Conditional Graphics in Excel

>>>Or maybe it's a big circle that changes color depending on what data are in cell A1.

You can create a shape and place it on top of that cell and then in worksheet change event check the value of that cell and then change color of the shape via code.

Sid

Here is an example. In the file attached, if you enter 1 in Cell E10 then the border color of the shape will be black. If it is 2 then it will turn to red.

Sid

Code Used

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
    If Not Intersect(Target, Range("E10")) Is Nothing Then
        Shapes("Oval 3").Select
        Select Case Range("E10").Value
        Case 1 '<~~ If cell value is 2 then color Black
            Selection.ShapeRange.Line.ForeColor.SchemeColor = 64
        Case 2 '<~~ If cell value is 2 then color Red
            Selection.ShapeRange.Line.ForeColor.SchemeColor = 10
        End Select
        Range("E10").Select
    End If
End Sub

Select allOpen in new window

Shapes-Example.xls

It sounds a little to me like you are doing Conditional Formatting using icons? If so, I would use the built-in features.
If you want to display different pictures based on the value of a cell, you can also do that without code using linked pictures but it's a little more involved than CF. I can demonstrate that if you would like.

Regards,
Rory

Linked pictures...could you point me to an explanation or example?  I've not heard of linked pictures.

I tried conditional formatting but could not find a way to control the size, shape, and color of the icons.  Is there a way to to that?

Have a look here for linked picture samples: http://www.mcgimpsey.com/excel/lookuppics.html

With icon sets you get them as they are - i.e. you can change which of the available ones is displayed, but not alter the properties of each.

RolandGarton: Is there a specific reason why you ignored my post? It does what you asked in your question? If not, then please let me know so that I can do the necessary changes...

Sid

Perhaps he is merely exploring alternatives - the question is not closed after all. ;)

Right...just interested in alternative approaches if any.  Sid, your solution is a partial solution.  It answers my second alternative but not the first in which shape changes from square to circle.

Yes but the OP can at least acknowledge my post and then look for options. ;-)

Sid

Fair enough Roland.

Sid

>>>>but not the first in which shape changes from square to circle.

Do you want the code for that? I can do that as well...

Sid

I hereby acknowledge all posts and seek absolution for any breach of netiquette.  Also for making fun of my little brother when growing up, but that's outside the scope of this discussion.

Yes, I'd be interested in seeing code that allow for different shapes as well as different colors of the same shape.  I'd also be interested in any solutions that don't involve VBA, but it appears that Excel has no built-in features for changing shape properties based on cell values.

Using the McGimpsey approach you can return any picture you like based on the cell value. No VBA required - all you have to do is create the initial shapes.

Thanks, SiddharthRout, that will help with my application.

Rorya - The McGimpsey approach specifically says VBA is required, and shows VBA as part of the solution.

I had forgotten that - it's wrong though. You can do it with no VBA at all using named ranges.

Rorya, can you describe how to accomplish the McGimpsey results using named ranges instead of VBA?

See example attached. The picture is linked to a named range that uses a formula to look up the correct range to link to.
Linked-picture-demo.xls

Rory, This is a beauty. Thanks for sharing.

No problem - always happy to be of use. :)

Yes, indeed, nifty & elegant.  Lots to learn in this little example.