Disabling Text Boxes in Microsoft Excel 2016 Chart Hover Effects
The latest update to Microsoft Excel 2016 introduced several improvements to chart functionality and user interface. One such addition is the hover text displayed when the cursor moves over different areas of a chart, labeling them as 'Plot Area', 'Chart Area', among others. However, users often find these text boxes to be intrusive. This article will guide you through disabling these hover text boxes to improve the user experience in your Excel charts.
What Are These Text Boxes?
When you move your mouse over a chart in Excel 2016, you might notice a small text box that appears, displaying information about the area your cursor is currently hovering over. For example, the text might read 'Plot Area' when you are near the main data plot, or 'Chart Area' if you hover near the border of the chart. While these hover text boxes can be helpful, they can also be a distraction, especially in professional or visually focused presentations.
How to Turn Off the Hover Text Boxes
Disabling these hover text boxes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to customize the settings in Excel 2016:
Open Microsoft Excel 2016. Navigate to the File menu and select Options. In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the Advanced category. Scroll down to the Chart section on the left side of the dialog box. Under the 'Chart' section, you will find a checkbox labeled: Show chart element name on hover. Uncheck the Show chart element name on hover option to disable the hover text boxes. Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box. Close Excel and reopen it to ensure the new settings are applied.Additional Customization Options
The Advanced options in Excel also offer a range of other customizations. For example, you can disable other elements that may appear when the cursor hovers over a chart, such as trendline labels or data table information. Here’s how you can do it:
Reopen the File menu and select Options. In the Excel Options dialog box, click on the Advanced category again. Scroll down to the left pane and look for the Chart section. Uncheck the Show trendline label and Show data table as labels options, if you prefer not to see these elements. Save the changes and close the dialog box.Conclusion
Disabling the hover text boxes in Excel 2016 is a useful trick for maximizing the chart's readability and focus. By removing these distracting elements, you can enhance the presentation of your data, making it easier for your audience to interpret and focus on the chart's core content. Whether you're creating a professional business report, a classroom presentation, or a personal project, this tweak can significantly improve the visual clarity and user experience of your charts.