News and Notes

Gradient Fills in a Chart

I like gradient fills in charts, and you can get some very attractive effects this way. But, this chart makes gradient fills even more useful and readable. Excel Chart with Gradient Fill

Notice that the colour gradients all use the same scale, here the green section is at the 250,000 mark.
Note that the gridlines show through the data bars, making it easier to read.

These gradient fills are made from a picture. Try using your drawing toolbar and drawing a rectangle that is the same size and shape as the largest data point. Format the shape using a gradient fill, and set the transparency to the desired level (this example is set to about 20%). Copy the rectangle and then select the data series and paste the rectangle onto the series. After pasting, go to the Format Data Series, Fill Effects, Picture and change the option to Stack. This ensures that all data points will use the same gradient scale.

Try this technique using different shapes. In this example, stacked circles replace the standard boring bars!
Excel Chart sample - stacked Circles

Shapes can also be used to show what is being charted

Shapes are great for improving the visibility of charts in presentations.

News and Notes

Gradient Fills in a Chart

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