Microsoft KB Archive/68506

Excel: Can Paste Only Bitmap/Metafile Pictures PSS ID Number: Q68506 Article last modified on 04-27-1993 PSS database name: W_eXceL

3.00

WINDOWS

Summary:

Microsoft Excel is only capable of pasting in pictures from the standard Windows bitmap and metafile formats; other picture formats will not paste. For example, .TIF (Tagged Image Format), .HGL (HP Graphic Language), and .PCX (PC Paintbrush) files copied from Word for Windows will not directly paste into Microsoft Excel.

However, Paintbrush can be used as an intermediary to convert the pictures into Windows bitmap format, allowing a paste into Microsoft Excel.

More Information:

To move a picture in another Windows application to Microsoft Excel via Paintbrush:


 * 1) Start the source application. Arrange its window so that the entire picture is on the screen.
 * 2) Press ALT+PRINT SCREEN. This will copy the entire program window onto the Clipboard in Windows bitmap format.
 * 3) Start Paintbrush and maximize it.
 * 4) From the Edit menu, choose Paste. A picture of the program window from the source application, including the desired picture, should appear on screen.
 * 5) Using the rectangle selection tool (right tool in the top row of the Paintbrush tool box), select the area to copy into Microsoft Excel.
 * 6) From the Edit menu, choose Copy.
 * 7) The desired picture is now on the clipboard, and can be pasted into Microsoft Excel normally.

Reference(s):

“Microsoft Excel User’s Guide.” Page 524. “Importing Graphics from Another Application.”

“Microsoft Excel User’s Guide.” Pages 487-490. “Creating and Formatting Picture Charts.”

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.