Here is a quick macro tip that I stumbled on to while debugging some code yesterday (ya, ya, call me workaholic for coding on a weekend…)
You can select expressions in your code and place mouse pointer on that for a second to find what value it evaluates to (of course, this works only on break-point).
I think the above line has too much jargon, so watch this short animation to understand:
PS: You can add break points to your code by clicking on the left margin next to the line of code where you want a break point, like this:
When you add a break point to your code, excel will stop running the code at that point and brings you back to VB Editor so that you can find out if everything is going alright.
Share your favorite macro debugging techniques:
I use a variety of techniques when debugging macros. Most of the time I use break points, watches. Sometimes I use the msgbox to display the values I want to see while the code is running or print them to immediate window. What about you?
I am thinking of compiling all the debugging techniques people use in one post. So please share your tricks thru comments.
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!