Sparklines

[BenMiller]

Probably a stupid question, but why can't I use sparklines? In the Insert tab, that section (and the Filter - Slicer) section is faded and I can't select it. (Excel 2010)

 

[pgc01]

Hi Ben

That usually happens when you are in compatibility mode. If you open an old excel file, a .xls, excel 2010 enters compatibility mode and makes these new features unavailable (assuring thus that when you save the file it can still be opened in the version of excel it was created with).

If this is the problem, you can convert the old file to a new format simply be saving it as a .xlsx (if it has no vba) or as, for ex., a .xlsm if it has vba and then you'll be able to use the sparklines.

 

[BenMiller]

It happened on brand new documents too...

 

[pgc01]

In a document where it happens check the windows caption (top center). Does it have something like

Book2 [Compatibility Mode] - Microsoft Excel

If that's the case then it's the problem I was referring to. It can happen in new documents to, if that's your default format.

Please check the windows caption in a workbook where the sparkline buttons are faded.

 

[BenMiller]

Yes!!! How do I change that?

 

[pgc01]

Hi again

This format option for the default workbooks is in

Options->Save->Save Files in this format

Change it for ex. to "Excel Macro-Enalbled Workbook (*.xlsm)" and press OK.

Exit excel and reopen it.

 

[pgc01]

P. S.

In my last post I wrote how to have the new document when you open excel in xlsm format.

Any old documents that you want to convert, open them and use "Save as" to save them in the new format.

 

[BenMiller]

This is perfect
Thanks so much

 

[pgc01]

You're welcome. Thanks for the feedback.