Format and Position the Legend

The legend in a chart identifies the data series. You can add a legend while creating the chart with the Chart Wizard, or add it later by clicking Chart Options (Chart menu) and then clicking the Legend tab. You can move the legend, change its shape and size, and format individual entries and keys within it. Changing an entry’s color or pattern also changes the markers in the associated data series.

To work with the legend   double-click the legend to display the Format Legend dialog box with the available formatting options. To move or resize the legend, just drag it. Dotted lines show the shape and placement of the legend as you drag it.

Need to change an individual entry or key?   After selecting the legend, click the entry or key, and then double-click it to display the available formatting options. Position the legend automatically   Instead of dragging, you can automatically place the legend at the top, bottom, right, left, or corner of the chart. Double-click the legend to display the Format Legend dialog box. On the Placement tab, select the position you want. Because automatic positioning sets the legend to the default size and adjusts the plot area accordingly, it’s best to use this method to position the legend first and then to resize it and the plot area manually if necessary.