Formatting a Chart

You can format or change any chart object ”such as titles, legends, gridlines, data labels, data tables, and text annotations ”to enhance the appearance of the chart and increase its overall effectiveness. A chart title identifies its purpose and axis titles identify the plotted data. Titles can be multiple lines and formatted like other worksheet text.

Format a Chart Object

Double-click the chart element you want to format.

Click the tab that corresponds to the type of change you want to make.

Select the formatting options you want to change or apply.

Click OK.

Change Chart Options

Select a chart you want to change.

Click the Chart menu, and then click Chart Options.

Click the chart option tab (Titles, Axes, Gridlines, Legend, Data Labels, or Data Table) you want to change.

Enter information, and then select the options you want.

Click OK.

Did You Know?

You can add a text annotation . A text annotation is separate text. Select the chart, type the annotation text, and then press Enter. You can drag the text box to a new location.