Setting Special Chart Effects

Special effects help present data most effectively. Transparency ensures that all chart series and values are visible. Three-dimensional effects add graphic depth that can be so useful when many series are charted (for example, bars become blocks as shown in the chart density figure in Changing the Chart Density).

  To set special chart effects:

  1. Display the General tab of the Chart Preferences dialog.

  2. Locate the Effects group at the bottom of the page.

  3. You can select any or all of the available effects to see how they enhance the chart. If you select Transparency, you can also select a percent. 0% is completely opaque and 100% is completely transparent.

  4. Change another setting or click OK.

    Note:

    You can press Ctrl+w to toggle the horizontal grid lines on and off.