When you create a chart with Excel, you typically use the Chart Wizard to create the basic chart, and then make changes to prepare the final chart exactly as you want it. One of the things that Excel allows you to control is the pattern used to fill the graphic representation of a data series.
Normally, series are presented as appropriate for the type of chart you are creating, and then filled with varying colors. For most charts this may be more than adequate. However, you may want to change the pattern used in a data series, instead of using the solid color used by default. To do this, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Patterns tab of the Format Data Series dialog box.
Figure 2. The Pattern tab of the Fill Effects dialog box.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3022) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
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