Name the custom chart type you want to add. The name can contain up to 31 characters and will appear in the Chart type box on the Custom Types tab.


Describe the custom chart type you want to add. The description can contain up to 250 characters and will appear under the Sample box on the Custom Types tab when you click the name of the custom chart in the Chart type box.


Sets the chart type selected in the list as the default chart type for creating new charts.


Select 3-D effect to apply a 3-D appearance to all data markers in a 3-D bubble chart. Clear this check box to remove the 3-D effect from bubble data markers.


Applies a 3-D shaded appearance to the selected 3-D surface chart.


Type a value between 5 and 200 in the Size of second plot box to specify the percent size of the second pie or bar plot in relation to the first pie in a pie of pie or bar of pie chart. For example, type 100 in the box to display the second pie or bar plot the same size as the first pie plot.


Select the Automatic text check box to link data in data labels directly from the worksheet. Use this option to relink data labels to their source data after the labels have been changed manually in the chart.


Describes the type, subtype, or variation of the chart selected in the Chart type box. If there are no subtypes displayed, the current chart may be a custom chart type.


Displays the version and copyright of this Microsoft program. Click OK to close this dialog box.


Select options under Effects to apply text effects to selected text.


Select an option in the Style box to specify the line style for an axis, line, or border.


Select an option in the Color box to change the axis, line, or border color of the selected object.


Select an option in the Weight box to change the weight or thickness of the selected axis, line, or border.


Displays the axis, line, or border as it will look with the selected options applied.


Applies the default settings for the selected object.


Type the password to turn off password protection. Passwords are case sensitive. You must type uppercase and lowercase letters correctly when you enter the password.


Click an option in the Category box, and then select the options that you want to specify a number format. The Sample box shows how selected cells will look with the formatting you choose. Click Custom if you want to create your own custom format for numbers, such as product codes.


Shows how your document will look with the selected options.


Specifies how dates, times, fractions, or custom formats are displayed.


Select the number format under Type, and then click Delete to delete a custom number format. You cannot delete built-in number formats.


Enter a number to specify the number of digits displayed to the right of the decimal point.


Displays a currency symbol with your numbers.


Select the Use 1000 separator check box to include a separator between thousands.


Select an option in the Negative numbers box to specify how negative numbers are displayed.


Cells with General format have no specific number format applied. Cells with Text format are treated as text even when a number is entered in the cell; the number is displayed exactly as entered.


Select an option in the Horizontal list box to change the horizontal alignment of cell contents. By default, Microsoft Graph aligns text to the left, numbers to the right, and logical and error values are centered. The default horizontal alignment is General. Changing the alignment of data does not change the data type.


Changes the horizontal or vertical alignment of cell contents, based on the options you choose.


Select an option in the Vertical box to change the vertical alignment of cell contents. By default, Microsoft Graph aligns text vertically on the bottom of a cell. The default horizontal alignment is General.


Select an option under Orientation to change the orientation of text in selected cells. Rotation options may not be available if other alignment options are selected.


Sets the amount of text rotation in the selected cell. Use a positive number in the Degree box to rotate the selected text from lower left to upper right in the cell. Use negative degrees to rotate text from upper left to lower right in the selected cell.


Changes the orientation of cell contents to vertical.


Select a font name to change the font of the selected text. Select the options you want on the Font tab to change the appearance of the selected text.


Changes the font style of the selected text.


Changes the size of the selected text. The sizes available depend on the printer and the selected font.


Select the Strikethrough check box to draw a line through selected text or numbers.


Formats the selected text or numbers as superscript.


Formats the selected text or numbers as subscript.


Select an underline type to format the selected text with an underline.


Select a color from the list to change the color of the selected text or object.


Select the Normal font check box to set the font, font style, size, and effects to the Normal style.


Shows how your document will look with the selected options.


Describes the font you selected in the Font box.


Alignment tab\right-to-left group
Select an option to in the Text direction box to specify reading order and alignment.


alignment tab\right-to-left list box
Specifies fixed or variable text reading order and alignment. Click Right-to-Left to set the starting alignment to the right and the reading order to right-to-left. Click Left-to-Right to set the starting alignment to the left and reading order to left-to-right. Click Context to set attributes to match the language of the text entered — for example, if Arabic text is entered, reading order will be right-to-left and alignment will be to the right.


Lists available standard chart types.


Click the subtype, or variation, of the chart type you want to use. If no subtypes are displayed, the active chart may be a custom chart type that you have created.


Select chart type and formatting options for the active chart or selected data series, based on the chart type you've chosen.


Applies the chart type you've clicked to the selected data series in your chart. This option is not available if a single data series is not selected.


Removes formatting you've applied to the chart type or any selected chart item, and returns the chart to the default appearance; the data is not affected.


Shows how the currently selected chart type will look when it is applied to your data.


Displays the user-defined or built-in custom chart types that Graph provides.


Displays custom charts that you've defined.


Displays built-in custom chart types to apply to your chart.


Choose the user-defined chart type or a Microsoft Graph built-in chart type to apply to your chart.


Displays a sample of the custom chart type you select in the Chart type box.


Adds the active chart to the list of available chart types.


Deletes the custom chart type selected in the Chart type box.


Displays a sample of the selected custom chart type.


Starts the Microsoft Office Assistant. Displays tips and Help topics that assist you in creating and selecting options for a standard or custom chart.


Adds data labels to or removes them from all data points in a chart.


Removes data labels from all data points.


Displays the value of all data points.


Displays the percentage of the whole for all data points in pie and doughnut charts.


Displays the category label assigned to all data points. For area charts, this option displays the series name.


In pie and doughnut charts, displays both the percentage of the whole and the category labels for each section of the chart.


Displays the sizes for each bubble in a bubble chart, based on the values of the third data series.


Places legend keys, with the assigned format and color, next to the data labels in the chart.


Type a value from 1 through 255 to change the width of columns where you have selected cells. This number represents the number of characters that can be displayed in a cell by using the standard font.


Returns the selected columns to the standard width of nine characters of the standard font.


Sets the column to the minimum width needed to display the contents of the selected cells. If you change the cell contents later, you must select the cells and click the Best Fit button again.


