# Microsoft Knowledge Base

## XL: Incorrect Pattern Options for Series on Radar Chart

Last reviewed: September 13, 1996 Article ID: Q107706
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0
- Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0
- Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

## SYMPTOMS

In a Microsoft Excel radar chart, when you change the axis a series is plotted on, the Format Series dialog box will display the wrong pattern options.

## CAUSE

In the Format Data Series dialog box, you cannot change the axis a series is plotted on AND the series pattern at the same time. The change to the axis is not immediately reflected in the pattern options; therefore, the Format Data Series dialog box must be redisplayed to reflect the correct pattern options.

## WORKAROUND

To display the correct pattern options for a series in a radar chart after you have changed the axis the series is plotted on, you must choose Selected Data Series from the Format menu for each change as follows:

1. Select the data series on the radar chart you want to change and choose Selected Data Series from the Format menu.

2. Choose the Axis tab, and under Plot Series On, select the desired option to change the axis. Choose OK.

3. With the data series still selected, choose Selected Data Series from the Format menu.

4. Choose the Patterns Tab.

## MORE INFORMATION

When you create a radar chart, you can plot a chart series on either the primary or secondary axis. If you plot a series on the primary axis, it will be represented by a filled-in area on the chart. If you plot a series on the secondary axis, it will be represented by a line with markers. When you format a series pattern, the pattern options are area and border for a primary axis series, and Line and Marker for a secondary axis series.

However, if you change the axis a series is plotted on, by choosing Selected Data Series from the Format menu and choosing the Axis tab, the Patterns tab does not immediately reflect the pattern options for the chosen axis. For example, if you select a series on the primary axis, and use the Axis tab on the Format Data Series dialog box to plot the series on the secondary axis, the Patterns tab in the Format Data Series dialog box will still reflect area and border options for the primary axis series. To display the correct pattern options for the secondary axis series, you must close the Format Data Series dialog box and redisplay it by choosing Selected Data Series from the Format menu.

### Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. In a new worksheet, enter the following formula in each of the cells in the range A1:C3:

             =RAND()

2. Select the range A1:C3 and press F11 to run the ChartWizard.

3. In the Step 1 Of 5 screen, verify that the Range box contains =$A$1:$C$3 and choose Next.

4. In the Step 2 Of 5 screen, under Select A Chart Type, choose Radar, and choose Next.

5. In the Step 3 Of 5 screen, under Select A Format For The Radar Chart, choose format 6, and choose Next.

6. In the Step 4 Of 5 screen, choose Finish.

7. Select any one of the series on the chart, and choose Selected Data Series from the Format menu. Choose the Axis tab, and under Plot Series On, select the Secondary Axis option button.

The selected series changes from a filled-in area on the chart sample to a two-dimensional line.

1. Choose the Patterns tab.

The pattern options displayed are Border and Area, the options for a primary axis series. The correct options for a secondary axis are Line and Marker.

## REFERENCES

For more information about Formatting Data Markers In Line, Radar, And XY (Scatter) Charts, choose the Search button in Help and type:

       radar charts

> KBCategory: kbusage
> KBSubcategory:

> Additional reference words: 5.00 7.00 2D 2-d

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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
©1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.