Unit 3: Incorporating Graphics
Presenters use graphics to clarify and convey information to their audience. Just as charts help explain complex data visually, graphics can highlight data you want readers to understand. However, be cautious about using too many visuals since they can
distract from the information you want to share.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- add shapes and graphics to a worksheet or chart;
- insert and format a hyperlink in text or on a graphic;
- identify categories of symbols; and
- create headers and footers that update automatically, such as the date, page number, and file path.
3.1: Adding Shapes, Callouts, and Clipart
When you present information to your audience, it can be helpful to add shapes, callouts, or clipart to highlight your main points. In Microsoft Excel, you can insert various shapes and clipart into your spreadsheets and charts.
Watch this video on how to insert shapes and clipart into a spreadsheet. A toolbar pops up when you add or select a picture that lets you format and edit it. The tutorial shows many of the graphics formatting and editing options available in Microsoft Excel.
3.2: Adding Pictures
Often, clipart or shapes do not convey the information you need in your spreadsheet or chart. You can also insert pictures and graphics into a Microsoft Excel file. For example, you may wish to insert your company logo into your spreadsheet.
Watch this short video on how to insert a saved picture into a spreadsheet. The picture formatting toolbar pops up when you select or add a picture to a spreadsheet.
3.3: WordArt and Symbols
We frequently need to add symbols, such as letters from other languages, in your Excel graphics. Or you may wish to use WordArt to emphasize a title or add important information to your spreadsheet or chart.
Watch this short video to learn how to use WordArt and symbols in Microsoft Excel.
3.4: Adding Hyperlinks
When sharing your spreadsheet or chart, you may want to add a hyperlink to another worksheet, workbook, or external site. For example, if your spreadsheet is for a business, you may want to link to the business' website so your audience can easily access the website.
Watch this video to learn how to add a hyperlink in Microsoft Excel.
3.5: Headers and Footers
You may want to add headers and footers to your spreadsheet to reference the title, author, or the date it was created. This is helpful for record-keeping if you are printing your spreadsheet or sharing it with other people.
Watch this video to learn how to insert headers and footers into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.