This post is part of our spreadcheats series. Please read other posts in this series to know how you can cheat excel to become more productive at work.
Do you know that you can create dynamic charts in excel using data filters ? Yes, that is right, we can use data filters as chart filters too. When you apply a data filter on a chart’s source data, the chart is also filtered.
See this screencast to understand it: (if you cant see it click here)
This technique is much simpler than dynamic charts using drop-down lists and INDEX formula idea presented earlier. All you need to do is,
- Create chart for all your data. Include sales, profits and expenses
- Now, apply data filters to the source data range (menu > data > filter > auto filter, in excel 2007, use home ribbon > filter & sort button > filter)
- Select the type of data you want to use in the chart by applying a data filter
- Bingo, you have a dynamic chart that can be controlled using data filter settings.
How do you like this technique ?
Browse more such nifty hacks by reading previous posts in spreadcheats series.
9 Responses to “Show forecast values in a different color with this simple trick [charting]”
While this works in a pinch, it clearly "lightens" the colors of the entire chart. Depending on where you use this, it will be blatantly obvious that you don't know what you are doing and present a poor looking graph.
Why not separate the data into different segments when charting and have as many colors as you have data points? You might have to create a new legend and/or repeat the chart in "invisible ink", but it would be cleaner and more consistent when new or updated data becomes available.
While I think I agree that doing it "properly" via a second series is preferable, I don't necessarily agree that making the entirety of the "future" (data, gridlines, and even the axis) semi-transparent is "poor looking". I think it could be seen as adding more emphasis to the "future-ness" of the forecast data.
In short, it's another tool for the toolbox, even if it's never needed.
Simply and clever 🙂
Quick & effective, cool. thanks.
I always use the dummy series.
Nice little trick, thanks very much!
Two sets of data better. Control is much better.
You can use the same chart next month to see what is actual and what is forecast.
To use this trick, I think grid lines has to be removed, that will make the graphic much more sharp.
to be honest, i dont understand why there is needed to do this way... in this case horizontal lines will be pale as well. then why a just can't change the color of the line partly???
Great tutorial. Thanks for the tutorial!