Removes the values in the selected datasheet row or column from the data displayed in the associated chart. You can also exclude a row or column by double-clicking the row or column heading on the datasheet.


Specifies that the selected rows are being excluded from the chart display.


Specifies that the selected columns are being excluded from the chart display.


Adds the values in the selected datasheet row or column to the data displayed in the associated chart. You can also include a row or column by double-clicking the row or column heading on the datasheet.

If you select an entire row or column instead of one or more cells, and then click Include Row/Col on the Data menu, the row or column is included automatically; the dialog box is not displayed.


Specifies that the selected rows are being included in the chart display.


Specifies that the selected columns are being included in the chart display.


Removes the data or formats or both from the selected chart series.


Removes the selected data series from the chart. The source data that was removed is grayed on the datasheet.


Removes any formatting you have applied from the selected chart item. Default formatting is not removed.


Removes both formatting and data from the chart, depending upon what you have selected.


Specifies the direction you want to shift the surrounding cells, rows, or columns when you delete cells.


Shifts the contents of the remaining cells to the left to fill the remaining space when you delete cells.


Shifts the contents of the remaining cells up to fill the remaining space when you delete cells.


Deletes an entire row.


Deletes an entire column.


Specifies the direction you want to shift the surrounding cells, rows, or columns to make room for inserted cells.


Shifts the contents of the destination cells right when you insert cells.


Shifts the contents of the destination cells down when you insert cells.


Inserts an entire row when you insert cells.


Inserts an entire column when you insert cells.


Displays or hides the primary axes of your chart.


Displays the category (x) axis.


Automatically displays data with a time-scale (x) axis, if x axis data is date formatted. Displays the default category (x) axis with all other data.


Displays data on the selected axis as the default category (x) axis, even if data is date formatted.


Displays the category axis with a time-scale (x) axis, even if axis data is not date formatted. Time-scale tick marks are evenly spaced across the x axis, based on the major and minor units of time.


Displays the value (y) axis.


Displays the secondary axis of your chart.


Displays a secondary category (x) axis.


Displays a secondary value (y) axis.


Sets display options for the primary axes of your chart.


Displays the 3-D category (x) axis.


Displays the series (y) axis in a 3-D chart.


Displays the value (z) axis in a 3-D chart.


Aligns text labels from the data on your spreadsheet with the chart elements you choose.


Attaches a title to the top of your chart.


Attaches a title to the axis you choose.


Displays gridlines on the category (x) axis, based on the options you choose.


Displays gridlines at the major intervals on the category (x) axis.


Displays gridlines at the minor intervals on the category (x) axis.


Displays gridlines on the value (y) axis, based on the options you choose.


Displays gridlines on the series (y) axis, based on the options you choose.


Displays gridlines at the major intervals on the series (y) axis.


Displays gridlines at the minor intervals on the series (y) axis.


Displays gridlines on the value (z) axis of a 3-D chart, based on the options you choose.


Displays gridlines at the major intervals on the value (z) axis of a 3-D chart.


Displays gridlines at the minor intervals on the value (z) axis of a 3-D chart.


Applies a two-dimensional appearance to the walls and gridlines for 3-D bar charts, 3-D stacked area charts, and 3-D clustered column charts.


Adds a legend to the chart area.


Places the selected legend in the location you want, and resizes the plot area to accommodate the legend.


Adds or removes data labels to or from all data points in a chart.


Removes data labels from all data points.


Displays the value of all data points.


In pie and doughnut charts, displays the percentage of the whole for all data points.


Displays the category label assigned to all data points. For area charts, this option displays the series name.


In pie and doughnut charts, displays both the percentage of the whole and the category labels for each section of the chart.


Displays the sizes for each bubble in a bubble chart, based on the values of the third data series.


Places legend keys, with the assigned format and color, next to the data labels in the chart.


In pie charts, displays a line from the pie slice data point to its label.


Displays the values for each data series in a grid below the chart. This option is not available for pie, xy (scatter), doughnut, bubble, radar, or surface charts.


Displays legend keys, with the assigned format and color for each plotted series, next to the series label in the data table.


Shows how the options you select will affect your chart.


Click in a box, and then type the text you want for a chart or axis title. To insert a line break in a chart or axis title, click the text in the chart, click where you want to insert the line break, and then press ENTER.


Specifies how large or small you want your chart to appear as a percentage of its normal size.


Click the magnification or percentage of normal size you want to view your chart in.


Click Custom to enlarge or reduce a chart by a specific percentage so that you can move through, position objects in, or view the chart; and then type the percentage in the Custom box.


Select a font name to change the font of the selected text.


Formats the selected text or numbers with an outline around the text.


Shadows the selected text or numbers.


Formats the background of the selected text or numbers with the pattern or color you choose.


Scales text and numbers attached to an object in proportion when you resize the object.


Shows how text or numbers will look with the selected options.


Select an option in the Line box to specify the line style, color, or weight for a gridline or border.


Applies the default settings for the gridline or border of the selected data table.


Removes a gridline or border from the selected data table.


Select an option in the Style box to specify the line style for a gridline or border.


Select an option in the Color box to change the gridline or border color of the selected data table.


Select an option in the Weight box to change the weight or thickness of the gridline or border of the selected data table.


Places legend keys, with the assigned format and color, next to the series names in the data table for the chart.


Shows how the data table will look with the options you select.


Select or clear the check box to apply or remove formatting on the gridlines in the selected data table. The picture in the Sample box displays the formatting you've applied.


Select the Floor (XY plane) check box to have Microsoft Graph determine where the selected axis crosses the value or category axis. Change the value in the Floor (XY plane) crosses at box if you want the selected axis to cross at a different value on the axis.


For the selected category (x) axis scale, type a value in the (X) axis crosses at box to specify the value at which you want the (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis. Selecting the Auto check box causes the (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis at 0 (zero) or at the number in the value-axis range closest to 0 (zero).

For the selected value (y) axis scale, type a value in the Value (X) axis crosses at box to specify the value at which you want the value (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis. Selecting the Auto check box causes the value (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis at 0 (zero) or at the number in the value axis range closest to 0 (zero).


