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HELP! All options in Draw tab in Excel 2016 are greyed out - can't ink, draw, etc

Anonymous
2018-02-12T04:06:32+00:00

Hi Support,

I am completely unable to figure out how to fix my entire Draw tab and drawing feature in excel for a certain spreadsheet is completely greyed out. I've searched high and low throughout the Office Support options, youtube, and anywhere else to try and fix it. I've repaired excel, quick and regular versions, changed page layout to normal, and am super frustrated. I need help! This is a very important spreadsheet, and cannot just copy and paste basic data into another workbook. With that being said, other workbooks in excel, as well as other office apps the drawing feature works fine. Any help and guidance you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2018-02-12T15:03:16+00:00

Hello Will,

If the Draw tab options are greyed out only in a specific file, and the drawing feature works fine in other files and Office apps, it is possible that the file in concern is corrupted. Try repairing the affected workbook first, and see how it goes. For instructions, see Repair a corrupted workbook. You might also need to check for and install Office updates.

Feel free to reach out if you require further assistance.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-03-22T23:33:22+00:00

    Hello Will,

    If the Draw tab options are greyed out only in a specific file, and the drawing feature works fine in other files and Office apps, it is possible that the file in concern is corrupted. Try repairing the affected workbook first, and see how it goes. For instructions, see Repair a corrupted workbook. You might also need to check for and install Office updates.

    Feel free to reach out if you require further assistance.

    I just had a similar problem where I couldn't use the draw feature on one particular sheet. The only difference was that I had frozen some columns on that sheet. After I unfroze them, I was able to use the draw tab. I can't explain it - but that fixed it.

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