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Changing Chart Type

Summary: Excel allows you to add two distinct types of charts to your workbooks: embedded or chart sheets. You can switch between the two by following the steps outlined in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

When you create a chart in Excel, the chart can be either embedded as an object within an worksheet, or you can add the chart as its own worksheet. Each type of chart has its advantages, and at some time you might want to change a particular chart from one type to the other. In order to do this, follow these steps if you are using a version of Excel prior to Excel 2007:

  1. Select the chart you want to change. If working with a chart object, then you should see a series of handles around the perimeter of the chart. If working with a chart sheet, the chart sheet should be displayed.
  2. Choose the Location option from the Chart menu. Excel displays the Chart Location dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
  3. Choose whether you want the chart displayed as a sheet or as an object.
  4. If you choose that you want the chart displayed as an object, use the drop-down list to select the worksheet on which the chart object should appear.
  5. Click on OK.

If you are using Excel 2007, then follow these steps:

  1. Select the chart you want to change. If working with a chart object, then you should see a series of handles around the perimeter of the chart. If working with a chart sheet, the chart sheet should be displayed.
  2. Make sure the Design tab of the ruler is displayed. (This tab is only visible if you've selected the chart, in step 1.)
  3. Click the Move Chart option, in the Location group, at the right side of the ruler. Excel displays the Move Chart dialog box. (This looks very much like the Chart Location dialog box in earlier versions of Excel.)
  4. Choose whether you want the chart displayed as a sheet or as an object.
  5. If you choose that you want the chart displayed as an object, use the drop-down list to select the worksheet on which the chart object should appear.
  6. Click on OK.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3030) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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