Format the Background and Size the Chart for Printing

There are two background areas in a chart that you can format with colors and patterns: the entire chart area, and the plot area, which is contained within the axes. When formatting the chart area, you can also change the font for the entire chart. Double-click the chart area to display the available formatting options. Then specify the changes you want on the Patterns and Font tabs. To format the plot area, double-click it and then select options on the Patterns tab.

Resize the plot area   When you have moved the legend, or added a title or a text box, resizing the plot area can help make all the chart items fit together well. Select the plot area, and then drag until it’s the size you want. Apply fancy backgrounds   Double-click the chart area or plot area to display available formatting options. On the Patterns tab, click the Fills button. The Fill Effects dialog box offers many possibilities, including gradient fills, textures, patterns, and even pictures. Control an inserted chart’s position on a worksheet   You can control whether the chart is moved, sized, or both when worksheet cell widths and heights change. Change this setting by double-clicking the chart area and then clicking the Properties tab in the Format Chart Area dialog box.