Creating a Chart with the Ribbon

So how do you create a chart like the one shown in figure below? Easy all it takes is a couple of clicks in the ribbon. Here's how it works:

• Select the range of cells that includes the data you want to chart, including the column and row headings and any chart title. If you were using the data shown in above figure, you'd select cells A1 to B14.

  For speedier chart building, just position your cursor somewhere inside the data you want to chart. Excel then automatically selects the range of cells that it thinks you want. Of course, it never hurts to remove the possibility for error by explicitly selecting what you want to use before you get started.

• Head to the ribbon's Insert Charts section. You'll see a separate button for each type of chart (including column charts, line charts, pie charts, and so on). Click the type you want. When you choose a chart type, you get a drop-down list of subtypes (see figure below).

  The different chart types are explained in more detail later. For now, it's best to stick to some of the more easily understood choices, like Bar, Column, or Pie. Remember, the chart choices are just the starting point, as you'll still be able to configure a wide range of details that control things like the titles, colors, and overall organization of your chart.

• Click the subtype you want. Excel inserts a new embedded chart alongside your data, using the standard options (which you can fine-tune later).

The Chart Tools Ribbon Tabs

When you select a chart, Excel adds three new tabs to the ribbon under the Chart Tools heading. These tabs let you control the details of your charts, and they are:

Design
This tab lets you change the chart type and the linked data that the chart uses. It also lets you choose a chart style and layout, two ways to improve the appearance of a chart.

Layout
This tab lets you configure individual parts of the chart. You can add shapes, pictures, and text labels, and you can configure the chart's gridlines, axes, and background.

Format
This tab lets you format individual chart elements, so you can transform ordinary items into eye candy. You can adjust the font, fill, and borders uses for chart titles and shapes, among other things.

Browsing Excel Chart Gallery

Sometimes the ribbon approach is a bit awkward when you're trying to find a less commonly used chart type. In this situation, you may prefer to look at the full list of chart types and subtypes. To do so, head to the ribbon's Insert Charts section, and then click the dialog launcher (the square-with-an-arrow icon in the bottom-right corner). You see the Insert Chart dialog box (see figure below).

The Insert Chart dialog box doesn't just let you create charts. You can also designate the default chart type (the one that's used if you select some cells, and then press F11 to create a chart in a single bound). To designate a default chart, select it, and then click "Set as Default Chart". Lastly, the Insert Chart dialog box lets you use a custom chart template.