Working with Graphics

Inserting Graphics -- Files and Clip Art

For more information on inserting graphics, click here to go to the tutorial on Microsoft Word.

Inserting Shapes and Arrows

For more information on inserting graphics, click here to go to the tutorial on Microsoft Word.

Modifying Graphics

For more information on inserting graphics, click here to go to the tutorial on Microsoft Word.

Creating Charts

Excel can create many types of charts based on your data. Charts provide a visual way of seeing trends in the data. Here's how to create a chart:

1. Select the range of cells that contain the data you want to display in the chart. If you have totals, don't include them in the selection. However, do include column and row headings, because Excel uses them in the chart.
2. Choose the Chart Wizard on the Standard Toolbar.
3. Choose the type of chart you want to create.
4. Choose the subtype of chart. (Each chart has several variations.)
5. To see what the chart will look like, click Press and Hold to View Sample.
6. Click Next.
7. Here you can change the data range and change whether the columns or the rows becomes the "series." A series is the group of related data that are plotted in a chart. If you're not sure, look at the preview of the chart to see if it appears the way you want.
8. Click Next.
9. Type the chart title.
10. If you wish, enter the type of information that will be displayed on the bottom of the chart in the X axis.
11. If you wish, enter the type of information that will be displayed on the side of the chart in the Y or Z axis.
12. Use the other tabs to format the axes, gridlines, legend, and data labels. You can choose to show a data table, which is like a mini-spreadsheet.
13. Click Next.
14. Choose if you want the chart to be on a new, separate worksheet or as an object on an existing worksheet. (Tip: You'll find it easier to print out the chart by itself if it is on a separate worksheet.)
15. Click Finish.

Once you have your chart, double-click any element in it to format that element, such as a plot area, axis, or data series. Most charts needs quite a bit of formatting to make them look good.