Today, I’m bringing you a tip similar to my last, but on a smaller scope.
Last time, I shared how to create a template for a Microsoft Word document. Which is a great skill. This week, I'm moving over to Microsoft Excel.
Many people use Excel only for rows and columns of data, to sort and keep it organized. But there is a large number of people who then use the data in Excel to create tables or charts.
Today, I'm going to share how to create a chart template in Excel. And again, it's quite simple.
Once you have a chart set up the way you'd like it, whether it's the style, the color scheme, any shadow or blur effects, etc., then you will right-click on the chart. Not on the actual bar or pie itself, but in the rectangular field around it. Right-clicking will pull up a menu.
Select Save as Template. This will pop up a dialogue box where you will name your template, making sure that it is saved as a .crtx file type.
Then you will save it!
In the future, when you want to use it, you would just select/highlight the data you want to use in the chart, and click on Insert. In the Charts section, you will want to click on Recommended Charts.
In the box that pops up, you will want to select All Charts at the top.
Then make sure you select the Templates section on the left.
Then any and all templates you have created will populate to the right, and you can choose the one you wish to use.
This makes charts much easier to use if you use them with any kind of frequency!