How to Change the Color Scheme in an Excel Chart

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Change chart colors in any version of Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft Excel is one of the world's leading spreadsheet applications. Included as part of the Microsoft Office suite of productivity products, the program allows users to input and update data points in spreadsheet cells, perform calculations, develop pivot tables and automate repetitive tasks using macros. Excel also provides point-and-click tools that simplify the creation of graphs and charts. Updating the colors of existing charts is a quick task in Excel 2007, Excel 2003 or earlier versions of the program.

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Change Chart Colors in Excel 2007

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Step 1

Open the spreadsheet containing the chart you want to edit.

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Step 2

Single-click the chart once to select it.

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Step 3

Single-click the individual piece of the chart you want to change to select the piece.

Step 4

Right-click the selected piece and choose the "Format Data Point" option.

Step 5

Click "Fill" in the left-hand menu, and then choose the fill option that meets your design needs. Select your desired color, gradient, picture or texture and the selected chart shape is updated immediately. Click "Close" to close the Format Data point window.

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Change Chart Colors in Excel 2003 and earlier

Step 1

Open the spreadsheet containing the chart you want to edit.

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Step 2

Single-click the chart once to select it.

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Step 3

Single-click the individual piece of the chart you want to change to select the piece.

Step 4

Right-click the selected piece and choose the "Format Data Point" option.

Step 5

Click the "Patterns" tab. Choose the fill option that meets your design needs by selecting your desired color, or by clicking the "Fill Effects" button to view additional options. Click "OK" to confirm your change and close the Format Data Point menu.

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