Change colors in a surface chart

To format the colors of the levels in a surface chart, you must format the legend key (legend keys: Symbols in legends that show the patterns and colors assigned to the data series (or categories) in a chart. Legend keys appear to the left of legend entries. Formatting a legend key also formats the data marker that's associated with it.).

  1. If the chart doesn't have a legend (legend: A box that identifies the patterns or colors that are assigned to the data series or categories in a chart.), add one.

ShowHow?

  1. Click the chart to which you want to add a legend (legend: A box that identifies the patterns or colors that are assigned to the data series or categories in a chart.).
  2. On the Chart menu, click Chart Options, and then click the Legend tab.
  3. Select the Show legend check box.
  4. Under Placement, click the option you want.

 Note   When you click one of the Placement options, the legend moves, and the plot area (plot area: In a 2-D chart, the area bounded by the axes, including all data series. In a 3-D chart, the area bounded by the axes, including the data series, category names, tick-mark labels, and axis titles.) automatically adjusts to accommodate it. If you move and size the legend by using the mouse, the plot area does not automatically adjust. When you use the Placement options, the legend loses any custom sizing you may have already applied by using the mouse.

  1. Click the legend once to select it, and then click the legend key that represents the surface level you want to change.
  2. On the Format menu, click Selected Legend Key, and then click the Patterns tab.
  3. Click the color you want, and then repeat for each level you want to format.

 Note   You can delete the legend when you're done changing colors, and the colors you specified will remain in the surface chart.

 
 
Applies to:
Excel 2003, Excel 2002, Excel 2000