Aligning multiple objects on a graph in Excel 2016

Question

I use data and graphs in every part of my work. We often add multiple tags (text box with an arrow to a certain point on the plot) onto the graph for the purpose of client explanation. I'm quite particular about the alignment of of these tags and in Excel 2013 have always been able to select multiple text boxes and arrows to 'align right' for example, or select multiple arrows to 'align bottom'. Unfortunately in 2016, I'm not even able to select multiple items let alone align them precisely. Is this a bug, a permanent change, or is there a function that has to be performed to allow this? This is a must have option for a professional look in our presentations. Please tell me I don't have to go back to 2016 to be able to continue presenting my work in a professional manner to our clients. It can't look like a third grader created our data presentation. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello Me. I have Excel 2016. I created a chart and inserted four shapes, not text boxes. I was able to select all four using the Shift key. I also tested and Align did work for me. I moved the arrows around and Align right also worked.

One screenshot attached. Feel free to upload your file to OneDrive and I'll take a look at it. No confidential or sensitive information, please.

Answer 2

Hi Me Lissa,

Are you still experiencing the problem? If so, would you please provide the problematic file and the reproduce video to us?

Regards,

Tisky

Answer 3

Hi Me Lissa,

Thanks for your detailed description.

To confirm if the problem is related to the compatibility issue, you may provide the problematic file to us via Private Message so we can test it in our environment. Meanwhile, it will be appreciate if you can record a reproduce video so we can confirm in which steps does the problem happen.

At the same time, you can try recreating a new file in Office 2016 to check if the problem is gone.

Regards,

Tisky

Answer 4

Yes, I've checked it. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one in my office using 2016 and we all have the same issue. When I looked at Chris' response, I thought perhaps, I was just missing a step.

I'm afraid that it has to do with a compatibility issue as my files were created in an earlier version and macro enabled. I think I'll have to re-create the entire macro in the 2106 version and try it there. When I created a new (non macro) file with a graph in 2016 excel, there is no problem with selecting, aligning, and grouping multiple objects on top of a graph.

Does this additional information help to bring anything else to mind? I really appreciate, your time and help. 

Thank you so much,

Me Lissa

Answer 5

Hi Me Lissa Lansford,

Have you checked Chris' reply?

Regards,

Tisky