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Have you ever been in a training class and thought, “I wish I knew that before” or “Is this feature brand new?”
You’re not alone. Many useful Excel features are not easy to find or use. Here are some simple Excel chart tips to help you improve your reports.
Tip 1: Stop Your Chart from Disappearing
Sometimes, charts lose their data when the source is hidden. This can happen if you manually hide rows or columns or use groups. Here’s how to stop that from happening:
1. Create a Chart:
- Highlight your data (cells A3).
- Press
ALT + F1to insert a default chart (usually a 2D Clustered Column chart).
2. Hide Data and See What Happens
- Select columns A & B.
- Right-click and choose “Hide”.
- Notice how the chart loses its data.
3. Adjust the Chart Settings:
- Click on your chart.
- Go to the ribbon and select Chart Tools – Design (tab) -> Data (group) -> Select Data.
- In the Select Data Source dialog box, click “Hidden and Empty Cells”.
- Check the box labeled “Show data in hidden rows and columns”.
Following these steps will bring your chart back to life. This setting also ensures your chart remains visible when working with filtered or grouped data.
By using these simple steps, you can make sure your charts always display the data you need, even when some data is hidden.
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Tip 2: Snap Chart to Grid
What is Snapping?
Snapping means aligning the corners of a chart or shape to the worksheet’s gridlines. Gridlines help you align and distribute objects precisely on a worksheet.
The Problem
When you move a chart or shape, you can place it anywhere, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While you have freedom, it’s hard to get pixel-perfect placement.
The Solution: Snap to Grid
Move Your Chart with Snapping:
- Click and hold anywhere on the chart (corners are usually safest).
- Begin moving the chart.
- Hold the ALT key while moving the chart. The chart will snap to the grid, moving in steps based on the column and row width.
Set Snap to Grid as Default:
- Click on the chart.
- Go to the ribbon and select Chart Tools – Format (tab) -> Arrange (group) -> Align -> Snap to Grid.
- This menu option toggles the Snap to Grid feature.
When Snap to Grid is on, objects snap to gridlines, and holding ALT allows free movement. When Snap to Grid is off, objects move freely, and holding ALT enables snapping.
Tip 3: Adding Textboxes and Shapes to Your Chart
Why Add Shapes and Textboxes?
Adding custom shapes and textboxes can make your charts more visually appealing and informative. A common issue is that if you add a shape to the worksheet and place it over the chart, it won’t move with the chart. Here is an example:
Insert Shape:
Place Shape:
Move Chart:
Here is how to fix that.
Steps to Add Shapes Inside Your Chart
Step 1: Select Your Chart:
- Click anywhere on your chart to activate it. The corners are usually safe spots.
Step 2: Insert a Shape:
- Go to the ribbon and select Insert (tab) -> Illustrations (group) -> Shapes.
- Choose a shape from the shape library.
Step 3: Draw the Shape Inside the Chart:
- Click and drag to create the shape directly inside the chart. This ensures the shape moves with the chart.
Step 4: Add a Custom Title:
- Click on the new shape inside the chart.
- In the formula bar, type =, then click on the cell with your title text (e.g., cell B3). This links the shape to the cell.
- Press Enter
Example:
=’Charts’!$B$3
Step 5: Style Your Title:
- Customize the shape with different fonts, sizes, colors, borders, and fill colors to match your chart’s design.
Download the Chart Template
Simplify your work and save time with our chart template. Just download, customize to fit your needs, and instantly improve your Excel charts. Get the complete solution now and see the difference in your reports.
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Leila Gharani
I’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses use data to improve their results. I've worked as an economist and a consultant. I spent 12 years in corporate roles across finance, operations, and IT—managing SAP and Oracle projects.
As a 7-time Microsoft MVP, I have deep knowledge of tools like Excel and Power BI.
I love making complex tech topics easy to understand. There’s nothing better than helping someone realize they can do it themselves. I’m always learning new things too and finding better ways to help others succeed.
