Ever needed to add some pizzazz to your data presentations in Excel? Well, creating a border around your graph can give it that professional touch. It’s a simple task that can make your graph pop and stand out in any report or presentation.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Make a Border Around a Graph in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. Adding a border around your graph helps to visually separate it from the rest of the content in your worksheet, making it easier for your audience to focus on the data presented.
Step 1: Select Your Graph
Click on the graph you want to add a border to.
Selecting your graph is the first step in customizing it. Make sure you click on the graph itself, not just the area around it. You’ll know it’s selected when you see a border with squares on the corners and sides.
Step 2: Access the Format Graph Area
Right-click on the selected graph and choose ‘Format Chart Area’.
Right-clicking on the graph will bring up a menu with several options. ‘Format Chart Area’ is what you need to click to start adding your border.
Step 3: Choose the Border Options
In the Format Chart Area pane, click on the ‘Border’ options.
In the pane that appears on the right side of your screen, you’ll see a variety of options to format your chart. Look for the ‘Border’ section to proceed with adding your border.
Step 4: Customize Your Border
Select the color, style, and width of your border.
Now comes the fun part! You can choose the color that best matches the theme of your presentation, the style of the border line, and how thick you want the border to be.
Step 5: Apply Your Changes
Click ‘Close’ to apply the changes to your graph.
After you’ve made your selections and are satisfied with how the border looks, click ‘Close’ to apply the changes to your graph.
Once you have completed these steps, you’ll see a neat border around your graph that enhances its appearance and makes it stand out.
Tips on How to Make a Border Around a Graph in Excel
- Experiment with different border styles and colors to see what works best for your graph.
- If you want a subtle border, choose a light color and a thin line style.
- For a bold border, go for a darker color and a thicker line style.
- Remember that the border should complement your graph, not distract from the data.
- If you’re printing your Excel sheet, make sure the border color is printer-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find the ‘Format Chart Area’ option?
Make sure you’ve clicked on the graph itself and not outside of it. The option should appear when you right-click on the graph.
Can I add a border to a specific part of the graph?
Yes, you can! Instead of selecting the entire graph, click on the specific element you want to add a border to, such as the plot area or legend, and follow similar steps.
Is it possible to add a border to multiple graphs at once?
Yes, you can select multiple graphs by holding down the CTRL key and clicking on each graph. Then, right-click and apply the border to all selected graphs.
How do I remove a border from a graph?
To remove a border, follow the steps to ‘Format Chart Area’, then in the ‘Border’ options, set the color to ‘No Line’.
Can I save my border preferences for future graphs?
While you can’t save border preferences in Excel, you can copy the format of an existing graph with a border and apply it to a new graph using the ‘Format Painter’ tool.
Summary
- Select your graph.
- Access the ‘Format Chart Area’.
- Choose the ‘Border’ options.
- Customize your border.
- Apply your changes.
Conclusion
Creating a border around a graph in Excel is a straightforward task that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your data presentation. With just a few clicks, you can transform a bland graph into an eye-catching display that captures your audience’s attention. Whether you opt for a simple, subtle border or a bold, statement-making one, the key is to choose a style that complements your data and aligns with the overall feel of your report or presentation. And remember, practice makes perfect. So go ahead, play around with different border styles and colors to find the perfect fit for your graphs. With the tips and FAQs provided, you’re well-equipped to become a pro at adding borders in Excel. Happy graphing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.