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Pattern Fill Add-In for PowerPoint

PowerPoint Chart Fill 
In PowerPoint 2007 the chart feature of using pattern fills was deprecated.

For backward compatibility the functionality was included in the new charting engine. Only the interface to it was excluded.
This add-in provides the UI in order to use that functionality.
The add-in adds a new group to the following contextual tabs, which appear when a chart is selected.
  • Chart Tools, Format
  • Drawing Tools, Format
  • Table Tools, Layout

The dialog allows you to select Foreground and Background colours.

When the selected object is a chart you will be able to select the chart element that you want to format with a pattern fill.
By default the pattern will be applied to all points in a series.
If you want to apply a different pattern to a specific data point you can do so by selecting a data point form the second dropdown.
 PowerPoint Chart Fill Data Point Selection
When completed the chosen pattern and colours are applied to the select chart element, if applicable. 
Chart with normal formatting

Chart with Shingle pattern applied.

The add-in will handle shapes as well. The Pattern Fill button also appears on the Drawing Tools Format contextual tab when a shape is selected.


You can apply pattern fills to the following charting elements
  • Chart Area
  • Plot Area
  • Data Series (any chart style that has fill capabilities)
  • Data Point
  • Data Labels
  • Data Label
  • Legend
  • Chart Title
  • Axis Titles
  • Axis Display Unit Label

Note: Due to the fact that using VBA destroys the undo stack you will not be able to use undo to restore any changes made using the add-in.
  • Version v6.0 Nov 2013
    • Added line shapes
  • Version v5.0 May 2012
    • Added additional drop down selector to allow the selection of a specific data point within as series. Especially useful when formatting Pie charts.
  • Version v4.1 Mar 2012
    • Transparency of shapes and table cells is retained. Apply transparency prior to setting a pattern.

You can either place and add-in in the add-in folder or browse to.
Install PowerPoint Add-in instructions Add or load a PowerPoint add-in

Created August 2004
Last updated 5th August 2014 


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