Dynamically display the contents of a cell or range in a graphic object

To display the contents of a worksheet cell in a shape, text box, or chart element, link the shape, text box, or chart element to the cell that contains the data you want to display. By using the Camera command, you can also display the contents of a cell range by linking the cell range to a picture.

Because the cell or cell range is linked to the graphic object, any changes you make to the data in that cell or cell range automatically appear in the graphic object.

Dynamically display cell contents in a shape or text box on a worksheet

1. If your worksheet doesn't have a shape or text box, add one:

   • To add a shape, on the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, select Shapes, and then choose the shape that you want to use.

     

   • To add a text box, on the Insert tab, in the Text group, select Text Box, and then drag to draw the text box in the size that you want.

     

2. On the worksheet, select the shape or text box to which you want to link the cell contents.

3. In the formula bar, type an equal sign (⁠=⁠).

4. Select the worksheet cell that contains the data or text that you want to link to.

   Tip

   You can also type the reference to the worksheet cell. Include the sheet name, followed by an exclamation point; for example, =Sheet1!F2.

5. Press ENTER.
   The contents of the cell appear in the shape or text box that you selected.

Dynamically display cell contents in a title, label, or text box on a chart

1. On a chart, select the title, label, or text box that you want to link to a worksheet cell. To select it from a list of chart elements, follow these steps:

   • Select a chart.
     This action displays the Chart Tools, adding the Chart Design and Format tabs.

   • On the Chart Design tab, in the Charts Layouts group, select Add Chart Element. Then, select the chart element that you want to use.

     

2. In the formula bar, type an equal sign (=).

3. In the worksheet, select the cell that contains the data or text that you want to display in the title, label, or text box on the chart.

   Tip

   You can also type the reference to the worksheet cell. Include the sheet name, followed by an exclamation point, for example, Sheet1!F2.

4. Press ENTER.
   The contents of the cell appear in the title, label, or text box that you selected.

Dynamically display cell range contents in a picture

1. If you didn't already, add Camera to the Quick Access Toolbar.

   1. Click the arrow next to the toolbar, and then click More Commands.
   2. Under Choose commands from, select All Commands.
   3. In the list, select Camera, click Add, and then click OK.

2. Select the range of cells.

3. On the Quick Access Toolbar, click Camera.

4. Click a location on a worksheet or chart where you want the picture of the cell range inserted.
   The contents of the cell range display in the picture.

5. To format the picture or do other operations, right-click the picture and choose a command.
   For example, you might want to click the Format Picture command to change the border or make the background transparent.

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