Select the Value (Y) axis check box to have Microsoft Graph determine where the value (y) axis crosses the value (x) axis. Change the value in the Value (Y) axis crosses at box if you want the selected axis to cross at a different value on the value (x) axis.


Select the Floor (XY plane) check box to have Microsoft Graph determine where the selected axis crosses the value or category axis. Change the value in the Floor (XY plane) crosses at box if you want the selected axis to cross at a different value on the axis.


Select the Values in reverse order box to flip the direction of values on the axis of an xy scatter chart, or to flip the direction of bars or columns in a bar or column chart.


Select the Floor (XY plane) crosses at minimum value box to have the floor or the category axis, depending on the 3-D chart type, cross the value axis at the lowest value. This option overrides the Floor (XY plane) crosses at value.


For the selected category (x) axis scale, select the Category (X) axis crosses at maximum value box to have the category (x) axis cross the value (y) axis at the highest value. This option overrides the Category (X) axis crosses at value.

For the selected value (y) axis scale, select the Value (X) axis crosses at maximum value box to have the value (x) axis cross the value (y) axis at the highest value. This option overrides the Value (X) axis crosses at value.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses at maximum value box to have the value (y) axis cross the value (x) axis at the highest value. This option overrides the Value (Y) axis crosses at value.


Each category on the category axis is identified by a label and separated from other categories by tick marks. You can change the intervals at which labels and tick marks appear.


Type a number in the Number of series between tick-mark labels box to specify the frequency at which you want series on the selected axis to be labeled. Type 1 to label every series, type 2 to label every other series, type 3 to label every third series, and so on.


Type a number in the Number of series between tick marks box to specify the number of series you want between each pair of tick marks on the selected axis.


Select the Series in reverse order box to reverse the order in which you want the series on the series axis to be displayed.


Closes this dialog box and applies any changes you've made.


The Cancel button closes this dialog box without applying any changes you have made. The Close button closes this dialog box and retains the changes you made.


Display units
Makes value axis text shorter and more readable. For example, if the chart values range from 1,000,000 to 50,000,000, you can display the numbers as 1 to 50 on the axis by clicking Millions in the list.


Display units check box
Select to show a label that describes the units selected in the Display units list. For example, if you select Millions in the Display units list, a label that says "Millions" will be displayed next to the value axis on the chart.


Offset alignment text
Changes the spacing between the label and the category axis line. The higher the value, the more space between the items.


Position list box
Click the location on the data marker where you want the data label to appear.


Sets options for a border around the selected object.


Applies the default settings for the line or border of the selected object.


Removes a line or border from the selected object. If the object is a line you've drawn, clicking None may make it invisible.


Applies the custom formats you choose on the selected object.


Select an option in the Style box to specify the line style for a line or border.


Select an option in the Color box to change the line or border color of the selected object.


Select an option in the Weight box to change the weight or thickness of the selected line or border.


Adds a shadow to the bottom and right side of the selected object.


Sets options for the background area of the selected object.


Applies the default settings for the area of the selected object.


Removes any settings applied to the area of the selected object.


Click the boxes you want in the Pattern box to specify a pattern and a color for the selected object.


Click the color you want in the Color box to specify a color for the chart item.


Changes the foreground color of the data marker.


Changes the background color of the data marker.


Click Fill Effects to change options for gradients, textures, patterns, and pictures used in formatting the selected object.


Reverses the foreground and background colors for a data series when the value it represents is negative. This option applies to data series in bar, column, area, and pie charts.


Applies formatting options you select to all data series.


Displays the colors and patterns that you select.


Specify the style, color, and weight of lines on a selected object.


Smoothes out angularity or jagged edges in the lines of a line chart or an xy (scatter) chart. This smoothing does not affect your data.


Specify the type and style of data markers in line, radar, and xy (scatter) charts.


Specify the style, color, weight, or display of axes on a selected chart object.


Specify the type of major or minor tick mark you want to display on the selected axis.


Displays tick marks at the major gridlines on the selected axis.


Hides major tick marks for the selected axis.


Displays major tick marks on the chart side (inside) of the selected axis.


Displays major tick marks on the outside of the selected axis.


Displays major tick marks that cross inside and outside the selected axis.


Displays tick marks at the minor gridlines on the selected axis.


Hides minor tick marks  for the selected axis.


Displays minor tick marks on the chart side (inside) of the selected axis.


Displays minor tick marks on the outside of the selected axis.


Displays minor tick marks that cross inside and outside the selected axis.


Specify the type of major or minor tick-mark label you want to display on the selected axis.


Hides tick-mark labels for the selected axis.


Displays tick-mark labels at the bottom of the plot area for a horizontal axis or to the right of the plot area for a vertical axis, depending on the selected axis.


Displays tick-mark labels at the top of the plot area for a horizontal axis or to the left of the plot area for a vertical axis, depending on the selected axis.


Displays tick-mark labels next to the selected axis.


Displays the axis as it will look with the selected options applied.


You can change the range, or scale, of values on the selected axis. You can also change the intervals at which the values occur and the point at which one axis crosses another.


Microsoft Graph automatically calculates the scale of the selected axis, based on the range of data values. All check boxes under Auto are selected by default, and the automatic values shown in the Minimum, Maximum, Major unit, Minor unit, and Category axis cross boxes are displayed next to the labels. Type the values you want to use to calculate the axis scale in the boxes below. Click the check boxes of items you want to reset to the default scale.


Select the Minimum check box to display the lowest value (rounded) from all data series as the smallest data value on the selected axis.


Type a value in the Minimum box to specify the smallest data value you want to appear on the selected axis.


Select the Maximum check box to display the highest value (rounded) from all data series as the highest data value on the selected axis.


Type a value in the Maximum box to specify the highest data value you want to appear on the selected axis.


Select the Major unit check box to have Microsoft Graph determine the interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the selected axis.


Type a value in the Major unit box to specify the interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the selected axis.


Select the Minor unit check box to have Microsoft Graph determine the interval of minor tick marks and minor gridlines (if they are displayed) on the selected axis.


Type a value in the Minor unit box to specify the increment you want between minor tick marks and minor gridlines (if they are displayed) on the value (y) axis.


