How to Fix Excel Cannot Set Alternative Text for Shapes in Charts
Question details
Users are unable to apply alternative text to shapes placed inside Excel charts due to a bug introduced in a recent Microsoft 365 update.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to add accessibility metadata (alternative text) to shapes embedded within charts manually or programmatically via VBA/VSTO add-ins.
- Observed behavior
- The feature to set alternative text for shapes located inside a chart fails or is unresponsive.
Check your current Excel version and build number (specifically around version 2010, build 13328.20292) to confirm if you are affected by this update-related bug.
Set Alternative Text Outside the Chart
Since the bug only affects shapes embedded directly inside the chart object, you can bypass it by placing the shape on the worksheet first.
This is the most straightforward manual workaround. By keeping the shape outside the chart's structural grouping, Excel retains the ability to modify its alternative text metadata.
Go to the Insert tab and add your desired shape onto an empty cell area next to your chart, rather than clicking inside the chart first.
Right-click the newly inserted shape, select 'Edit Alt Text' from the context menu, and enter your descriptive text.
Once the alternative text is saved, drag the shape over your chart to achieve the desired visual layout.
Revert to a Previous Office Version
If your VBA scripts or VSTO add-ins rely heavily on this feature, rolling back to an earlier Excel build will restore programmatic functionality.
Create and Edit Charts Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid disruptive update-related bugs by switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight, and completely free alternative with high compatibility for all your spreadsheet and charting needs.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx file. All chart and shape formatting will be preserved.
- 3. Add Shapes to Charts: Easily insert shapes into your charts and right-click to add alternative text without encountering the Excel bug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I edit alt text for shapes in my Excel charts?
A recent Microsoft 365 update (identified around version 2010, build 13328.20292) introduced a bug that temporarily disabled the ability to apply or edit alternative text for shapes embedded directly inside charts.
Does this issue affect Excel VBA and VSTO add-ins?
Yes, the bug affects both manual edits and programmatic adjustments. VBA scripts and VSTO add-ins attempting to set chart metadata or shape alternative text will fail in the affected builds.
When will Microsoft fix this Excel chart shape bug?
Microsoft's development team is currently investigating the issue based on user feedback. Until a patch is delivered via standard Office Updates, users are advised to use workarounds like placing shapes outside the chart or rolling back their Office version.
