XL98: Sample Macro to Remove User Name from Comment

ID: Q184098

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

By default, the text of a cell comment contains the user name in the first line of the comment. There is no built-in feature that automatically prevents the user name from being inserted in the comment text. However, you can use a Visual Basic for Applications macro to insert a blank comment. This article contains a macro example that inserts a blank comment in the active cell.

NOTE: The user name that is displayed in the comment is the same name that appears in the User Name box when you click Preferences on the Tools menu, and then click the General tab.


MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft Support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about the support options available from Microsoft, please see the following page on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/

Preventing the User Name from Appearing in a Comment

To prevent the user name from appearing in a comment, use a Visual Basic for Applications macro to create the comment. To insert an empty comment in the active cell, follow these steps:

  1. Start the Visual Basic Editor (press OPTION+F11) and type the following macro code in a new module (click Module on the Insert menu):


    2. 
Sub New_Comment()

    ActiveCell.AddComment ""
    ActiveCell.Comment.Visible = True

End Sub
  2. Select a cell in a worksheet.


  3. Run the New_Comment macro.

    Microsoft Excel inserts a new comment, without the user name, for the active cell.


  4. Click in the text area of the comment, and then type the text of the comment.


Inserting a Blank Comment with a Gradient Fill

The following example macro inserts an empty comment for the active cell. This comment is formatted with a gradient fill pattern and uses a different AutoShape and an italic bold font face.
  1. Type the following code in a module:


    2. 
Sub Fancy_Comment()

    ActiveCell.AddComment ""
    'Create the comment.
    ActiveCell.Comment.Visible = True
    ActiveCell.Comment.Shape.Select

    With Selection
       .ShapeRange.AutoShapeType = _       ' Set the AutoShape.
           msoShapeExplosion2

       .ShapeRange.Fill.PresetGradient _   ' Set background color.
           msoGradientHorizontal, 1, _
           msoGradientHorizon

       .Font.Name = "Arial"                ' Set the font.
       .Font.FontStyle = "Bold Italic"
    End With

End Sub
  2. Select a cell in a worksheet.


  3. Run the Fancy_Comment macro.

    Microsoft Excel inserts a new comment, without the user name, for the active cell.


  4. Click the text area of the comment, and then type the text of the comment.


Displaying the Comment When the Pointer Is Over the Cell

After you run either of the macros in this article, the comment remains visible. You can display the comment only when you move the pointer over the red triangle in the top-right corner of the cell with the comment. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Hold down the CONTROL key and click the cell with the comment.


  2. Click Hide Comment on the shortcut menu that appears.



REFERENCES

For more information about cell comments, click Contents And Index on the Help menu (or on the Balloon Help menu if you are using a version of the Macintosh operating system earlier than 8.0), click the Index button in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text 


   comments, overview
and then click Show Topics. Select the "About adding comments and highlighting changes in a workbook" topic, and click Go To. If you are unable to find the information you need, ask the Office Assistant.

Additional query words: XL98 note 


Keywords          : kbprg kbdta kbdtacode xlui xlvbahowto OffVBA xlmac 
Version           : MACINTOSH:98
Platform          : MACINTOSH 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: June 11, 1999