Type a value in the Category (X) axis crosses at box to specify the value at which you want the category (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis. Selecting the Auto check box causes the category (x) axis to cross the value (y) axis at 0 (zero) or at the number in the value-axis range closest to 0 (zero).


Select the Logarithmic scale check box to recalculate the values shown in the Minimum, Maximum, Major unit, and Minor unit boxes as powers of 10 for the value axis, based on the range of data plotted in the chart. No zeros or negative data values are permitted on logarithmic charts, and the values in the Major unit and Minor unit boxes must be 10 or greater.


Select to flip the direction of values on the axis of an xy scatter chart, or to flip the direction of bars or columns in a bar or column chart.


Select the Category (X) axis crosses at maximum value box to have the category (x) axis cross the value (y) axis at the highest value. This option overrides the Category (X) axis crosses at value.


Each category on the category axis is identified by a label and separated from other categories by tick marks. You can change the intervals at which labels and tick marks appear. For 2-D charts, you can specify where you want the value (y) axis to cross the category (x) axis.


Type the number in the Value (Y) axis crosses at category number box to specify the category number where you want the value (y) axis to cross the category (x) axis.


Type a number in the Number of categories between tick-mark labels box to specify the frequency at which you want categories on the category (x) axis to be labeled. Type 1 to label every category, type 2 to label every other category, type 3 to label every third category, and so on.


Type a number in the Number of categories between tick marks box to specify the number of categories you want between each pair of tick marks on the category (x) axis.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses between categories box to have the value (y) axis cross the category (x) axis at the edge of the category indicated in the Value (Y) axis crosses at category number box. If this box is selected, data points are plotted between tick marks; if this box is cleared, points are plotted at the tick-mark positions. To have the edges of an area chart meet the edges of the plot area, clear the Value (Y) axis crosses between categories box.


Select the Categories in reverse order box to reverse the order you want the categories on the category (x) axis to be displayed in.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses at maximum category box to have the value (y) axis cross the category (x) axis after the last category on the x axis. This option overrides the Value (Y) axis crosses at category number value.


Select the Value (Z) axis crosses between categories box to display the value (z) axis between categories. This option is available only for 3-D line charts and 3-D area charts.


A time-scale axis is a special type of category axis for data that is organized by date. Microsoft Graph automatically uses a time-scale axis in your chart if the datasheet data contains date number formatting. The time-scale axis in the chart displays the dates in chronological order, even if the dates are not in order on the datasheet. Time-scale axes are available on 2-D column, line, bar, and area charts and 3-D column, line, bar, area, and surface charts.


Microsoft Graph automatically uses a time-scale axis in your chart if the datasheet data contains date number formatting. Microsoft Graph calculates the time-scale of the selected axis, based on the range of date values. All check boxes under Auto are selected by default, and the minimum, maximum, major unit, minor unit, and base unit automatic values are displayed in the boxes adjacent to the labels. Type the values you want to use to customize the time-scale axis in the boxes below. Click the check boxes of items you want to reset to the default scale.


Select the Minimum check box to have Microsoft Graph determine the beginning, or minimum, time interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale axis.


Type a date in the Minimum box to specify the beginning, or minimum, time interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale axis. To reset the default time-scale that Microsoft Graph determines, click the Minimum check box.


Select the Maximum check box to have Microsoft Graph determine the ending, or maximum, time interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale axis.


Type a date in the Maximum box to specify the ending, or maximum, time interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale axis. To reset the default time-scale that Microsoft Graph determines, click the Maximum check box.


Select the Base unit check box to have Microsoft Graph determine the unit of time, or base unit, used as the interval between two dates on the time-scale axis.


Click Day(s), Month(s), or Year(s) to change the base unit of the time-scale axis to different levels of dates in the chart. The unit of time, or base unit, in the time-scale axis is the smallest time difference between two dates in the data.


Enter a value in the Major unit box to specify the time interval of major tick marks and major gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale (x) axis. In the box to the right of the Major unit box, click Day(s), Month(s), or Year(s) to change the base unit of the time-scale axis to different levels of dates in the chart. The time-scale axis in the chart displays the dates in chronological order, even if the dates are not in order on the datasheet. The unit of time, or base unit, in the time-scale axis is the smallest time difference between two dates in the data.


Enter a value in the Minor unit box to specify the time interval of minor tick marks and minor gridlines (if they are displayed) on the time-scale (x) axis. In the box to the right of the Minor unit box, click Day(s), Month(s), or Year(s) to change the base unit of the time-scale axis to different levels of dates in the chart. The time-scale axis in the chart displays the dates in chronological order, even if the dates are not in order on the datasheet. The unit of time, or base unit, in the time-scale axis is the smallest time difference between two dates in the data.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses at check box to have the value (y) axis cross the time-scale (x) axis at the date specified in the Minimum box. Change the date in the Value (Y) axis crosses at box if you want the value (y) axis to cross at a different date on the time-scale axis.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses between dates box to display the value (y) axis between dates.


Select the Dates in reverse order box to reverse the order that you want the dates on the time-scale (x) axis to be displayed in.


Select the Value (Y) axis crosses at maximum value box to have the value (y) axis cross the time-scale (x) axis at the highest date value. This option overrides the Value (Y) axis crosses at date value.


Select the Strikethrough check box to draw a line through selected text or numbers.


Formats the selected text or numbers as superscript.


Formats the selected text or numbers as subscript.


Select an underline type to format the selected text with an underline.


Select a color from the list to change the color of the selected text or object.


Select the Normal font check box to set the font, font style, size, and effects to the Normal style.


Click an option in the Background box to specify whether you want the background behind chart text to be opaque, transparent, or determined automatically by Microsoft Graph.


Describes the font you selected in the Font box.


Select the Linked to source check box to link the number formats of values on the chart to the datasheet data. If you change a data label on the chart manually, the link for that label is broken.


Changes the horizontal or vertical alignment of text, based on the options you choose.


Select an option in the Horizontal box to change the horizontal alignment of text.


Select an option in the Vertical box to change the vertical alignment of text.


