Ever since I have learned the tables feature in Excel 2007, I have fallen in love with that. They are so awesome and so user friendly.
Here is a simple, yet very effective feature of Excel Tables that will show table header row even when you scroll down. The header row is shown in the place of column headings (the place where you see A,B,C,D etc.).
For eg. if you have the superhero details in a table,when you scroll down, this is what you will see:
This is a good alternative for freeze panes option in Excel. However there are few limitations,
- You must select a cell in the table when you scroll to see column headers
- Only headers are shown. Not filters.
What is your favorite feature in Excel Data Tables?
Read more excel quick tips
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!