thanks for taking the time to reply. when i add an activeX control to a worksheet, such as a commandbutton, or image control and check the properties, the 'controltip text' property is not available. If i add the same command button or image control to a userform, i see the controltip text property. i guess tool tips are only meant for use on user forms and not worksheets, which is a petty!

i was hoping someone else figured a way to do this for controls or shapes on a worksheet.