Converted SmartArt diagrams will be removed when you open a workbook in the Excel Web App.
You can’t actually link SmartArt text to a
cell, but you can create the layout in SmartArt, convert it to shapes,
and then replace the text with formulas linking the component to a cell.
This allows the text in the layout to update automatically when the
cell’s text updates.
There are two reasons why it’s important to make sure
the SmartArt is designed perfectly before converting it. First, after
you convert it, it’s no longer SmartArt and you will not have access to
the SmartArt tools to make changes. The second reason is that it is much
easier to select the correct frames when they have text in them
already.
Linking SmartArt to Cells
To link SmartArt to a cell, follow these steps:
1. | Set up the sheet as needed, including the cells with dynamic text that you will link the SmartArt components to.
|
2. | Completely design the SmartArt, including the placement of sample text.
|
3. | Select the diagram.
|
4. | Go to SmartArt Tools, Design, Reset, Convert to Shapes. This will convert the SmartArt to individual shapes.
|
5. | Go to Drawing Tools, Format, Arrange, Selection Pane. The Selection pane opens on the right side of the window.
|
6. | Many
components in SmartArt consist of layers of shapes, which are all now
visible in the Selection pane. Select one of the components called
Freeform. The corresponding shape will be selected on the sheet. If this
is not the desired shape, select another in the Selection pane until
the shape you want is highlighted. Freeform is usually the shape used to
hold text.
|
7. | After
the desired shape is selected, place your cursor in the formula bar,
type an equal sign and then the cell address of the cell you want to
link the shape to, as shown in Figure 1.
|
8. | Repeat steps 6 and 7 until all components are linked.
|