Select an option under Orientation to change the orientation of text. Rotation options may not be available if other alignment options are selected.


Click an option to reposition the selected legend on the bottom, upper-right corner, top, left, or right of the chart area.


Inserts a linear trendline. This option creates a trendline by using the linear equation y = mx + b.


Inserts a logarithmic trendline. This option creates a trendline by using the logarithmic equation y = clnx + b.


Inserts a polynomial or curvilinear trendline. This option creates a trendline by using the polynomial equation  [image].


Inserts a power trendline. This option creates a trendline by using the power equation  [image]. This option is not available when your data includes negative or zero values.


Inserts an exponential trendline. This option creates a trendline by using the exponential equation  [image]. This option is not available when your data includes negative or zero values.


Inserts a moving average trendline. A moving average uses a specific number of points (set by the Period option), averages them, and uses the average value as a point in the line.


Enter a value in the Order box to determine the highest polynomial order. The value is expressed as an integer between 2 and 6.


Enter a value in the Period box to specify the number of periods you want to use to calculate the moving average.


Click the option you want under Trend/Regression type to add trendlines to, or change the trendline type for, data series in area, bar, column, line, and xy (scatter) charts. Trendlines cannot be added to 3-D, radar, pie, doughnut, or bubble charts.


Select the series you want to display a trendline for.


Specifies how you want the trendline name to be created. The name assigned to the trendline is displayed in the legend.


Automatically names the trendline, based on the type selected and the series it is associated with. The name that will be used for the trendline appears to the right of this option.


Click Custom, and then type a name up to 256 characters long in the Custom box to assign a custom name to a trendline.


Type the numbers you want in one of the two boxes under Forecast to specify how you want regression trendlines to be forecast. This option is not available for moving average trendlines.


Type a number in the Forward box to specify how many periods (or units, for xy charts) you want to plot a trendline forward.


Type a number in the Backward box to specify how many periods (or units, for xy charts) you want to plot a trendline backward.


Type a value in the Set intercept = box to specify the point at which you want the trendline to meet the y axis. This option applies to linear, polynomial, and exponential trendlines; it is not available for logarithmic, power, and moving average trendlines.


Displays a regression equation for the trendline in the trendline label in the chart.


Displays an R-squared value for the trendline in the trendline label in the chart. The R-squared value that is displayed is not an adjusted value.


Rounds the corners of a border on the selected object.


Adjusts the amount of text rotation for the selected text. Use a positive number in the Degree box to rotate the selected text from lower left to upper right. Use negative degrees to rotate text from upper left to lower right.


Sets the amount of text rotation for the selected text. Use a positive number in the Degree box to rotate the selected text from lower left to upper right. Use negative degrees to rotate text from upper left to lower right.


Changes the orientation of selected text to vertical.


Protects the selected object from changes.


Protects the text of a selected object from changes.


Specifies how dates, times, fractions, and custom formats are displayed.


Reestablishes the link between a chart item and the data on the datasheet. If you have changed the number formatting in a chart, the number formatting is no longer linked to a datasheet cell. Click the chart item, such as data labels or a value axis, for which you want to reestablish the link, and then select the Linked to source check box.


Click the vertical and horizontal alignment settings you want for the text in the selected object or cells.


Click the orientation you want for the text in the selected cell or text box.


Orients text horizontally in the selected cells or text box. This is the default text orientation.


Aligns selected text vertically, with each character below the previous one, so that you read it from top to bottom:

T

E

X

T


Orients text vertically, bottom-to-top.


Orients text vertically, top-to-bottom.


Automatically adjusts the size of the AutoShape, so that the text fills it completely.


Select an option in the Style box to specify the line style for a line or border.


Select an option in the Width box to change the width or thickness of the selected line or border.


Select an option in the Length box to change the length of the selected line.


Shows how the selected object will look with the options you select.


Displays the value of all data points.


Displays legend keys, with the assigned format and color.


Indents cell contents from the left side of the cell, or text from the left side of the text box. Each increment in the Add indent box is equivalent to the width of one character.


Prevents selected objects from being changed, moved, resized, or deleted. You must also select Lock Text if you want to prevent text within the selected object from being changed, moved, or deleted.

Locking objects has no effect unless the sheet is protected. To protect a sheet, point to Protection on the Tools menu, click Protect Sheet, and then select the Objects check box.


Prevents text in selected objects from being changed, moved, or deleted. You must also select Locked to prevent both the selected object and the text within from being changed, moved, resized, or deleted.

Locking text in objects has no effect unless the sheet is protected. To protect a sheet, point to Protection on the Tools menu, click Protect Sheet, and then select the Objects check box.


Locking objects or text in objects has no effect unless the sheet is protected. To protect a sheet, point to Protection on the Tools menu, click Protect Sheet, and then select the Objects check box.


Specifies how objects are sorted and sized in relation to adjacent cells.


For a graphic object on a chart, ensures that the object will move with and resize with the chart.


Ensures that a graphic object will move, but not resize, with its underlying cells.


Maintains the position and size of a graphic object on your worksheet.


Prints selected graphic objects when you print a worksheet.


Changes the color, brightness, and contrast of the selected picture object.


Specify options for moving and sizing the selected object in relation to adjacent cells.


moving average

A sequence of averages computed from parts of a data series. In a chart, a moving average smoothes the fluctuations in data, thus showing the pattern or trend more clearly.


paste area

The target destination for data that's been cut or copied.


regression analysis

A form of statistical analysis used for forecasting. Regression analysis estimates the relationship between variables so that a given variable can be predicted from one or more other variables.


range

Two or more cells on a sheet. The cells in a range can be adjacent or nonadjacent.


select

To highlight a cell or range of cells on a datasheet. The selected cells will be affected by the next command or action.


data region

A range of cells that contains data and that is bounded by empty cells or datasheet borders.


data marker

A bar, area, dot, slice, or other symbol in a chart that represents a single data point or value that originates from a datasheet cell. Related data markers in a chart constitute a data series.


data label

A label that provides additional information about a data marker, which represents a single data point or value that originates from a datasheet cell. Data labels can be applied to a single data marker, an entire data series, or all data markers in a chart. Depending on the chart type, data labels can show values, names of data series or categories, percentages, or a combination of these.


data series

A group of related data points that are plotted in a chart and originate from rows or columns on a datasheet. Each data series in a chart has a unique color or pattern. You can plot one or more data series in a chart. Pie charts have only one data series.


data points

Individual values that are plotted in a chart and originate from single cells on a datasheet. Data points are represented by bars, columns, lines, pie or doughnut slices, dots, and various other shapes. These shapes are called data markers. Data markers of the same color constitute a data series.


