Size of Shapes changes when the Zoom level changes

[Curtis]

On my Excel 2007 files, the dimensions of autoshapes that I add change when
the zoom level is changed. I did a search for the problem and got a hit to
support.microsoft.com/kb/929996 but when I try to go to the page, it comes
up blank.

Is there a fix for this?

I am using excell 2007 on an XP machine.

 

[Don Guillett]

right click on the shape >properties>move and size

 

[Curtis]

Thanks for your replay. While that will work on an individual shape basis, I
have many shapes that have a variety of uses that doesn't make it completely
practical for.

I have VBA code that creates several shapes to fill up a named range, kind
of like a stacked column chart. In Excel 2003, the shapes all nicely fill
the range. However in 2007, the shapes either are too short, or too long for
the named range, depending on the level of zoom of the sheet. I added code
to log a table of the actual left, top, width and height of the shapes along
with the zoom level, and the actual recorded dimensions do not change with
the zoom level. It is only on the appearance and the print preview of the
sheet that shows different sizes.

Are there any ideas on how to prevent this? I can provide mroe detailed
info if required.

 

[Jon Peltier]

Because of issues like this, not just in 2007 but in all versions, some
people leave the window zoom at 100%.

- Jon

 

[Curtis]

This reply got me thinking of the solution. I save the current zoom level
for the screen in a variable, then change it to 100 while the shapes are
created. Once it's done, I reset the zoom level back to the original value.
The shapes then are placed exactly as required.

Thanks for your help

 

[Jon Peltier]

Actually, I should have mentioned that. I have two clients that insist on
other than 100% zooms. And of course there have been the predictable
problems. Many go away by changing the zoom to 100% while working with
shapes and charts, then changing back.

- Jon