Making a chart in Word 2019 might seem tricky at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps. In a nutshell, you’ll need to open the Word document, select the ‘Insert’ tab, click on ‘Chart,’ choose the type of chart you want, and then edit the data in the Excel sheet that pops up. After that, you can customize your chart with different colors, styles, and formats. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details!
Step by Step Tutorial: Making a Chart in Word 2019
Before we jump into creating a chart, it’s important to know what type of data you want to present and how you want it to look. The steps below will help you insert and customize a chart in Word 2019 that best represents your data.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
Open the Word document where you want to insert the chart.
Starting with a blank document or an existing one, make sure you are in the place where you want the chart to appear. If it’s a new document, you might want to add a title or some text to introduce your chart first.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Insert’ Tab
Select the ‘Insert’ tab at the top of the Word window.
The ‘Insert’ tab is where you can add various elements to your document, like pictures, shapes, and, of course, charts.
Step 3: Select ‘Chart’
In the ‘Illustrations’ group, click on ‘Chart.’
You’ll see a variety of chart types to choose from, such as column, line, pie, bar, area, scatter, and more. Think about what best represents your data.
Step 4: Choose the Type of Chart
Pick the type of chart that fits your data best and click ‘OK.’
A new window will open with many different styles within the chart type you chose. Take a moment to select the one that you think will make your data shine!
Step 5: Edit the Chart Data
An Excel sheet will pop up where you can input or edit the data for your chart.
The Excel sheet will have some default data. You can replace it with your own data. The changes will automatically reflect in the chart in your Word document.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a basic chart in your Word document. But don’t stop there! You can now format and design your chart to match the look and feel of your document.
What Happens Next
After you’ve created your chart, you can click on it to access the ‘Chart Tools,’ which include ‘Design’ and ‘Format’ tabs. Here, you can change the chart style, colors, add chart elements like titles or labels, and even switch the chart type if you change your mind.
Tips for Making a Chart in Word 2019
- Always make sure your data is organized before creating a chart. It will save you time in the long run.
- Use the ‘Preview’ feature when selecting chart styles to see how it will look with your data.
- If you’re not happy with the default colors, customize the chart’s color scheme to match your document’s theme.
- For a cleaner look, remove unnecessary elements like gridlines or legends if they don’t add value to your chart.
- Save your document after inserting the chart to avoid losing any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import data from an Excel file into my Word chart?
Yes, you can copy data from an Excel file and paste it into the Excel sheet that appears when you’re editing your Word chart’s data.
How do I change the chart type after I’ve already inserted a chart?
Click on the chart, then go to the ‘Chart Tools Design’ tab and select ‘Change Chart Type.’ You can then pick a different type that suits your data better.
Can I add a title to my chart?
Absolutely! Click on the chart, and in the ‘Chart Tools Design’ tab, opt for ‘Add Chart Element’ and then ‘Chart Title’ to type in your title.
Is it possible to make a 3D chart in Word 2019?
Yes, some chart styles offer 3D variations. Just select the option when you’re choosing your chart type or change it later in the ‘Chart Tools Design’ tab.
How can I edit the data labels in my chart?
Click on the chart and under ‘Chart Tools Design,’ click ‘Add Chart Element,’ then ‘Data Labels,’ and choose your preferred layout. You can also directly click on the labels in the chart to edit them.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Click on the ‘Insert’ tab.
- Select ‘Chart.’
- Choose the type of chart.
- Edit the chart data.
Conclusion
Creating a chart in Word 2019 is a fantastic way to visualize data for your readers. Whether you’re making a report for school, a presentation for work, or just organizing information for personal use, a well-crafted chart can turn complex data into an easy-to-understand visual. Remember to pick the right type of chart for your data, keep it simple and clear, and customize it to complement your document’s style. With the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be a chart-making pro in no time. If you ever get stuck or want to explore more advanced chart options, there’s a wealth of resources online to help you master how to make a chart in Word 2019. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your data come to life!
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.