also change the formatting of other parts of the chart (such as the plot area) if you want more of the "wallpaper" to show through.

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Additional reference words: 5.00 7.00 graph



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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
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