Microsoft KB Archive/212240

= XL2000: Unable to Rotate AutoShapes While in Edit Mode =

Article ID: 212240

Article Last Modified on 9/25/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q212240





SYMPTOMS
When you try to maneuver or position an AutoShape object, the following items on the Drawing toolbar may be unavailable (dimmed):
 * The Free Rotate button.
 * The Rotate or Flip submenu on the Draw menu.
 * The Nudge submenu on the Draw menu.



CAUSE
If you are working with an AutoShape object and you are in Edit mode (cursor is blinking within the object), these items are not available.



RESOLUTION
To be able to change the orientation of an AutoShape, you must not be in Edit mode, but the object still must be selected. Note that if the cursor is blinking within an AutoShape, you are in Edit mode. To be able to select an AutoShape object without going into Edit mode, follow these steps:
 * 1) If you are currently in Edit mode, click any cell within the worksheet.
 * 2) Place the mouse pointer on the border of the object, and click once to select the object.

The Free Rotate button and the commands on the Rotate or Flip and Nudge submenus on the Draw menu will now be available.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.



MORE INFORMATION
When you rotate or flip an AutoShape object that already contains text, the text will not rotate or flip with the object. Also, some objects that you import into Excel cannot be rotated or flipped. This is because they were not created within Excel. You also cannot rotate or flip bitmaps that are pasted into your worksheet.

