Activex frame hides option buttons - Xl 2007

Hi,

In design mode I've added an Activex frame and a couple of option buttons. I've ordered the frame object and sent it to the back, and for good measure ordered the option buttons by bringing them to the front. In design mode everything appears normal.

However once I close design mode the option buttons become invisible. It's as if the frame needs to be transparent but I can't seem to find any combination of properties for any of the objects that keep the option buttons visible.

I can make the frame invisible, and the option buttons show, but of course then we lose the frame caption.

Any ideas? Usual TIA.

Hello Richard,

These controls are on a worksheet, correct? I don't have 2007 so I am not sure ActiveX components have changed in that version. I know that previous versions of Excel only allow a Forms GroupBox for controls, which basically is transparent. Did you embed the Frame control using code?

Thanks Leith,

Yes that's correct. They are on the worksheet. 2007 allows both Forms controls and also Activex controls. I've added these directly from the Ribbon Developer Activex toolbox since of course there is greater flexibility with their properties.

Interestingly the Forms controls toolbox contains all the objects I'd expect, including the Frame. However the Activex toolbox doesn't immediately show the frame object. You have to go to the More Controls choice and select the Microsoft Forms 2.0 Frame. Not sure whether that is of any import.

Thanks for the response.

The behavour is the same as that in xl2003. The frame control appears above the option buttons when not in design mode.

I think this is related to the fact that on a userform the option buttons would need to be contained within the frame to appear in front. And you can not do that on the worksheet.

Unlike the forms control you can specify the GroupName of the option buttons so the frame is not required for the purpose of grouping option buttons.
You could use a label control or 2 to give the illustion of a captioned frame if required.

As I have discovered you cannot place an ActiveX frame on a worksheet and then click and drag, say an options button into it. As stated, it will disappear when you close out of design mode. SOLUTION: Draw a frame by selecting the More Controls icon in lower left corner of the ActiveX controls in the top menu. Select Microsoft Frame 2.0. Draw frame. Be in Design Mode, Then select the Frame, when you see the handles, right click on the frame. On the pop-up select Frame Object then Edit. When you click Edit, you see all the Active X control. Now select one and put in your frame. This is the proper way to add controls to an ActiveX Microsoft Frame. Hope this helps?