Version 9 introduced an embedded icon library and XL3PictureLink, which together make the creation of icon-led navigation and filtering simple.
XL3PictureLink provides the same parameterised navigation capabilities which the XL3Link() formula has done for years, but with an added visual aspect. Users can choose from one of the thousands of icons provided, in any colour, or choose a custom image as required.
The images can then be used as an intuitive way for users to navigate to another sheet within the report, while passing a dynamic parameter to ensure the data is in-context. Alternately, where there are a small number of selection choices they can be used as visually appealing slicers.
Insert PictureLink is available from the Insert Formula tab on the XLCubed ribbon.
Click the drop-down and search for an appropriate image from the picture library – you can also specify the colour by clicking the Colour drop-down.
You then select the required image, and enter the destination cell location in the “Link to” box – this is the location where the user will be taken when they click on the image (can be the same sheet or a different sheet in the report).
You can also parameterise the image – “Value” is the content which will be inserted into the cell specified in “Range to Set” (can be text or a cell reference).
To edit a Picturelink once it has been inserted, hold down Shift and then click the image.
Note that PictureLinks do not need to pass parameters – they can used as a simple link to another location:
Lastly, on web reports XL3PictureLink can also be used instead of the standard ‘Submit’ toolbar button.
There is more information on that here.