Cannot Hide a Graphic Object by Hiding Rows/Columns in Excel

 Last reviewed: April 17, 1996
Article ID: Q73363
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, you can prevent the contents of rows and/or columns from displaying or printing by setting the row/column height/width to 0 (zero). However, if the hidden rows/columns contain graphic objects such as rectangles, lines, and so on, a dark line will appear in place of the object.

CAUSE

If the graphic object is visible on the screen before hiding the rows/columns, the border or pattern for the object will appear as a dark line after hiding the rows/columns. This happens with all graphic objects except the circle (oval).

WORKAROUNDS

To prevent this line from displaying, do the following:

Microsoft Excel version 5.0

To Hide ALL Objects In The Workbook: 

   1. From the Tools menu, choose Options.

   2. Select the View tab. Under Objects, select the Hide All option, and
      choose OK.
To Hide Only The Selected Object: 

   1. Select the object(s).

   2. From the Format menu, choose Object.

   3. Select the Patterns tab. Under Border, select the None option. Under
      Fill, select the None option, and choose OK.

Microsoft Excel versions 3.0 and 4.0

To Hide ALL Objects On The Worksheet: 

   1. From the options menu, choose Display.

   2. Under Objects, select the Hide All option, and choose OK.
To Hide Only The Selected Object: 

   1. Select the object(s).

   2. From the Format menu, choose Patterns.

   3. Under Border (or Line for Lines) select None. Under Fill, select
      Automatic or None, and choose OK.
NOTE: The workaround to hide only the selected object applies to all graphic objects except buttons. You cannot remove the border from a button. To prevent a button from printing its border and fill pattern, delete the button or set a print area that does not contain the button.

REFERENCES

"User's Guide 1," version 4.0, page 492

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 3.0, page 501

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Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 4.00 4.0 5.00 text box macro arc chart
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Last reviewed: April 17, 1996
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