In the 49th session of Chandoo.org podcast, let’s talk about data dumps!
What is in this session?
In this podcast,
- What is a data dump
- Examples of data dump
- Why we dump
- Ways to avoid data dumps
- Go for information dumps
- Sort the dump
- Filter the dump
- Give a table
- Resources for you
Listen to this session
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Resources for making animated charts
Making better charts in Excel:
Charting podcasts:
- CP029 – Impress your boss with awesome charts – 6 step road map
- CP032 – Rules for creating legendary column charts
- CP038 – Data to Ink Ratio – What is it and how to optimize it
Transcript of this session:
Download this podcast transcript [PDF]
Come across any data dumps? Share your story…
Now it’s your turn. Do you come across any data dumps in your line work? Share the story in the comments section.
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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!