Microsoft Excel: When Two Autoshapes Overlap, Control Which Is On Top

Problem: You need one AutoShape to partially overlap another AutoShape. By default, the newer shape will appear on top of the older shape. In Fig. 1410, the starburst was drawn first and then the rectangle was added.

Strategy: To bring a shape in front of another shape, follow these steps:

1) Select the shape to move forward.

2) From the Draw menu on the Drawing toolbar, select Order – Bring to Front, as shown in Fig. 1411.

Result: As shown in Fig. 1412, the selected shape will appear in front of all other shapes.

Additional information: You can also move it back. If there are several shapes that are overlapping, you may wish to use the Move Back or Move Forward commands. Move Back can move a shape from the front to a position between two other shapes.

Summary: To control the positioning of overlapping AutoShapes, select the shape to be moved, and then use Draw – Bring to Front or Back.

Commands Discussed: Draw – Bring to Front; Draw – Send to Back; Draw – Move Forward; Draw – Move Backward.

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