Using Excel for Charting


Using Excel for charting is very similar to using Excel for printing. Instead of clicking Print with Excel from the task pane in Datasheet view in a library or list, simply click Chart with Excel. When the new spreadsheet is created, the Chart Wizard will open to assist you with creating the graph. Typically you won't be able to print the graph you want without some sorting, and it is easier to select the columns to graph before you open the wizard.

For instance, to create a meaningful graph from the example shown in Figure 14.1 of the tasks exported from the tasks list, follow these steps:

1.

View the list in Datasheet view and click the Task Pane button in the toolbar above the content of the list, or you can click the right-hand border of the content area to reveal the task pane.

2.

Click Chart with Excel. If the Opening Query window appears, click Open, which indicates you trust the source of the file.

3.

The Chart Wizard Step 1 of 4 Chart Type window opens up.

4.

Select the Custom Types tab. Select Cones from the chart types. Click Next.

5.

Select the column letter that contains the information you would like to use for the X axis (in this case, Column C, the Assigned To column, will be used). Then, while holding the Ctrl key down after selecting the first column, select the column that will contain the data for the Y axis (in this case, column G, the % complete column). Click Next.

6.

Click Finish, and you should see a chart appear that looks like Figure 14.2. Some formatting may be needed for the text to fit within the confines of the chart. This gives a compelling and useful picture of who has completed their tasks and who hasn't!

Figure 14.2. Cone graph in Excel of list data.




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    ISBN: 672327236
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    Year: 2004
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