In the final post of this series, I've completed the first version of the formula trace tool by adding the following:

• The option to trace dependent cells.
• A "Step" function that allows the user to move through precedent or dependent cell references. It reactivates the tool from any precedent or dependent cell reference.
• A "Clear" function that allows the user to clear the audit arrows without closing the tool.
• A command button to activate the tool. The command button symbol is a blue arrow pointing to the right over a white background.

The first version of the tool looks like this:

The tool can be used as a regular spreadsheet file (.xls) or as an add-in (.xla). To use as a spreadsheet file, open TraceTool.xls as you would any other spreadsheet. The command button with the blue arrow should appear. Then open the spreadsheet that you want to audit. To use the tool as an addin, open TraceTool.xls and then save it as TraceTool.xla.

You can download the utility via the link below:

To activate the tool, click on the command button: