I can't add a formula linked to an Excel 2007 workbook cell to shapes in my SmartArt graphic

Symptoms

You are not able to add a formula linked to a Microsoft Office Excel 2007 workbook cell value, such as =A1+2, to a shape in your SmartArt graphic.

As an example, you might want to add a linked formula to shapes in your SmartArt graphic to provide up to date information, such as current sales figures, the number of employees in various departments in your organization, or the number of work items open, resolved, or fixed.

Resolution

While it is not possible for a SmartArt graphic to contain a linked formula, you can convert your SmartArt graphic to individual shapes and then add the formula to the individual shape or shapes.

1. Create your SmartArt graphic, if you have not already done so.

2. Select all of the shapes in your SmartArt graphic.

   To select all of the shapes, click a shape, and then press CTRL+A.

3. On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click Copy.

4. To convert your SmartArt graphic to individual shapes, click a different area in your document, and then on the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click Paste.

5. Add the formula that you want to the individual shapes.

   For more information about creating a linked formula in Microsoft Office Excel 2007, see Create or delete a formula. When you create your formula you need to enter it in the formula bar.

Note: When you convert your SmartArt graphic to individual shapes, you lose the design and formatting tools available on the SmartArt Tools tabs, including the Layouts, Change Colors, and SmartArt Styles galleries. However, you can format the shapes by using the options on the Drawing Tools tab instead.