How to Change Chart Style in Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet software that is widely used for data analysis, visualization and reporting. When creating visual representations of data in Excel, charts are incredibly useful. Charts provide a clear and concise way to present information visually, allowing you to quickly and easily convey complex information in a way that is easy to understand. However, it’s not always easy to find the right chart style for your data. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into how to change chart styles in Excel, to help you create the perfect charts for your needs.

Step 1: Select the Chart

The first step in changing the style of your chart in Excel is to select the chart you wish to modify. Simply click on the chart to select it. When the chart is selected, you will see a border around the entire chart. If you want to change the style of a specific element of your chart, such as the legend or the chart title, click on that specific element instead.

Step 2: Click the Chart Style Button

Once you have selected your chart, you will see a “Chart Styles” button on the “Chart Design” tab of the Excel ribbon. Click on this button to open a menu of style options for your chart.

Step 3: Choose a Chart Style

The menu that opens when you click the “Chart Styles” button will show you a range of chart styles to choose from. You can browse through these options using the arrows on either side of the menu to see all of the available styles. To select a chart style, simply click on the one you want.

Step 4: Customize the Chart Style

Excel provides a range of customization options that allow you to fine-tune the chart style to your liking. These options will vary depending on the chart style you have selected, but some common customization options include adjusting the color scheme, adding or removing chart elements, and modifying the font and formatting of the chart title and axis labels. To access these customization options, click the “Format Chart Area” button that appears below the “Chart Styles” menu.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Once you have finished customizing your chart style, be sure to save your changes. To do this, simply click the “Save” button in the top left corner of the Excel window. You can also save your chart as a separate file by clicking “Save As” and selecting a file format such as PDF or JPG.

Using Chart Templates to Save Time

If you frequently use the same chart styles in Excel, it can be time-consuming to customize each chart individually. Luckily, Excel provides an easy way to save time by using chart templates. To create a chart template, simply select the chart that you have customized to your liking and click the “Save as Template” button on the “Chart Design” tab of the Excel ribbon. You can then give your chart template a name and save it for future use. To apply your chart template to a new chart, simply select the chart and click the “Change Chart Type” button on the “Chart Design” tab. From there, choose the “Templates” option and select your saved chart template from the list of available options.

Exploring Advanced Chart Styles

While the chart styles that come preloaded in Excel are great for basic data presentations, sometimes you need something a bit more advanced. Excel provides a range of advanced chart styles and options that allow you to create customized visual presentations of your data. Some of these advanced chart types include scatter charts, bubble charts, and stacked area charts. To access these advanced chart types, click the “Change Chart Type” button on the “Chart Design” tab of the Excel ribbon and browse through the available options. You can also explore more advanced chart styles by clicking on the “All Charts” tab on the “Insert Chart” window.

Tips for Choosing the Right Chart Style

When selecting a chart style in Excel, it’s important to choose the right style for your data. Some tips for choosing the right chart style include:

• Bar charts: Great for comparing values by category, such as sales by region or product.
• Pie charts: Useful for showing parts of a whole, such as the percentage of budget spent on different categories.
• Line charts: Ideal for showcasing trends over time, such as revenue growth over the course of a year.
• Scatter charts: Perfect for visualizing two sets of data and identifying any correlations between them.
• Bubble charts: Similar to scatter charts, but with the ability to add a third data dimension in the form of the size of the bubbles, making them ideal for showing relationships between three sets of data.

By following these tips and utilizing the chart style options available in Excel, you can create effective and visually appealing data presentations that help you communicate your message clearly and effectively.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing chart styles in Excel:

Can I change the chart style for just one element of my chart?

Yes, you can. Select the specific element of the chart that you want to modify and then follow the same steps to customize its style.

How do I change the color of my chart?

To change the color of your chart, click the “Chart Styles” button on the “Chart Design” tab of the Excel ribbon, then click on “Colors” and select a color scheme from the options provided. You can also create your own custom color scheme by clicking on the “Customize Colors” option.

Can I modify the font and formatting of the chart title?

Yes, you can. Select the chart title and click the “Format Chart Title” button that appears below the “Chart Styles” menu. You can then customize the font, size, and formatting of the chart title to your liking.

What is a chart template, and how do I use it?

A chart template is a pre-configured chart style that you can save for future use. To create a chart template, customize a chart to your liking, then click the “Save as Template” button on the “Chart Design” tab of the Excel ribbon. To use a chart template, click the “Change Chart Type” button, select “Templates” and then choose the chart template you wish to use from the list of available options.

What is the difference between a bar chart and a column chart?

Both bar charts and column charts are used to compare values across categories, but they differ in their orientation. Bar charts are typically used for horizontal comparisons, while column charts are used for vertical comparisons.