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Excel - Changing Data in Excel by Dragging Points in a Chart - Episode 648

556 views · Published 26 March 2009 · 2:03 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2009 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Changing Data in Excel by Dragging Points in a Chart. Unfortunately, this feature was removed starting in Excel 2007.

Welcome back to the MrExcel netcast! In today's episode, we have a question from Steve about creating a graphical way for users to change numbers in a budget worksheet. This is a common issue faced by many Excel users, and I'm excited to share two different methods to solve this problem with you. 

In this first method, we'll be using a feature that was available in Excel 2003 but was unfortunately removed in Excel 2007. However, it's still a powerful tool that can make data entry much easier for your users. When you click on a column in the chart, all of the columns are selected. But with a second single click, you can select just one column and use the up and down arrow to change the numbers in that column. This means that your users can simply click and drag the columns to adjust the numbers, without having to manually type them in. 

While this method is efficient and user-friendly, it does require some training to ensure that users understand the process. They need to know that the first click doesn't count and it's the second click that puts the column in edit mode. Additionally, accidental clicks on the chart can cause issues, so it's important to be cautious when using this method. This may be why Microsoft removed it from Excel 2007. 

But don't worry, there's another solution that we'll be exploring in tomorrow's episode. We'll be using ActiveX scroll bars to create a more controlled and secure way for users to change numbers in the budget worksheet. So make sure to tune in tomorrow for another netcast from MrExcel. Thanks for watching and I'll see you soon!"

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Steve asks if he can build an Excel worksheet where people can change numbers by dragging a graphical element. Episode 648 shows you how you can use a chart in previous versions of Excel to solve this problem.

This blog is the video podcast companion to the book, Learn Excel from MrExcel. Download a new two minute video every workday to learn one of the 277 tips from the book!

Table of Contents:
(00:00) Change Data by Dragging Points in Chart
(00:32) Amazing functionality in Excel 2003 
(00:42) Selecting specific columns in the chart 
(01:17) Explanation of why this feature was removed in Excel 2007 
(01:43) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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