Change Graph Colors, Lines, and Markers

Column Graph Pie Graph Line Graph

All Graphs 

Change the Plot Area color:

a.  place your mouse pointer on the  background area behind columns on the graph so a small sign that says Plot Area appears - double click - Plot Area window opens

b.  under Area click None for best visibility or choose a color

c.  click OK

Column Graph

To change to black patterns to print on a non-color printer, or for making black and white copies:

  1. Double click the column

  2. Click Fill Effects button

  3. Click the Pattern tab

  4. Foreground should be black

  5. Background should be white

  6. Click a pattern - select a simple pattern that will not use much ink, but is different from the other columns in the chart

  7. OK

  8. OK

  9. Repeat steps 1-8 for each column

  10. Double click Plot Area

  11. On the right side under Area, click None

  12. Click OK  

Pie Graph 
(click, click, double click)

To change to black patterns to print on a non-color printer, or for making black and white copies:

  1. Click the pie slice (click)

  2. Click the pie slice again (click)

  3. Double click the pie slice (double click)

  4. Click Fill Effects button

  5. Click the Pattern tab

  6. Foreground should be black

  7. Background should be white

  8. Click a pattern - select a simple pattern that will not use much ink, but is different from the other columns in the chart

  9. OK

  10. OK  

Line Graph  

To change the line

  1. Double click the line

  2. Click “Custom”

  3. Drop down to change color

  4. Drop down to change width  

To change the “marker”

  1. Double click the marker

  2. Drop down to change size/shape

  3. Foreground and Background should be the same color  

Return to Teacher Help Pages or Student Resource Pages

Last updated June 23, 2011 ~ Mrs. K. Bradley
kbradley@otsegoknights.org