Turning Off Insert Options

Excel includes a feature that allows you to modify how you insert rows, columns, or cells in your worksheet. When you insert any of these, Excel displays a small, floating “button” right near the inserted row, column, or cell. The button, called “Insert Options,” has a small paintbrush on it, similar to the Format Painter tool. Click the button, and Excel displays some options about how the inserted row, column, or cell should be formatted.

If you find the Insert Options button distracting, or if you never use it, you may want to turn it off. Follow these steps:

1. Display the Excel Options dialog box. (In Excel 2007 click the Office button and then click Excel Options. In Excel 2010 and later versions, display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.)
2. At the left of the dialog box click Advanced.
3. Scroll through the available options until you see the section named Cut, Copy, and Paste. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. The advanced options of the Excel Options dialog box.

4. Clear the Show Insert Options Buttons check box.
5. Click on OK.