AJP Excel Information AJP Excel Information
 

How to vary the built-in line chart markers
 
On first inspection the shapes of the built in line markers appear to be very limited.
But by adjusting the foreground and background colours you can reveal some extra markers.
 
The following screen shots are taken from the Patterns tab of the Format Data Series dialog.
To display it just double click your data series.
 
Foreground and Background set to Automatic colour
 
 
Foreground Automatic and Background No Color
This combination reveals a selection of crosses.
   
Foreground No Color and Background Automatic
This combination reduces the size of some markers to the extent that the line ones are lost.
   
Foreground and Background Coloured.

Using 2 different colours allows the crosses to appear with a coloured background
 
 
 
This explains how to get the most from the built-in markers. But it is possible to use your own shapes and pictures as custom markers. Until I create a more detailed page here is a quick explanation.

In order to use an Autoshape as a custom marker simply select the autoshape and press CTRL+C to copy it to the clipboard. Select the markers of the series in your chart and press CTRL+V to paste the shape.

Created 28th April 2007
Last updated 5th August 2014 

Return to main page Chart Section VBA section Fun and games section Forum files Tips section Links section Book section Site information Site Search RSS feed Top of page


Microsoft® and Microsoft® Excel are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
andypope.info is not associated with Microsoft. Copyright ©2007-2016 Andy Pope