Since charts and graphs create such beautiful visuals, you might want to include one in your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. You can create a chart within PowerPoint or insert one you created in Excel: two easy ways to add useful visuals.
Also useful: Want to move text from Word to PowerPoint? Learn how. How to copy formatted text From one to the other and save time!
How to create a chart in PowerPoint
You can create a chart in PowerPoint and add data to it in one complete process. This gives you a great way to create a chart quickly and easily.
- Select the slide where you want the chart. If you already have a content block on the chart, you'll see an icon. Insert chart Which you can click to get started.
- If you have a blank slide instead, add your own chart by going to the menu "Insert" and select "a plan" In the illustrations set.
- You will see a window Insert chart Open with either of the above options. Choose the chart type from the left to see the charts and styles with a preview on the right and click "OK" To insert the chart. For example, we choose "circular" On the left and pattern 3D circle On the right.
- You'll see a spreadsheet with sample data for the selected chart type. Replace the sample data with your own.
- As you adjust data in the sheet, you'll notice the chart update immediately. When you're finished adding data, click "X" In the upper right to close the spreadsheet.
- To edit the chart data later, go to the tab "Layout design" Open the menu Edit dataSelect either. Edit data Or Edit data in Excel.
Tip: If you use Google Slides in addition to PowerPoint, you can Include a chart in presentations Presentation too!
How to Insert an Excel Chart into PowerPoint
You may already have a chart in Microsoft Excel that you'd like to use in a PowerPoint slideshow. This is as simple as copying and pasting the chart. Depending on how you want to update the chart later, there are a few ways to paste the chart into PowerPoint.
- Open Excel sheet and select graph , then right-click and choose "Copied" Or use the button "Copied" in the tab Home page
- Go to the slide in PowerPoint where you want to Insert an Excel chartSelect the drop-down arrow. "sticky" in the tab Home page , then choose one Paste Options shown below.
– Keep the source workbook in source format and include: Keep the original formatting of the chart and insert it.
Using the two options above, you can edit chart data independently without affecting the original data in Excel. Right-click on the chart and select Edit data Make the changes in the sheet that appears.
– Maintain source formatting and data linking: Maintain chart formatting, input, and link data.
With the two options above, your chart will automatically update in PowerPoint when you make changes to it in Excel. You can also update the chart manually by selecting it and clicking Update data in the tab "Layout design".
With the picture option, you cannot edit or update the chart as the data changes. Like any other picture, this is a static image inserted into PowerPoint.
- You'll see your chart pop up on your slide using the paste option you chose.
Good to know: Sometimes PowerPoint can be restrictive, but you may find it helpful to use it. PowerPoint alternatives These are more features for charts and other graphics.
How to customize a chart in PowerPoint
Whether you create a chart in PowerPoint or paste it from Excel, you can customize its elements and appearance.
Note: This does not apply if you paste the chart as an image.
Use the Chart Design tab.
Select the chart and go to the Chart Design tab that appears. Use the tools in the ribbon to customize the chart.
- Add a chart element: Add or place elements, such as axis titles, data labels, and a legend.
- Quick planning: Choose a different style or layout for the chart.
- Change colors: Choose a new color scheme for the chart.
- Chart patterns: Select a layout for the chart.
Change chart type: Choose a different type of chart or graph.
Use the chart sidebar format or the Format tab.
If you want to add a chart border, customize the font, or adjust the chart position or size, right-click on the chart and select “Plan area layout”. Alternatively, select the chart and use the tab. "coordination".
Use the available tools to make your changes.
Use the chart buttons in Windows
In PowerPoint on Windows, you can also use the three buttons that appear on the right when you select a chart. These allow you to work with chart elements, styles, and filters.
You can add and remove elements, choose a color scheme, or filter the chart based on specific data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why do I see the Format Picture tab when I select my chart?
The answer: When you select your chart in PowerPoint, you should see the tab "Layout design". If you see the tab Image format Instead, it means that you pasted the chart as an image rather than a chart.
Q2: How can I stop accidentally moving or resizing the chart?
The answer: It can be easy to accidentally move or resize a chart while you're working on a slide. To avoid this, you can lock the chart.
Right-click on the chart in PowerPoint and select "lock". This keeps the chart in place on the slide and doesn't allow you to drag, move, or resize it. To undo this later, right-click and select "to open".
Q3: Can I save a chart I create in PowerPoint to use elsewhere?
The answer: You can save a PowerPoint chart as an image and then insert it into another application, an email message, or a blog post. Right-click the chart, select "Save as Picture," and choose a location to save the image with the image format you want to use.
