
Here is a simple to trick to beat the 56 color limitation in excel when you are designing a chart: use picture files (jpg, gif, png etc.) to fill the chart area.
You will no longer have to worry about limiting your project report / website / annual report etc. colors to the 56 that excel has.
1 + 3 steps to get more colors in excel charts:
- First create a 1*1 pixel sized image of the color you want to use in excel. You can use any software like MS Paintbrush to do this, all you need is the hex code or rgb of the color you want. Visit colour lovers if you are looking for cool color ideas.
- Right click on any of your chart data points and select format data point
- In the dialog select “fill effects”
- Finally, go to “Picture” tab in fill effects and specify your picture file path.

OK your changes. Thats all, now your charts have any color your want.
Also: Download 73 beautiful excel chart templates | Art of excel charting | Become a conditional formatting pro














7 Responses to “Build models & dashboards faster with Watch Window”
yes, I use watches in excel vb
Dear Chandoo,
This is a quite useful for myself. I highly appreciate your efforts for acquainting us with this value adding and time saving tip.
I'll admit it, I never saw this feature before. I was familiar with using Watch Window in VB, but not in workbook. I'll definitely use this in future when building dashboards!
it was always great reading your blog, one thing that i want to know, which tool you are using to create such gif image?
it was also a nice post,,,,,, sir
Hello Sir,
Really very nice post. I didn't use this features in past. But now going to use it..
Thanks a lot for every time come up with something new..
Thanks
Very Nice post sir.
Every Time posting something new.. Thanks a lot