3-D walls and floor

The areas surrounding many 3-D chart types that give dimension and boundaries to the chart. Two walls and one floor are displayed within the plot area.


trendline

A graphic representation of trends in data series. Trendlines are used for the study of problems of prediction, also called regression analysis. You can add trendlines to data series in unstacked 2-D area, bar, column, line, stock, xy (scatter), and bubble charts.


trendline label

Optional text for a trendline, including the regression equation or the R-squared value, or both. A trendline label can be formatted and moved; it cannot be sized.


error bars

Graphic bars that express potential error (or degree of uncertainty), relative to each data marker in a series. You can add y error bars to data series in 2-D area, bar, column, line, xy (scatter), and bubble charts. XY and bubble charts can also display x error bars. Error bars can be selected and formatted as a group.


legend

A box that identifies the patterns or colors that are assigned to the data series or categories in a chart.


gridlines in charts

Lines you can add to a chart that make it easier to view and evaluate data. Gridlines extend from the tick marks on an axis across the plot area.


tick marks and tick-mark labels

Tick marks are small lines of measurement, similar to divisions on a ruler, that intersect an axis. Tick-mark labels identify the categories, values, or series in the chart. Tick-mark labels come from cells on the datasheet that is used to create the chart.


axis

A line that borders one side of the plot area, providing a frame of reference for measurement or comparison in a chart. For most charts, data values are plotted along the value axis, which is usually vertical (the y-axis), and categories are plotted along the category axis, which is usually horizontal (the x-axis).


text box

A rectangular object on a chart in which you can type text.


comparison operator

A sign that is used in comparison criteria to compare two values. The following table shows the six standard comparison operators.

Operator	Meaning
=	Equal to
>	Greater than
<	Less than
>=	Greater than or equal to
<=	Less than or equal to
<>	Not equal to


legend keys

Symbols in legends that show the patterns and colors that are assigned to the data series (or categories) in a chart. Legend keys appear to the left of legend entries. Formatting a legend key also formats the data marker that's associated with it.


data table in charts

A grid in a chart that contains the numeric data that is used to create the chart. Each row in the data table represents a data series. The data table usually is attached to the category axis of the chart and replaces the tick-mark labels on the category axis.


titles in charts

Descriptive text that is automatically aligned to an axis or centered at the top of a chart.


active cell

The selected cell in which data is entered when you begin typing. Only one cell is active at a time. The active cell is bounded by a heavy border.


plot area

In a 2-D chart, the area that's bounded by the axes and includes all the data series. In a 3-D chart, the area that's bounded by the axes and includes all the data series, category names, tick-mark labels, and axis titles.


chart area

The entire chart and all its elements.


series lines

In 2-D stacked bar and column charts, lines that connect the data markers in each data series.


drop lines

In line and area charts, lines that extend from a data point to the category (x) axis. Most useful in area charts to clarify where one data marker ends and the next begins.


up-down bars

In line charts with two or more data series, bars that indicate at a glance the difference between the data points in the first and last series. Microsoft Graph automatically uses white bars to show that the point in the last series is greater than the point in the first series, and black bars to show that the point in the last series is smaller than the point in the first series.


high-low lines

In 2-D line charts, lines that extend from the highest to the lowest value in each category.


R-squared value

The R-squared value, also known as the coefficient of determination, is an indicator that ranges in value from 0 to 1 and reveals how closely the estimated values for the trendline correspond to your actual data. A trendline is most reliable when its R-squared value is at or near 1.


vertexes

Black, square, draggable points that appear at the ends and intersections of lines or curves in selected AutoShapes when you click Edit Points on the Draw menu (Drawing toolbar).


dropdownlist
drop-down list box

A control on a menu, toolbar, or dialog box that displays a list of options when you click the small arrow next to the list box. For example, the Font list box on the Formatting toolbar is a drop-down list box. You can type an option in the box or select an item from the list.


toolbar

To display a toolbar, point to Toolbars on the View menu, and then click the toolbar you want. If the toolbar you want is not listed on the Toolbars submenu, click Customize, and then select the check box for the toolbar on the Toolbars tab. (The Customize command is not available unless you started Microsoft Graph by clicking the chart, clicking Chart Object on the Edit menu, and then clicking Open.)

After the toolbar is displayed, if the button you want doesn't appear, click More Buttons [image]  on that toolbar. For Help on an option, press SHIFT+F1, and then click the option.


Select or clear the options below to change how you move around and enter data on the datasheet.


Automatically moves the active cell down one row after you press ENTER to enter a value in a cell. Press SHIFT+ENTER to move the active cell up one row.


Moves and copies cells and data by dragging.


Controls how empty datasheet cells are plotted as data points.


Leaves gaps in the line for the empty cells, making the line segmented.


Treats blank cells as zeros so that the line drops to zero for zero-value data points.


Interpolates data points that represent blank cells and fills in the gaps with connecting lines.


Displays the name of a chart item when you rest the pointer over it.


Displays the value of a data marker when you rest the pointer over it.


Displays the color palette.


The first eight colors Microsoft Graph uses for chart lines. These colors also can be used to format anything you can apply color to.


The first eight colors Microsoft Graph uses for chart fills. These colors also can be used to format anything you can apply color to.


Displays the Colors dialog box. You can edit any of the original 56 colors on the color palette to create custom colors.


Resets the color palette to its original 56 colors.


Select or clear the boxes below to display or hide chart item names or data series names and values when you rest the pointer over chart items.


Clear this box if you want to be notified before imported data overwrites existing data on your datasheet.


