Part III: Creating Charts and Other Visualizations
Normally, the Format task pane is docked on the right side of the window. But you can click the title and drag it any-
where that you like and resize it. To redock the task pane, maximize the Excel window, and then drag the task pane
to the right side of the window. If you select a different chart element, the Format task pane changes to display the
options appropriate for the new element.
Using the chart customization buttons
When a chart is selected, three buttons appear to the right of the chart (see Figure 21.4).
These buttons, when clicked, expand to show various options. The icons are as follows:
Chart Elements Use these tools to hide or display specific elements in the chart. Note
that each item can be expanded to show additional options. To expand an item in the Chart
Elements list, hover your mouse over the item and click the arrow that appears.
Chart Styles Use this icon to select from prebuilt chart styles or change the color scheme
of the chart.
Chart Filters Use this icon to hide or display data series and specific points in a data
series or hide and display categories. Some chart types do not display the Chart Filters
button.
FIGURE 21.4
Chart customization buttons
Using the Ribbon
The controls in the Chart Tools ➪ Format tab are used to change the appearance of the
selected chart element. Although the commands found on the Ribbon do not comprise
