Modify the Chart

After you add a chart, you sometimes need to modify it. For example, you might change the chart type from pie to column, make the text larger, or use different colors.

To modify a chart, double-click it to start Microsoft Excel. If the chart is inserted into a worksheet, the Chart menu and toolbar become available when you click the chart. To resume work in your document or presentation, click anywhere outside the inserted chart.

Give the chart a new look, automatically   The easiest way to change the look of a chart is to apply a built-in custom chart type. Doing so changes the chart’s formatting but does not affect its data. After clicking the chart, click Chart Type (Chart menu), and on the Custom Types tab, select the look you want. Create your own formats and use them for other charts   After manually formatting a chart, save your custom formatting and apply it to other charts. You can even use pictures for data markers. For more information, see Customize the Look of a Chart. Animate a chart   In PowerPoint, you can animate charts so that individual elements are added one at a time with each mouse click, or automatically at predetermined intervals. Click the chart to select it, click Custom Animation (Slide Show menu), and on the Chart Effects tab, select the animation options you want.

Office Assistant button

Want to know more?   Look up Getting Results - Add Chart in Help.