Select an option under Import to import an entire sheet of data or a selected range. Imported data can be up to 4,000 rows long by 4,000 columns wide, but no more than 255 data series can be displayed in a chart.


Imports all data on the sheet you have specified.


Imports the range of data you specify in the Range box, for example, A1:D40 or a named range.


Select sheet from workbook
Imports data from the sheet or chart you specify in the Select sheet from workbook box.


Opens the selected source document.


Updates the datasheet and chart with information from the selected source documents.


Removes the link from the datasheet and chart; they will no longer be updated when data in the former source document changes.


Displays the Change Link dialog box, which you can use to change the link to another source document.


Specifies the source document the Graph chart is currently linked to.


Indicates whether the link is updated manually or automatically.


Lists the name of the source document.


Lists the source of the link.


Describes the linked item.


Specifies the application that the source document exists in. For example, for a worksheet from Microsoft Excel 97, the text in this box reads "Microsoft Excel Worksheet."


Specifies the linked data in the source document. For example, if the source document is a Microsoft Excel worksheet, the cell range that contains the linked data is listed.


Specifies the source document the Graph chart is currently linked to.


Specify the application in the Type box to link to another application. For example, to link to a worksheet in Microsoft Excel, type Microsoft Excel Worksheet


Type the name of the document that you want to redirect the link to.


Specify the part of the document to redirect the link to in the Item box, if necessary. For example, type a range of cells on a Microsoft Excel worksheet.


Applies the current settings to the active chart without closing the dialog box, so you can see the effects of your changes in the sample chart.


Returns all settings in the dialog box to the original default settings without closing the dialog box, so you can see the effects of your changes.


The sample chart displayed in the dialog box shows the result of the current settings.


Increases the elevation of the view in increments of 5 degrees. For all charts except pie charts and 3-D bar charts, the view ranges from -90 degrees (view from directly below the plot area) to 90 degrees (view from directly above the plot area). For pie charts, the view ranges from 10 degrees to 80 degrees. For 3-D bar charts, the view ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 44 degrees.


Decreases the elevation of the view in increments of 5 degrees. For most chart types, the view ranges from -90 degrees (view from directly below the plot area) to 90 degrees (view from directly above the plot area).


Type a value in the Elevation box to specify the height you want to view the chart from. For most chart types, the view ranges from -90 degrees (view from directly below the plot area) to 90 degrees (view from directly above the plot area).


Increases the Perspective setting in increments of 5 degrees, thereby increasing the depth of the chart. The perspective value specifies the ratio of the front of the chart to the back of the chart; it ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 100 degrees. This option is unavailable for 3-D bar charts or when the Right angle axes check box is selected.


Decreases the Perspective setting in increments of 5 degrees, thereby decreasing the depth of the chart. The perspective value specifies the ratio of the front of the chart to the back of the chart; it ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 100 degrees. This option is unavailable for 3-D bar charts and when the Right angle axes check box is selected.


Type a value (in degrees) in the Perspective box to control the view of chart depth. The perspective value specifies the ratio of the front of the chart to the back of the chart; it ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 100 degrees. This option is unavailable for 3-D bar charts or when the Right angle axes check box is selected.


Type a value in the Rotation box to control the rotation of the plot area around the z axis (vertical axis). Rotation is measured in degrees from 0 (zero) to 360. For 3-D bar charts, the rotation ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 44 degrees.


Rotates the plot area to the left around the z axis (vertical axis) in increments of 10 degrees. The rotation is measured in degrees from 0 (zero) to 360. For 3-D bar charts, the rotation ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 44 degrees.


Rotates the plot area to the right around the z axis (vertical axis) in increments of 10 degrees. The rotation is measured in degrees from 0 (zero) to 360. For 3-D bar charts, the rotation ranges from 0 (zero) degrees to 44 degrees.


Sets the axes at right angles independent of chart rotation or elevation. To see axes in perspective, clear this check box. For 3-D bar charts, this option is always selected.


Type a value in the Height box to control the height of the z axis and the chart walls relative to the length of the x axis or the width of the chart at its base. The height is measured as a percentage of the x axis length. For example, a value of 200 percent makes the chart height twice the length of the x axis.


Scales a 3-D chart so that it's closer in size to the 2-D version. When you change a 2-D chart to a 3-D chart, Microsoft Graph sometimes draws the chart smaller, especially if it has a rotation of less than 45 degrees. This option is available only when the Right angle axes check box is selected.


Cancel button (3-D View)
The Close button closes this dialog box.


Chart area

The entire chart and all its elements.


Datasheet area

The entire datasheet and all its elements, including cells, gridlines, row and column headings, scroll bars, and sheet tabs.


Scroll bar

The shaded bars along the right side and bottom of a window. To scroll to another part of the file, drag the box or click the arrows in the scroll bar.


Status bar

The bar near the bottom of the screen that displays information about a selected command or an operation in progress. The right side of the status bar shows whether keys such as CAPS LOCK or NUM LOCK are turned on.


Title bar

Drag the window title bar to move a window or dialog box. To maximize a window or restore it to its previous size and location, double-click the title bar.


Window sizing border

The border around a window. Drag the window border to change the shape and size of a window. To size the window in two directions at once, drag a corner of the border.


Row heading

The numbered gray area to the left of each row. Click the row heading to select an entire row. To increase or decrease the height of a row, drag the line below the row heading.


Column heading

The lettered or numbered gray area at the top of each column. Click the column heading to select an entire column. To increase or decrease the width of a column, drag the line to the right of the column heading.


Select All button

The gray rectangle in the upper-left corner of a datasheet where the row and column headings meet. Click this button to select all cells on a datasheet.


Graph Title Bar
Title bar

Drag the window title bar to move the window.


Changes the size of the data marker. The Sample box displays the marker line size you select.


Specify display options for how you want the inserted image to appear when it is pasted to the destination object.


Stretches the inserted image.


Stacks the inserted image.


Stacks and scales the inserted image proportional to the size of the destination object.


Tiles the inserted image.


Scales the inserted image proportional to the destination object.


Applies the inserted image to the end of the destination object.


Applies the inserted image to the sides of the destination object.


Applies the inserted image to the front of the destination object.


Select the axis you want to plot the selected series on.


