Excel Chart Data Range editing

[paulholm]

Two questions really, all to do with this arduous Chart Range Edit Box.
1. Is there anyway to copy chart range sets so I can just take one line,
duplicate it two more times and then change the column names to reflect the
new columns data? My charts are X-Y's with X data from Column B or C, and
then Y column(s) can be anything, AA, BA, etc. so this drag and grab, one
box, method does not work. I used to be able to ADD a new set, then use
Copy,Paste for each line (title,X,Y) but copy, paste does not work anymore.
2. Is there any way to turn off this annoying cursor arrow problem of
adding cells when trying to edit a range line? I keep forgetting and hit an
arrow key, and end up with a totally useless range. Having to edit the line
with mouse and delete key is a real pain. At least in 2003, when you were on
the line you could edit with the cursor OR upon selection, go out to grab
cells. In 2007 you can only grab cells, which sucks when you can have up to
3600 cells to select or just want to change one column from AA to AB, etc.
Thanks!!!

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi Paul,

First question are you using SP1. A number of charting issues were fixed
with that update.
Suppose you are plotting columns A:B and now you enter a set of data in
column C. On the chart you can select the series for column A's data and
press Copy, then press Paste (Ctrl V). Now you have two identical lines
sitting on top of each other. Select one if necessary and note the blue
highlight around the column A data. Place the mouse along the blue line (not
on the blue squares) and when you see a white arrow with four little black
arrows drag to column C. Now you will be plotting 2 different series on the
chart.

Note: Although you can't drag and drop ranges on the chart like you could in
2003 you can still select a range in the spreadsheet and copy it, right click
the chart area and choose Paste.

 

[Jon Peltier]

1. An alternative to Shane's suggestion. Select one series, copy the series
formula in the formula bar. Select the plot area, click in the formula bar
(now blank), and paste. Then edit this new formula and hit Enter.

2. Try pressing the F2 function key before editing the formula.

- Jon