Formatting a Chart Element

You can modify the elements in a chart in several ways. For example, you can change colors, line widths, and fonts. You make modifications in the Format dialog box, which varies for each type of chart element.

To modify an element in a chart, follow these steps:

1. Select the chart element.
2. Access the Format dialog box for the chart element that you selected by using any of the following techniques:
   
   
   • Click the Format tab on the Ribbon and select a chart element from the Chart Elements drop-down list in the Current Selection group. Then click the Format Selection button below the Chart Elements list.
   • Right-click the element, and choose Format Item Name from the contextual menu that appears, where Item Name is the name of the chart element you select, such as Data Series, Gridlines, or Axis.
   • Press Ctrl+1 (that is, Ctrl and the number 1).
   
   
3. Choose the option on the left side of the dialog box that corresponds to what you want to do.
4. Make the changes by selecting the appropriate options on the right side of the dialog box. For help on an option, click the Help button (the question mark) in the dialog box.
5. Click OK.

You can change the color of some element parts - for example, the fill color or line color. You can select a theme color or a non-theme color. If you choose a theme color, the color changes if you change the workbook theme. If you choose a non-theme color, the color does not change if you change the workbook theme.