Selection pane doesn't list all objects

[SLARRA]

I am new to using the Selection & Visibity Pane, so I'm not sure what to expect. But... I have a few text boxes and line objects that I placed on a chart that do NOT appear in the Selection Pane, even after I click on the "Show All" button. The Pane's header says "Shapes on this Sheet", so am I wrong to expect all shapes to appear in the list? If so, how do I get those objects that are not currently listed to show up in the Selection Pane (so I can group them easily).

Note: I know how to select objects with the cursor to group them - here, I would like to use the Selection Pane instead.

Thanks!

SDL

 

[RoryA]

You can't as far as I know. Effectively you have a chart on a sheet and then the shapes are on the chart, so they don't show up as shapes on the sheet.

 

[SLARRA]

OK, I just assumed the chart was on the sheet, so objects on the chart would be listed.

Any way to get the selection pane to show the objects on a chart?

Basically, I'm trying to add some custom stuff to a chart, then group it so it's easy the select and reposition. Ultimately, I'd like those groups of objects to stay "pinned" to the chart, so that everything moves if I reposition the chart.

So... a related question is whether you have any advice for "pinning" shapes and objects to a chart.

Thanks!

SDL

 

[RoryA]

Is your chart embedded on a sheet, or on its own sheet? If the former, then the shapes should appear in the list.

 

[SLARRA]

Sorry for the delay - away from the computer for a couple days.

The chart is NOT on its own sheet - it's on the same sheet as the source data tables. Nonetheless, the selection pane seems to overlook several of those objects (text boxes, lines, shapes) that I have placed on the chart.

I can probably live with the selection pane problem, but I would appreciate any advice on how to ensure those objects are "pinned" to the chart, as I can't figure out why some seem to be afixed while others are independent. I'd like for everything on the chart to move in unison if I reposition the chart by selecting and dragging it.

Thanks!

SDL

 

[SLARRA]

OK... I think I've answered my own question with regard to "pinning" objects to the chart, and I'll share what I observed here in case anyone else looks to this thread to solve a similar problem.

The key, I've observed, is to ensure the chart is selected before adding (or pasting) objects. That is, click once in the chart area to highlight its border frame. Now, with the chart selected, add (or paste objects). Apparently, now Excel understands that those objects are part of the chart, and they will move in unison with the other chart elements if you reposition the chart.

Someone let me know if this is an erroneous conclusion!

Thanks,

SDL

 

[RoryA]

That is correct, and those shapes are the ones that will not appear in the selection pane (as they are on the chart, not the sheet).