1. Axis, gridlines, and changing the plot
As we have discussed, getting your formatting right can make a huge difference to the impact your charts make.
Sometimes it's just the little things.
2. Axis values
If you are using numbers on your Vertical axis, the Chart editor menu offers you a Minimum and Maximum option. This is very useful and can be used to change the perception of the chart.
For instance, look at the chart on the left. The maximum range on this axis is 400,000. This is set automatically when you create the chart. However if you manually change the Maximum value of your vertical axis to 800,000, like the chart on the right, you get a different perspective. It gives the illusion that there weren't so many visitors to Australia, when in fact the figures are exactly the same.
There is also a scale factor you can use, but if you leave it at default, and you make sure that under Number format you have From data displayed, your chart will take its format from your dataset, which you have already optimized for best use.
3. Gridlines
You have to be careful of gridlines. They can aid in the visual alignment of data, but consider if you really need them or if they make your chart too busy.
You can play around with the Gridlines options by double-clicking your chart to bring up the Chart editor and selecting Gridlines on the Customize tab. Here you will find color options, but this is also where you can alter the count of the gridlines.
Gridlines can be used in line, area, column, bar, scatter, waterfall, histogram, radar, or candlestick charts.
4. Do you need gridlines?
The use of gridlines in a chart depends on the situation. If you do need to use them, go for a lighter color and don't make them too thick. Consider if you need minor gridlines or if major gridlines are enough.
Remember, with any chart you create, you need to make sure that your user isn't distracted and actually gets the message the chart is conveying.
5. Changing the plot
You may also need to change the range that you plotted in your chart.
To do this, double click your chart to bring up the Chart editor menu and you will see the X-axis and Series information, then select the grid icon to the right of Data range.
Highlight the range you now want as a series. You could type in the cell references if you want, but it's generally more accurate to select with the mouse.
You could also add data labels at this point. Although, if you have your data showing in your dashboard, you may not need them.
To delete a series, click on the three dots to the right and then select Remove.
6. Let's practice!
Time to put all this information to good use. Let's practice the column chart formatting features.