How to Change Legend Name in Excel

If you are working with Excel charts, you might have noticed that each chart has a legend that displays the name of the data series. Sometimes, this legend name may not correctly describe the data included in the chart, or you may need to change it for a better understanding of the chart. Changing legend names in Excel is a simple task that can be done in a few simple steps, and in this blog post, we will show you how to do it.

Step 1: Open the Excel Spreadsheet

To change the legend name, you need to open the Excel spreadsheet that contains the chart with the legend you want to change. Once you have opened it, locate the chart where you would like to change the legend name.

Step 2: Select the Chart

To change the legend name, you need to select the chart where you want to change the legend name. Click on the chart with the legend. This should highlight the chart and open additional tabs on Excel’s ribbon.

Step 3: Click on the Legend Name

Once you have selected the chart, you should click on the legend name that you want to change. This will enable you to edit the name. For example, if the legend name is ‘Sales’, you might want to change it to ‘Monthly Sales’ or any other relevant name that describes the data series.

Step 4: Edit the Legend Name

After clicking on the legend name, you can edit it to anything you want. You can add or remove words or even change it entirely. Ensure that the new name conveys the right information. After editing the legend name, press “Enter” or click anywhere outside the chart to save the changes.

Step 5: Save the Workbook

After changing the legend name, it is vital to save the workbook to retain the changes made. To save the workbook, locate the save button on the top left-hand corner next to the Microsoft Office button and click on it.

Tips for Changing Legend Names in Excel

Use Descriptive Names

When changing legend names, ensure that the names are descriptive and provide relevant information about the chart. A descriptive name helps the end-user to understand the chart data better and makes it easier to interpret the information.

Keep Legend Names Short

Legends are most helpful when they are short and to the point. Avoid making the legend name too long such that the text overlaps or takes too much space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the legend name to one to four words.

Proofread the Legend Names

Always proofread the legend name before saving the workbook and ensure that it spells correctly and communicates the right information. A small spelling error can cause confusion and make the chart data misleading.

How to Change Legend Name in Excel Using Excel Online

If you don’t have access to a desktop version of Excel, you can change the legend name in Excel online. To do this using Excel Online, open your Excel sheet and click on the chart you want to edit. You should see the ‘Chart Tools’ header at the top of your screen. Select the ‘Design’ tab and click anywhere on the legend name. Edit the name and click anywhere outside of the chart to save it.

How to Change Legend Name in Excel Pivot Chart

Pivot charts are a powerful tool for analyzing large sets of data in Excel. However, sometimes, the legend name may not accurately represent the data in the pivot chart and require changing. To change legend names in Excel Pivot charts, click on the chart, then click the ‘PivotChart Field List’ button. Locate the name of the series or category you want to edit, click it, and then type in the new name you want. Press ‘Enter’ or click anywhere outside the chart to save the changes.

How to Change Multiple Legend Names in Excel Chart at Once

If you have a chart with multiple legend names, you don’t have to change them one by one. You can change multiple legend names in Excel chart at once by holding down the ‘Ctrl’ key on your keyboard and clicking on each of the legend names you want to edit. Change one name, and all the others will update automatically, saving you time and effort.

Conclusion

Changing legend names in Excel is an essential skill for anyone working with charts. By using the simple steps outlined in this article, you can customize the legend names in your charts to best convey the data series’ information. Be sure to keep your legend names short and descriptive, proofread for any mistakes, and always save the workbook after making changes. Plus, if you don’t have access to Excel, you can use Excel Online to make these changes, and if you have multiple legend names, you can change them at once for efficiency. With these tips in hand, you are well on your way to creating more informative and customized charts in Excel.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you with changing legend names in Excel:

Can I change the legend name even after I have created the chart?

Yes, you can change the legend name even after you have created the chart. Click on the chart, then select the legend name you want to change. Once you have selected it, edit the name as desired, then click anywhere outside the chart to save the changes.

Can I change the font size of the legend name?

Yes, you can change the font size of the legend name. Click on the chart, then click the ‘Chart Elements’ or ‘Chart Styles’ button, then select the ‘Legend’ option. You can then set the font size of the legend name and customize other font properties.

How can I change the order of the legend names?

To change the order of the legend names, click on the chart, then click the ‘Chart Elements’ or ‘Chart Styles’ button. Select ‘Legend,’ then click ‘More Options.’ From the options, select either ‘Ascending’ or ‘Descending’ to sort the legend names.

Why is changing legend names important in Excel?

Changing legend names in Excel is essential as it helps users understand the information in the chart better. A descriptive legend name can make it easier for a user to interpret the data and make an informed decision based on the chart’s information.

Can I change the color of the legend name?

Yes, you can change the color of the legend name. Click on the chart, then click ‘Chart Elements’ or ‘Chart Styles.’ Select ‘Legend’ and then ‘More Options.’ From the options, select ‘Font’ and choose the color you want.