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You can create a chart from scratch in Microsoft PowerPoint, or you can import a Microsoft Excel worksheet or chart. The default charting program for PowerPoint is Microsoft Graph, and it is installed automatically with PowerPoint.

When you create a new chart in PowerPoint, Microsoft Graph opens and a chart is displayed with its associated data in a table called a datasheet (datasheet: A table included with a chart that provides sample information showing where to type your own row and column labels and data.). You can enter your own data on the datasheet, import data from a text file or Lotus 1-2-3 file, import or insert a Microsoft Excel worksheet or chart, or paste data from another program.

Microsoft PowerPoint window

Microsoft Graph window with datasheet

Microsoft Graph chart window

When you work on a chart, the Microsoft Graph program appears, with its own menus and buttons (or, if you have inserted an Excel chart, Excel menu and buttons appear, integrated with the PowerPoint menus) so that you can modify the chart. For example, you might want to change the chart type from pie to column, make the text larger, or add new colors. Information about how to modify charts is available from the Help menu on your menu bar while you are working on a chart.