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Use this procedure to change color, texture or style for data markers (data marker: A bar, area, dot, slice, or other symbol in a chart that represents a single data point or value that originates from a worksheet cell. Related data markers in a chart constitute a data series.); the chart area (chart area: The entire chart and all its elements.); 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.); gridlines (gridlines in charts: Lines you can add to a chart that make it easier to view and evaluate data. Gridlines extend from the tick marks on an axis across the plot area.), axes (axis: A line bordering the chart plot area used as a frame of reference for measurement. The y axis is usually the vertical axis and contains data. The x-axis is usually the horizontal axis and contains categories.), and tick marks (tick marks and tick-mark labels: Tick marks are small lines of measurement, similar to divisions on a ruler, that intersect an axis. Tick-mark labels identify the categories, values, or series in the chart.) in 2-D and 3-D charts; error bars (error bars: Usually used in statistical or scientific data, error bars show potential error or degree of uncertainty relative to each data marker in a series.) in 2-D charts; and the walls and floor (3-D walls and floor: The areas surrounding many 3-D chart types that give dimension and boundaries to the chart. Two walls and one floor are displayed within the plot area.) in 3-D charts.

1. In Microsoft PowerPoint, double-click the chart.
2. Double-click the chart item you want to change.
3. On the Patterns tab, do one or both of the following:
   • To change the colors, patterns, or lines, select the options you want.

   • To specify a fill effect, click Fill Effects, and then select the options you want on the Gradient, Texture, Pattern, or Picture tabs.

4. To return to the slide, click outside the chart.

Note  Formatting applied to an axis is also applied to the tick marks on that axis. Gridlines are formatted independently of axes.