Creating visual presentations that captivate audiences can seem daunting. Charts allow you to present complex data clearly and concisely. This guide will teach you how to make a chart in PowerPoint to elevate your next presentation. You'll get to choose from various built-in chart types, insert and format charts seamlessly, and customize designs to highlight key insights. Follow along to become a PowerPoint chart pro!
Part 1: Chart Types in PowerPoint
PowerPoint offers a variety of built-in chart types so you can effectively visualize your data. Choosing the right chart type is important for accurately representing your data and communicating your message.
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Here are the most commonly used chart types in PowerPoint:
Chart Type |
Purpose |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
Column |
Compare different values vertically side-by-side. |
Ideal for visualizing individual data points and their variations. |
Line |
Illustrate trends over time by connecting points with a line. |
Effective in showcasing patterns, trends, and overall data trends over a continuous period. |
Pie |
Show values as a percentage of a whole using different colored slices. |
Best for displaying proportions and relationships between parts of a whole. |
Bar |
Display information in horizontal bars, similar to column charts. |
Offers an alternative view to column charts, useful when horizontal representation is preferred. |
Area |
Similar to line charts, but the area beneath the lines is filled in. |
Emphasizes the cumulative total of values over time, providing a sense of magnitude. |
Scatter (XY) |
Plot clusters of values using single points; useful for multiple items with different colors. |
Useful for identifying relationships and correlations between two variables. |
Stock |
Effectively report high and low points of stock prices or fluctuating values. |
Ideal for visualizing the volatility and trends in stock prices. |
Surface |
Useful for finding the best combination of two sets of data. |
Provides a three-dimensional view, helpful for analyzing complex data relationships. |
Radar |
Compare aggregate values of a number of data series. |
Suitable for displaying multiple quantitative variables in a radial pattern. |
Combination |
Show both clustered column and line charts to compare values and data trends. |
Allows for a comprehensive comparison of both individual values and overall trends. |
The key is choosing the right chart type that matches your data structure and presents your findings most intuitively. Experiment with different visualizations before finalizing the right chart type.
Steps to Make a Chart in PowerPoint
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a chart from scratch in PowerPoint.
Example 1: Column Chart
Step 1: Click Insert > Chart.
Step 2: Click the Column type, double-click the chart you want, or click OK to insert it.
Step 3: This will insert a blank column chart with sample data. Replace it with your own data in the Excel worksheet that opens up.
Step 4: Customize the chart title, axis titles, legend, and data labels from the 'Chart Elements' pane. The final column chart will look like this:
Example 2: Pie Chart
Let's create a pie chart to depict the market share for different smartphone brands.
Step 1: Click Insert > Chart.
Step 2: Double-click the chart you want or click OK after selecting Pie chart type.
Step 3: Replace the default data with the market share percentages in the Excel sheet.
Step 4: Format the chart title, legend placement, data labels, and colors.
These examples should guide you in initiating chart creation in PowerPoint! Experiment with various chart types – line charts, bar charts, scatter plots, and more – using the same straightforward insert and formatting process.
Change the Chart Type
Remember to choose the right chart for your data. While a column and a pie chart excel in comparing values, they may not be the best for showing trends or relationships. If needed, easily switch to a more fitting chart type. To change the chart type, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the chart.
Step 2: To change the chart type, navigate to the Chart Design tab and select the Change Chart Type button.
Step 3: Repeat the same as Step 2 in the above part.
How to Customize a Chart in PowerPoint
To elevate the visual appeal of your chart, whether you're looking to incorporate a more refined border, fine-tune the font for a polished aesthetic, or precisely adjust its position and size to achieve optimal presentation, you can effortlessly initiate these changes.
Method 1: Use the Chart Design Option
PowerPoint provides various built-in chart layouts and color schemes you can choose from. Click on the desired chart and navigate to the “Chart Design” tab visibly presented. Leverage the tools available in the ribbon to tailor the chart to your specifications.
Add Chart Element: Integrate or adjust components like axis titles, data labels, and a legend.
Quick Layout: choose an alternative style or layout that complements the chart.
Change Colors: Opt for a fresh color scheme to enhance the visual appeal of the chart.
Chart Styles: select a specific design that aligns with your preferences for the chart.
Method 2: Format a Chart
Begin by right-clicking on the chart and selecting the Format Chart Area option. Alternatively, you can achieve the same effect by selecting the chart and navigating to the dedicated Format tab.
Employ the suite of tools at your disposal to seamlessly implement your desired changes.
Method 3: Add and Remove Chart Elements
To further refine clarity and impact, engage with the Chart Elements button. You can add or remove elements such as titles, labels, and the legend here. The available options vary based on the specific chart type you've incorporated.
Initiate the process by selecting the entire chart or a specific element. Next, access the Chart Styles button to unveil a curated selection of styles and color options.
Chart Elements button:
Chart styles button:
Chart Filters button:
To elevate your charts quickly and easily, leverage the Chart Tools shortcuts. These shortcuts are accessible at your fingertips and streamline the process of chart customization, making it a breeze, especially for beginners.
Best Alternative to PowerPoint – WPS Presentation
Discover the budget-friendly choice for Microsoft Office by exploring WPS Presentation. This complimentary office suite is tailor-made for multi-platform, providing a seamless and cost-effective alternative with full compatibility with PowerPoint.
Here's a quick introduction to its key features:
Provides well-designed templates for modern presentations.
Very lightweight app compared to bulky PowerPoint.
Supports exporting files to PDF, video, and other formats.
Offers easy content collaboration for teamwork.
Secure cloud storage and support for online editing.
WPS Office Presentation is a great alternative to older MS Office versions. It's compatible with low-configuration computers and it's cost-free with updates included, making it a cost-effective solution for your office needs.
Steps to Download WPS Presentation
Downloading WPS Presentation is quick and simple:
Step 1: Go to the official WPS Office website.
Step 2: Select your operating system and click the Free Download button.
Step 3: The installer file will download automatically. Double-click to launch.
Step 4: Click Install Now and follow the setup prompts to install the WPS Presentation on your computer.
That's it! The installation process is fast and easy. Within minutes you'll have a powerful yet lightweight alternative to PowerPoint.
How to Make a Chart in WPS Presentation
Making charts in WPS Presentation works very similar to PowerPoint:
Step 1: On the Insert tab, click the Chart icon and select a chart type.
Step 2: Within the pop-up dialogue, we can select many different types of charts.
Step 3: Click Select Data or Edit Data, and WPS Office will automatically open WPS Sheets.
Step 4: Replace sample data with your own in the WPS Sheets worksheet..
Step 5: Customize design, layout, elements, and formatting.
You'll find the chart creation process in WPS Presentation to be smooth and intuitive. It provides all the essential chart types and customization options you need to visualize your data effectively.
FAQs
Are there any limitations to the types of charts I can create in PowerPoint?
PowerPoint supports most standard 2D chart types, including column, bar, line, pie, scatter, area, radar, bubble, etc. Specific advanced charts may not be available.
Can I import data into PowerPoint from other sources to create charts?
PowerPoint allows you to import data from Excel, CSV files, SQL databases, and other external sources. You can copy-paste data or set up dynamic linking.
Summary
In this guide, we have covered the primary types of charts and their uses, as well as the steps for inserting and formatting charts in PowerPoint. We have also provided customization tips and walked through examples of creating column and pie charts from the beginning.
Additionally, we have introduced WPS Presentation as a free alternative to PowerPoint that supports powerful chart creation. With these abilities, you can create professional and visually appealing charts, making your presentations more engaging and impactful. Remember, the key is selecting the appropriate chart type.
