Changing Chart Style in Excel: Easy Steps to Customize Your Data Visualizations

Charts and graphs are powerful tools for presenting data in a visually appealing and easily digestible format. Microsoft Excel provides various options to customize chart styles, helping you improve the visual data representation in your spreadsheets. In this guide, we will walk you through the easy steps to customize charts in Excel, enhancing your data visualization and making your charts more engaging and informative.

Why Customize Chart Styles in Excel?

Customizing chart styles in Excel allows you to:

• Enhance readability: Properly formatted charts are easier to interpret and help your audience focus on key insights.
• Improve aesthetics: By changing the chart design, you can make your data stand out with visually appealing color schemes and styles.
• Tailor to your needs: Customization ensures that the chart style matches the purpose of your data analysis or presentation.
• Make data more engaging: Infographics and customized charts are more likely to grab attention and keep your audience engaged.

How to Customize Chart Styles in Excel

With Excel’s powerful chart formatting options, you can easily tailor your charts to suit your needs. Here are the easy steps for chart customization:

Step 1: Create a Chart

Before customizing your chart style, you first need to create a chart in Excel. Follow these steps:

1. Select the data you want to represent in the chart.
2. Click on the Insert tab in the Excel ribbon.
3. Choose the type of chart you want to create, such as a bar chart, line chart, or pie chart.

Once your chart is created, you can proceed to customize the style to suit your preferences.

Step 2: Choose a Chart Style

Excel provides several built-in chart styles that you can apply with a single click. To change the chart style:

1. Select the chart you’ve created.
2. Go to the Chart Design tab.
3. Click on Change Chart Style and choose from a range of predefined styles.

Step 3: Modify Chart Formatting

Excel offers various formatting options that allow you to personalize the appearance of your chart. Here are some ways you can modify your chart’s design:

• Change colors: Adjust the color scheme of your chart to match your presentation or personal style by selecting a different color palette from the Chart Styles section.
• Change chart type: If the initial chart type doesn’t suit your data, you can switch to a different chart type (e.g., from a line chart to a bar chart).
• Add data labels: Adding data labels helps display the exact values on your chart, making the data easier to interpret.
• Modify axes: Customize the x- and y-axes to suit the scale of your data by adjusting the axis titles, font size, and number formats.
• Gridlines and backgrounds: You can add or remove gridlines and adjust the background color for a cleaner or more vibrant design.

Step 4: Customize Titles and Legends

Adding meaningful titles and legends enhances the clarity of your chart. To customize:

• Chart Title: Click on the chart title to edit it. Make sure the title is descriptive and relevant to the data being presented.
• Legend: You can adjust the position of the legend or remove it entirely if you feel it’s unnecessary.
• Data Labels: Display specific values or percentages directly on your chart for a more precise presentation.

Advanced Excel Tips for Customizing Chart Styles

For those who want to take chart customization to the next level, here are some advanced Excel tips for even more refined chart design:

• Conditional Formatting: Apply conditional formatting to your data series to highlight certain data points based on conditions (e.g., color-coding values above or below a threshold).
• Custom Shapes: Instead of using standard chart shapes, you can import custom shapes and icons to make your chart even more unique.
• Use of Transparent Backgrounds: Make your charts stand out by removing the background color, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the overall design of your spreadsheet or presentation.
• Adding Trendlines: Adding a trendline to your chart helps visualize the overall pattern or direction in your data, making it easier for your audience to spot trends.

Common Chart Design Mistakes to Avoid

While customizing your charts, it’s easy to get carried away with colors and effects. Here are some common chart design mistakes to avoid:

• Too Many Colors: Using too many colors can make your chart look cluttered and confusing. Stick to a few colors that complement each other.
• Overuse of 3D Effects: While 3D charts may seem appealing, they can often distort the data and make it harder to read.
• Unreadable Labels: Ensure your chart labels are large enough to be readable and placed in a way that doesn’t clutter the chart.
• Lack of Titles: Always add a chart title and axis labels to give context to your data.

FAQs About Customizing Charts in Excel

1. How do I change the chart type in Excel?

To change the chart type, click on the chart to select it. Then, go to the Chart Design tab and click on Change Chart Type. From there, choose a different chart type such as line, bar, or pie.

2. Can I add images or logos to my Excel charts?

Yes! You can insert images or logos into your chart by selecting the chart and clicking Insert in the ribbon. Then, choose Pictures to add your desired image.

3. How can I highlight a specific data series in my chart?

To highlight a data series, click on the data series you want to emphasize, then change its color or add a border. You can also increase its size or apply a different style for better visibility.

4. Can I customize chart styles for different Excel versions?

Yes, chart customization options are available in both newer and older versions of Excel. However, the exact steps and available features might differ slightly. It’s always best to explore the options in your specific version of Excel.

5. How do I remove gridlines from a chart?

To remove gridlines, click on the chart to select it. Then, go to the Chart Elements button (the plus icon) and uncheck the Gridlines option.

Conclusion

Customizing chart styles in Excel is a great way to make your data more compelling and easier to understand. With the easy steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your chart design and make your data visualizations more engaging. Whether you’re creating infographics for presentations or analyzing trends in your data, customizing your charts will help you communicate your insights more effectively. Use these Excel tips to take your data visualization to the next level!