Excel 2010 Bible

Part III: Creating Charts and Graphics

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FIGURE 19.3

Use the Format dialog box to set the properties of a selected chart element — in this case, the chart’s
legend.

Using the Ribbon

When a chart element is selected, you can also use the commands on the Ribbon to change some

aspects of its formatting. For example, to change the color of the bars in a column chart, use the

commands from the Chart Tools ➪ Format ➪ Shape Styles group. For some types of chart element

formatting, you need to leave the Chart Tools tab. For example, to adjust font-related properties,

use the commands from the Home ➪ Font Group.

The Ribbon controls do not comprise a comprehensive set of tools for chart elements. The Format

dialog box usually presents options that aren’t available on the Ribbon.

Using the Mini toolbar

When you right-click an element in a chart, Excel displays a shortcut menu and the Mini toolbar.

The Mini toolbar contains commonly used formatting commands, plus a copy of the Chart

Elements control (which you can use to select another chart element).

Commands that are inappropriate for the selected chart element are disabled in the Mini toolbar.

For example, if you select an element that doesn’t contain text, the text-related tools are disabled.