Change Chart Style In Excel

What Is Change Chart Style In Excel?

Change Chart Style in Excel is a feature that allows users to customize the appearance of their data visualization by applying different chart styles. This functionality can be found in the Design tab under the Chart Styles group. Changing chart styles provides visual variety for charts and graphs, making identifying trends and patterns within our data easier.

Key Takeaways
  • Change Chart Style in Excel allows users customize the appearance of data using different chart styles.
  • There are various styles to choose from, each with unique characteristics.
  • To opt for simple styles, as they are more effective in conveying the message.
  • It is crucial to avoid overly elaborate styles, particularly in business presentations, as they can distract from the content and undermine our credibility.
  • It is essential to balance style and substance to ensure our message is clear and impactful.

How To Change Chart Style In Excel?

Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis and visualization. One of its key features is the ability to create charts that help to convey complex information clearly and concisely. However, it is important to know how to change the chart style in Excel to ensure that our data is presented most effectively.

To change the chart style in Excel,

  • Select the chart we want to modify.
  • Click the Chart Styles button in the Chart Tools tab.
  • Choose the style we want from the drop-down menu.


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Steps To Apply Different Themes Or Styles To The Chart

To enhance the visual appeal of our chart, we must apply various themes or styles. To achieve this, we must follow a few simple steps outlined below.

  1. Initially, we must select the chart we wish to modify.

  2. Upon selecting the chart, two additional tabs will appear on the ribbon, providing us with the necessary tools to customize the chart’s appearance.

  3. Upon opening the Chart Tools in Excel 2013, we are presented with two tabs: Design and Format.

    To begin customizing our chart, we must first navigate to the DESIGN tab.

  4. Here, we are presented with a plethora of design options to choose from.

  5. To further refine our chart’s appearance, we must proceed to the Chart Style section.

    Under this section, we are presented with various chart styles to choose from. The first style displayed is based on our current chart style.

    It is important to note that each chart style is not given a specific name. Rather, they are referred to as Style 1, Style 2, Style 3, and so on. By selecting the appropriate chart style, we can elevate the visual appeal of our chart and present our data more professionally and engagingly.

    Change Chart Style in Excel

Style 1 – Apply Only Grid Lines

“If we opt for the first style, it will solely exhibit gridlines in Excel for the chart. Kindly refer to the preview below for a better understanding.”

Revised: Selecting the first style will exclusively showcase gridlines in Excel for the chart. Please refer to the preview below for clearer comprehension.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 1 - Apply Only Grid Lines

Style 2 – Show Data Labels In A Vertical Way

Data labels refer to the numerical values of each column bar in a chart. If we opt for the Style 2 feature, the resulting chart will display the following style. It is important to note that data labels are crucial in effectively communicating data insights to stakeholders. Therefore, choosing the appropriate style and format for data labels is essential to ensure clarity and accuracy in data interpretation.

Style 2 - Show Data Labels In A Vertical Way

Style 3 – To Apply Shaded Column Bars

This particular style will transform the appearance of the bars from a plain and simple design to a more nuanced and shaded one. Please refer to the preview below for a visual representation of this modification.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 3 - To Apply Shaded Column Bars

Style 4 – To Apply Increased Width Of Column Bars And Shadow Of Column Bars

This particular style will effectively enhance the column bars’ width while providing each bar with its own distinct shadow.

Style 4 - To Apply Increased Width Of Column Bars And Shadow Of Column Bars

Style 5 – To Apply Grey Background

This style will implement a grey background to the designated Style 4.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 5 - To Apply Grey Background

Style 6 – To Apply Light Color To The Column Bars

This style will incorporate a palette of soft hues to the column bars.

Style 6 - To Apply Light Color To The Column Bars

Style 7 – To Apply Light Gridlines

This particular style will implement delicate grid lines onto the chart.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 7 - To Apply Light Gridlines

Style 8 – To Apply Rectangular Gridlines

This particular style will implement a gridline with a rectangular box shape accompanied by shading.

Style 8 - To Apply Rectangular Gridlines

Style 9 – To Apply Black Background

This style will implement a deep, rich black hue as the background color.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 9 - To Apply Black Background

Style 10 – To Apply Smoky Bottom To The Column Bars

This particular style will render the bottom of each column bar with a smoky effect.

Style 10 - To Apply Smoky Bottom To The Column Bars

Style 11 – Apply Only Borders To The Column Bars

“This particular style will exclusively apply to the outer borders of the column bars.”

Revised: This style will only affect the outer borders of the column bars.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 11 - Apply Only Borders To The Column Bars

Style 12 – Similar To Style 1

This particular style resembles the previously mentioned Style 1.

Style 12 - Similar To Style 1

Style 13 – To Apply Classy Style Type 1

The chart’s aesthetic appeal will be enhanced by implementing this particular style, as exemplified below.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 13 - To Apply Classy Style Type 1

Style 14 – To Apply Classy Style Type 2

By implementing this particular style, the chart’s aesthetic appeal will be enhanced, as demonstrated below.

Style 14 - To Apply Classy Style Type 2

Style 15 – To Apply Increased Bar Without Gridlines

This style will eliminate gridlines while increasing the width of the column bars.

Change Chart Style in Excel - Style 15 - To Apply Increased Bar Without Gridlines

Style 16 – To Apply Intense Effect To The Column Bars

This style will effectively apply the Intense Effect to the column bars. It is a highly recommended approach for enhancing the visual appeal of our data presentation. Utilizing this style can effectively highlight the key data points and make them stand out. This will make our presentation more engaging and help our audience better understand the information being conveyed.

Style 16 - To Apply Intense Effect To The Column Bars

Important Things To Note

  • Change Chart Style in Excel can choose from styles like Basic, Classic or Official that come pre-built with unique color schemes, font sizes, shapes etc.
  • To manually create their custom style tailored specifically to the presentation’s theme or audience preference.
  • The change chart style feature is essential for professionals who rely on clear and concise presentations while minimizing data clutter in charts and graphs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different chart styles available in Excel?

Excel offers various chart styles that allow users to display their data in different formats. The traditional column, bar, and line charts serve standard purposes, while combo charts enable more comprehensive comparisons of multiple data points. Additionally, Excel provides scatter plots for analyzing correlation and bubble charts for visually juxtaposing three variables against one another.

2. What is the shortcut for changing chart style in MS Excel?

The shortcut for changing chart styles in MS Excel is a simple and efficient way to modify the appearance of our data visualizations quickly. By selecting the chart, a user can press the Alt key and then press J, C, and S in sequence. This will open up a dialog box showcasing various built-in chart styles that can be applied instantly with just one click.

3. Are there any additional tips or tricks for effectively using different chart styles in Excel?

One tip for creating effective charts is to choose a chart type that best represents our data – for example, a pie chart may work well for showing percentages. In contrast, a bar or line chart can be useful for comparing different values over time or across categories. It’s also important to keep our audience in mind – avoid cluttering our chart with unnecessary information and make sure labels and titles are clear and legible.

Download Template

This article must help understand the Excel Change Chart Style formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.

This has been a guide to Change Chart Style in Excel. We discuss steps to apply themes or styles to charts with visual representation & downloadable template. You can learn more from the following articles –

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