Description
4.1 Simple Charts & Non-Adjacent Cells
Creating a basic visual is the first step in data storytelling.
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Simple Chart: A basic visual representation (Bar, Line, or Column) created via the Insert Tab.
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Non-Adjacent Cells: Selecting data ranges that are not next to each other using the Ctrl key (Cmd on Mac) to highlight multiple separate areas before inserting a chart.
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Data Selection: Highlighting labels (headers) along with numeric values to ensure the chart is automatically labeled.
4.2 Chart Wizard & Embedded Charts
Understanding how to generate and manipulate charts on a worksheet.
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Chart Wizard: A step-by-step legacy tool (now largely replaced by Recommended Charts) that guides users through selecting data, chart types, and titles.
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Embedded Chart: A chart that exists as an object within a worksheet rather than on its own separate sheet.
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Sizing & Moving: Using sizing handles (the small circles on the border) to scale the chart and the four-headed arrow cursor to drag it to a new location.
4.3 Customizing Display & Layout
Changing the “how” and “where” of your data presentation.
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Change Chart Type: Converting an existing chart (e.g., Column to Line) via the Chart Design tab.
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Switch Row/Column: A toggle that swaps the X-axis data with the Legend data to change the perspective of the analysis.
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Legend Placement: Moving the “key” to the Top, Bottom, Left, or Right to optimize the Plot Area space.
4.4 Advanced Formatting & Items
Polishing the chart for a professional appearance.
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Chart Elements: Adding or removing Axis Titles, Data Labels, and Gridlines.
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Plot Area vs. Chart Area: * Plot Area: The inner box where the actual data (lines/bars) is drawn.
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Chart Area: The entire background containing the plot, legend, and titles.
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Data Markers: The specific points on a line chart (dots, squares, or diamonds) that represent data values.
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Number Alignment: Rotating or formatting axis numbers (e.g., as Currency or Percentage) for better readability.
4.5 Pie Charts: Specialized Visuals
Used specifically to show “parts of a whole.”
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Pie Chart: A circular chart where each “slice” represents a percentage of the total.
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Move to New Sheet: Using the Move Chart command to place a large pie chart on its own dedicated tab for better visibility.
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Data Labels: Adding numeric values or percentages directly onto the slices so readers don’t have to guess sizes.
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Exploding a Slice: Dragging a single slice away from the center to emphasize a specific data point (e.g., highlighting the highest-selling product).
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