Datasheet

Figure 1-14 shows our column chart after adding a title and specifying that the legend
should appear at the bottom of the chart (using Chart Tools➪Layout➪Legend➪Show
Legend at Bottom).
Figure 1-14: Our column chart after adding a title and moving the legend
Formatting Chart Elements
Every element in a chart can be formatted and customized in many ways. Many users are
content with charts that are created using the steps described earlier in this chapter. But
because you’re reading this book, you probably want to find out how to customize charts
for maximum impact.
Part I: Chart Basics
24
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the world’s leading Excel chart experts.
These people come from a variety of disciplines, but they all have two attributes in
common: They are creative, and they are not afraid to experiment.
Yes, dear reader, the key to mastering Excel charting is to think outside the box (as
they say) and experiment. Just because Excel doesn’t support a particular type of chart
doesn’t mean that you can’t create such a chart. This book provides plenty of chart
examples that might seem to be impossible to a typical Excel user. Yet, with a bit of
ingenuity (and a few tricks), Excel can do some amazing things.
So don’t be afraid to experiment and try some wacky things. The more you play
around with Excel, the more you discover. And most of the good stuff isn’t in the
Help system.
How to master Excel charting
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