--Want your shapes to really "pop" off the page? Add a drop shadow to them, as described in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

--One helpful drawing tool you can use to format your drawings is known as the Shadow Style tool. Using this tool you can add a drop shadow behind an object. Adding drop shadows can help add more depth to your graphics, making them look like they are raised off the surface of the Excel worksheet.

--To apply a drop shadow to an object in Excel 2007, start by selecting the object. The Format tab of the ribbon should be visible. In the Shape Styles group, click the Shape Effects tool. Excel displays a drop-down list from which you should select Shadow. The resulting options indicate the different types of drop shadows you can apply to the shape. You can also modify the shadow, once placed, by choosing the Shadow Settings option.

--If you are using an older version of Excel the steps to apply a drop shadow are a bit different. Select the object then click on the Shadow Style tool. (It is very close to the right end of the Drawing toolbar.) Excel displays a number of different shadow types and positions. You can also modify the shadow, once placed, by choosing the Shadow Settings option.