How to Make a Custom Shape in Excel?

You can create custom shapes in Excel using the drawing tools available on the Insert tab. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Draw a Custom Shape

Access the Shapes Menu: Go to the Insert tab on the Excel ribbon. In the Illustrations group, click on Shapes.
Choose a Drawing Tool: Under the Lines section, you'll find several options. Select the tool that best suits your needs:
- Freeform: Allows you to draw a shape with both curved and straight segments. This offers the most flexibility for complex designs.
- Scribble: Provides a more freehand drawing experience, similar to drawing with a pen.
Draw Your Shape: Click anywhere in your worksheet to begin drawing.
- Freeform: Click to set the starting point. Drag the mouse to draw straight lines. To create curved sections, click and hold down the mouse button while dragging. Release the mouse button to create a point.
- Scribble: Click and drag to draw freely.
Finish the Shape: Complete your shape using one of the following methods:
- To create an open shape: Double-click at the desired end point.
- To create a closed shape: Position the pointer near the starting point and click. The shape will automatically close.

Adjust and Edit: After creating your shape, you can adjust its size, position, and appearance. Use the formatting options on the Shape Format tab.
Edit Points: Right-click the shape and select "Edit Points" to fine-tune the shape's outline. This allows you to manipulate individual vertices of the shape.
Combine Shapes: You can combine multiple shapes to create more complex designs. Use the Merge Shapes options (Union, Combine, Fragment, Intersect, Subtract) on the Shape Format tab under "Insert Shapes" -> "Merge Shapes".

Let's say you want to create a custom arrow shape.

Insert -> Shapes -> Freeform
Draw a line, then add two shorter lines at the end to form the arrowhead.
Close the shape by clicking near the starting point.
Format the shape using the Shape Format tab to change the fill color, outline, and effects.

By following these steps, you can easily create and customize shapes in Excel to enhance your spreadsheets and presentations.