Plots the selected data series along the primary axis.


Plots the selected data series along the secondary axis. This option displays a second axis if one hasn't already been added to the chart.


Shows how your chart will look with the selected options.


Drag the cells on the datasheet to select the values you want for the x axis.


Displays the current chart before the options you select are applied.


Select the cell on the datasheet that contains the series name for the selected series in the chart.


Drag the cells on the datasheet to select the values you want for the y axis.


Click the error bar display option you want for the selected data series.


Displays plus and minus X error bars.


Displays plus X error bars.


Displays minus X error bars.


Removes X error bars from the selected data series.


Specify the amount or variation of error you want for the error bars displayed on the selected data series.


Uses a fixed value as the error amount.


Uses a percentage of each data point as the error amount.


Uses a specific number of standard deviations from the mean of plotted values for the error amount.


Uses the standard error of the plotted values as the error amount for each data point.


Type a value in the Plus (+) box or the Minus (-) box or both to use a custom value as the error amount for each data point.


Displays plus and minus Y error bars.


Displays plus Y error bars.


Displays minus Y error bars.


Removes Y error bars from the selected data series.


Select the 3-D shape you want the selected data series to display.


Adds or removes data labels to or from data points of the selected series.


Removes data labels from all data points of the selected series.


Displays the value of each data point in the selected series.


Displays the percentage of the whole for all data points in pie and doughnut charts.


Displays the category label assigned to all data points. For area charts, this option displays the series name.


In pie and doughnut charts, displays both the percentage of the whole and the category labels for each section of the chart.


Displays the sizes for each bubble in a bubble chart, based on the values of the third data series.


Places legend keys, with the assigned format and color, next to the data labels in the chart.


Extends drop lines from each marker to the x axis for a line chart or an area chart.


Extends high-low lines from the highest value to the lowest value in each category. This option is used primarily for stock charts and is available only for 2-D line charts.


Extends rectangular up-down bars for open-high-low-close charts. In charts that track stock prices, up-down bars extend from the opening price to the closing price on a given day. This option is available only for line charts.


Type a value between -100 and 100 in the Overlap box to specify how much you want the markers within a category to overlap each other. The larger the value, the greater the overlap; the smaller the value, the greater the gap or spacing.


Type a value between 0 (zero) and 500 in the Gap width box to specify the amount of space you want between categories of data markers. The larger the value, the greater the distance between categories.


Displays lines that connect data markers for data series of the same chart type as the selected data series.


Assigns a different color or style to each data marker in the selected data series. Mostly used for charts with only one data series.


Type a number in the Angle of first slice box to specify the angle at which you want the first pie or doughnut slice to start.


Type a value between 10 and 90 in the Doughnut hole size box to specify the size of the hole in a doughnut chart. The greater the value, the larger the hole and the narrower the doughnut rings.


Adds category labels to a chart.


Displays negative bubbles in a bubble chart, if bubble values are negative.


Specify Area of bubbles or Width of bubbles to indicate the size and proportion of bubbles for the chart display.


Type a value between 0 (zero) and 300 in the Scale bubble size box to specify the size of the selected bubble in a bubble chart. The greater the value, the larger the bubble in proportion to other bubbles.


Type a value in the Chart depth box to specify the depth of a 3-D chart relative to its width.


Type a number in the Gap depth box to specify the distance between the data markers in 3-D charts.


Shows how your chart will look with the options you select.


Select an option in the Split series by box to specify how you want to separate the second data plot (or bar of pie or pie of pie) in the bar of pie or pie of pie chart.

Position separates the second plot using the final data series; use Value to separate the second plot with values you enter in the Second plot contains all values less than box. Use Percent value to separate the second plot by the percentage of the pie you enter in the Second plot contains all values less than % box. Drag slices of the pie that you want to use as a second plot if you want to customize the chart.


Type a value between 0 (zero) and 500 in the Gap width box to specify the amount of space you want between categories of data markers. The larger the value, the greater the distance between categories.


In pie charts, displays a line from the pie slice to its label.


If items in your text file are separated by tabs, colons, semicolons, or other characters, select Delimited. If all items in your text file are the same length, select Fixed width.


Enter the row number to specify the first row of the data you want to import.


Click a format in the File origin box to specify the text file format.


Select the delimiter that your data contains.


Separates your tab-delimited data into columns.


Separates your semicolon-delimited data into columns.


Separates your comma-delimited data into columns.


Separates your space-delimited data into columns.


Separates your data into columns by using the custom delimiter your data contains.


Click Treat consecutive delimiters as one if your data contains a delimiter of more than a one character between data fields or contains multiple custom delimiters.


Select the delimiter your data contains. If the character you want is not listed, select the Other check box, and then type one or more characters in the box containing the insertion point.


Under Data preview, lines with arrows indicate that a break line for a column or field delimiter has been found. Click at the desired position to create an additional break line. Double-click on the line to delete an existing break line. Click and drag a break line to move it to another position in the text.


Select the column under Data preview. Then under Column data format, click the data format that you want to apply to the selected column of converted text. Once you select a data format option for the selected column, the column heading under Data preview will display the applied format. If you select Date, select a date format in the Date box.

To exclude a column of data when you import the text file, select the column under Data preview, and select Do not import column (skip).


Shows how your text will look when separated into columns on the datasheet.


Specifies the type of decimal and thousands separators to display in a text file. When the file is opened in Microsoft Graph, the separators displayed will match those specified for your country in Regional Settings (Windows Control Panel).


Click to display separators that match the settings for separators in Regional Settings (Windows Control Panel).


Select the decimal separator used in the text file. For example, if the separator in the file is a comma, select "," to display 9,35 as 9.35. If the separator is a period, select "." to display 9.35 as 9,35.


Select the thousands separator used in the text file. For example, if the separator in the file is a period, select "." to display 1.985 as 1,985. If the separator is a comma, select "," to display 1,985 as 1.985.


Resets the separators to those specified in Regional Settings (Windows Control Panel).


Displays numerical separators so that they match those specified in Regional Settings (Windows Control Panel) when you open a text file in Microsoft Graph.


point

A unit of measurement equal to 1/72 inch.