How to get more colors in excel chart – simple trick

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:

1. 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.
2. Right click on any of your chart data points and select format data point
   
3. In the dialog select “fill effects”
   
4. 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