What can I do if I can't see or edit a cell because a control or object covers it? - Excel

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What can I do if I can't see or edit a cell because a control or object covers it?

Applies to: Microsoft Office Excel 2007

Symptom

Form controls, ActiveX controls, and other controls or objects obscure cells, which makes it difficult to see or edit the values in those cells.

Cause

Microsoft Office Excel always places controls and objects on the drawing canvas (drawing canvas: An area on which you can draw multiple shapes. Because the shapes are contained within the drawing canvas, they can be moved and resized as a unit.), which is a hidden layer that exists above the cell grid on the worksheet.

Resolution

You can do the following:

Move the control or object to a different location, either temporarily or permanently.
For more information, see Group, copy, move, or align controls on a worksheet.
To maintain the current location of an object or control, you can see and edit the contents of the cell by doing the following:
1. Make sure that the formula bar (formula bar: A bar at the top of the Excel window that you use to enter or edit values or formulas in cells or charts. Displays the constant value or formula stored in the active cell.) is visible.
  Display the formula bar
  On the View tab, in the Show/Hide group, select Formula Bar.
2. In the Name box (Name box: Box at left end of the formula bar that identifies the selected cell, chart item, or drawing object. To name a cell or range, type the name in the Name box and press ENTER. To move to and select a named cell, click its name in the Name box.), enter the cell reference.
3. Edit the contents of the cell in the formula bar.