Create a Chart Template in Excel

 Sep 28, 2015

A picture says a 1000 words… or so the saying goes. Charts are a popular way for people to graphically represent data when trying to emphasise trends and generally improve how people perceive data.

It is important that a chart look professional, clear and impart a message (the 1000 words bit). The look is often constrained by a corporate colour scheme, fonts and other formatting elements. Consistency is very important, especially if the charts are made available to the public.

A chart template is a file that contains formatting and layout settings that can be used to create new charts in seconds with all the corporate feels of the original.

The hard part of creating one of these templates is formatting the first one – the one the template is created from. After that, it’s easy.

Here are the steps:

  1. Create a chart with the following established:
    • Type of chart (column, pie, line, etc.)
    • The formatting (colours used, fonts used, etc.)
    • The layout (legend position, data labels, etc)
  2. In Excel 2007 or 2010: On the Design tab of the Ribbon click Save As Template… In Excel 2013 or 2016: Right click on the chart and choose Save As Template…
  3. Type a name for the template that describes the type of chart
  4. Click Save

So, when you want to create a new chart using the Chart Template as a basis, follow these steps:

  1. Select the range of data that you want to create the chart on (as normal)
  2. Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon and click the Dialog Box Launcher at the lower right corner of the Charts group
  3. Chart Template Excel
  4. Click the Templates category at the top left
  5. Choose the template you want to base your chart on

And hey, presto – a replica of your old chart appears! Easy!

For more information, have a look at New Horizons' Excel training courses.

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About the Author:

Ben Kirk  

With over 16 years of experience working as a Desktop Applications specialist for a number of large education services providers, Ben is one of New Horizons most skilled and dynamic instructors. With his Advanced Diploma of Business Skills alongside his practical experience and expertise, Ben is able to provide insight and guidance to students at all skill levels across the entire Microsoft Office suite.

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