How to Print a Graph in Excel

Printing a graph in Excel can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the program. However, with a few simple steps, you can easily print out your graph in no time. Excel offers a variety of options when it comes to printing, which can make it confusing to figure out exactly how to get your graph onto paper. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the steps you need to follow in order to print your graph and any tips to get the best results possible.

Step 1: Open your Excel graph

The first step in printing your Excel graph is, of course, to open it up. Make sure that your graph is created and formatted exactly as you want it to appear on paper. You don’t want to waste ink and paper by printing out a graph that you will need to throw away.

Step 2: Click on “File” and then “Print”

In order to print your graph, you need to navigate to the Print settings. Click on the “File” tab at the top of the Excel window, and then click “Print” on the left-hand side of the screen. Once you have clicked “Print,” a settings menu will appear.

Step 3: Choose the appropriate printer

If your printer is connected to your computer and turned on, it should be detected when you click on “Print.” If more than one printer is available, make sure to select the appropriate one. Otherwise, you may end up printing your document on the wrong printer.

Step 4: Select the paper size and orientation

Before you print your Excel graph, you will want to make sure that you have selected the correct paper size and orientation. Depending on your graph and printer, you may be able to print your graph on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. Alternatively, you may need a larger or smaller sheet of paper. Additionally, make sure to select “Portrait” or “Landscape” orientation to match your graph layout.

Step 5: Set the print area

By default, Excel will print the entire sheet when you hit the print button. If you only want to print your graph, you will need to set the print area. To do this, click on the “Page Setup” button in the print settings menu, and then click on the “Print Area” tab. Select the area of your graph that you want to print by either manually entering the cell range or dragging over the graph. Once you have selected the print area, click “OK” to save the changes.

Step 6: Adjust the print settings

There are a few additional print settings you may want to adjust before printing your Excel graph. For example, you may want to change the print quality to reduce ink usage or adjust the margins to prevent cut-off text or images. It’s a good idea to preview the print to see how the graph will look on paper before you hit “Print.”

Step 7: Print your graph

Once you have adjusted your print settings to your liking, you’re ready to print your Excel graph. Click the “Print” button at the bottom of the print settings menu to send your document to the printer. Depending on your printer and the complexity of your graph, it may take a few minutes for the print job to complete.

Conclusion:

Now you have learned how to print a graph in Excel! Follow these simple steps the next time you need to print a graph, and you’ll have a tangible, hard copy in no time.

Additional Tips for Printing a Graph in Excel

Now that you know how to print a graph in Excel, here are a few additional tips to help you get the best results.

Tip 1: Optimize the graph for printing

Before you print your graph, make sure it is optimized for printing. This means using appropriate font sizes, color contrasts, and borders, as well as minimizing excessive gridlines, data markers, or titles. You want your graph to be easy to read and understand without wasting ink and paper. Take the time to refine your graph and make sure it looks great on paper before you hit the print button.

Tip 2: Use the right type of printer and paper

The type of printer and paper you use can significantly impact the quality of your printed graph. If possible, choose a high-quality printer with good resolution and color accuracy, and use paper that is specifically designed for graphs and charts, such as semi-gloss or matte paper. Avoid using regular printer paper as it may not hold up well to colored graphs.

Tip 3: Preview before printing

Before you print your graph, make sure to preview it first. This will give you an idea of how your graph will look on paper and help you catch any issues that may require further tweaking, such as cut-off text or images. Previewing the print can help you avoid wasting ink and paper by catching any issues before you print.

Tip 4: Print to PDF

If you want to share your graph electronically, it’s a good idea to print it to a PDF instead of printing it on paper. This will allow you to retain the quality and formatting of your graph without needing to print it out. You can then share the PDF with others via email or other file-sharing platforms, allowing them to view and print the graph on their own.

Final Thoughts

Printing a graph in Excel doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily print out a great-looking graph in no time. Remember to take the time to optimize your graph for printing, choose the right printer and paper, and preview before printing to get the best results possible.

FAQs for Printing a Graph in Excel

Here are some commonly asked questions related to printing graphs in Excel, along with helpful answers:

Can I print just a section of my Excel graph?

Yes, you can print just a section of your graph. When you go to print, choose the “Print Area” option and select the part of the graph you want to print. This will ensure that only the selected area is printed while the rest of the sheet remains unprinted.

Can I print my Excel graph in color?

Yes, you can print your Excel graph in color, but it depends on your printer’s capabilities. If your printer can print color, make sure to select the appropriate settings in Excel when you go to print. Keep in mind that printing in color can use up a lot of ink, so make sure to optimize your graph for printing and consider using high-quality ink and paper.

How can I make sure my Excel graph prints on one page?

If you want your Excel graph to print on one page, you need to adjust the scaling. When you go to print, choose the “Page Setup” option and then select “Fit to” under the “Scaling” section. Enter the number of pages you want to shrink your graph down to (e.g., 1 page wide by 1 page tall), and Excel will automatically adjust the size to fit on one page. Keep in mind that this may make your graph too small to read, so you may need to adjust the font size and other formatting.

Can I print my Excel graph with a title?

Yes, you can print your Excel graph with a title. When you create the graph, make sure to add a title by clicking on the “Chart Titles” button and selecting “Above Chart.” You can then enter your title in the text box that appears. When you go to print, make sure to select the “Print Titles” option under the “Page Setup” menu and choose the row or column that contains your title. This will ensure that your title appears on the printed copy.

Why is my Excel graph not printing correctly?

There could be several reasons why your Excel graph is not printing correctly. Make sure your printer is connected and turned on, and that you have the right printer selected. Check your print settings, and ensure that you have the appropriate paper size and orientation selected. Also, make sure that your graph is optimized for printing and that you have selected the correct print area. Finally, preview your print before you hit the print button to avoid any unforeseen issues.