I have various cells in use but I want a graduated colored background behind
all of them. If I use a colored rectangle, it covers them. Can I move the
rectangle to the back, so it only shows where no data cells are in use?

Don't think that's possible since it floats above the cells.

Perhaps an alternative way to get the visual that you're after (in xl2003):
Select and copy the cell(s). Hold down Shift key, click Edit paste
picture link. This creates a linked picture object that can be formatted with
graduated fills. Right click on the linked picture object Format picture
Colors and Lines tab. Under Fill Colors droplist, click Fill Effects, and
select to taste.
--
Max
Singapore
http://savefile.com/projects/236895
xdemechanik
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"Big Greg." wrote:
I have various cells in use but I want a graduated colored background behind
all of them. If I use a colored rectangle, it covers them. Can I move the
rectangle to the back, so it only shows where no data cells are in use?

Greg

Could conditional Formatting be enough? There is no graduated fills but you
can use colours and patterns.

To format C3:E7, select the range Choose FormatConditional Format. For
condition 1 choose Cell Formula is: and type =NOT(ISBLANK(C3)) in the dialog
box which fills used cells with the format you choose.

You can add a second condition to format blank cells in the range with:
=ISBLANK(C3)

Regards
Peter



"Big Greg." wrote:

I have various cells in use but I want a graduated colored background behind
all of them. If I use a colored rectangle, it covers them. Can I move the
rectangle to the back, so it only shows where no data cells are in use?