5 Charting Hacks to Help You Work Faster

Here are my top 5 charting hacks that have saved me a ton of time. They are incredibly simple and equally powerful!

 

1. Create a Chart in a Single Key Stroke

So if you have some data for which you want to make a chart

Do this

1. Select the data
2. Press Alt + F1
3. Chart is Ready

 

2. Change the default Chart Type

As of now each time you select the data and press ALT + F1 a standard column chart is made but what if you wanted to make some line charts instead. No worries change the default chart type to a line chart.

1. Right click on any pre-made chart
2. Go to Change Chart Type
3. Click on Line (or any other chart type that you want to set it as default)
4. In the sub category right click (on any chart) and set it as default
5. This will save you a ton of time if you only want to create line charts over and over again 😉

 

3. Adding more Data to your Charts

What if you wanted to add cost along with sales in your chart

Here is a damn simple way. (I bet, you’ll fall in love with me)

1. Select the Data (along with Header)
2. Press Ctrl + C to copy
3. Select the Chart and Press Ctrl + V
4. Make sure to turn on the legends, they don’t come by their own 😉

 

4. Format Any Chart Element by Pressing Ctrl + 1

1. Select any element of the chart (grid-lines, data series, legends etc)
2. Press Ctrl + 1 to open up the formatting box

 

5. Format Any Chart Quickly

Assume that you have 2 Charts. First one is already formatted and the second one needs the same formatting as the first one. How would you format that?

1. Select and Copy the formatted Chart (press Ctrl + C)
2. Select the second (un-formatted) chart and press ALT E S
3. In the paste special box, choose Formats and click on OK
4. Boom, all formatting copied in a jiffy!

 

What are your best charting hacks?

Let me know by leaving a comment!