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Checking for autoshape text produces text

Problem: You check an autoshape to see if it contains text using code like:

If .TextFrame.TextRange = "" Then
Or
If .TextFrame.TextRange.Text = ""

you'll find that PowerPoint has, in effect, added text (albeit a null string) to your shape. That is, when you select it, it'll behave like a text box - it'll show the hashed or dotted outline rather than a plain set of selection handles.

There may or may not be any bad side effects from this, but it can confuse/annoy users when the shape doesn't behave the way they expect it to and the way it normally does in PowerPoint.

Instead, use:

If .TextFrame.HasText Then

to test for text. This won't make the shape behave oddly.


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Checking for autoshape text produces text
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00180_Checking_for_autoshape_text_produces_text.htm
Last update 07 June, 2011
Created: