Microsoft Knowledge Base

XL: Scatter Chart Line Disappears After Changing Series Axis
Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q107753

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you edit a scatter chart that has been formatted with the ChartWizard or an applied autoformat and if a series in the chart is formatted with a line pattern, when you change the axis that the series is plotted on, the line for that series may disappear.

WORKAROUND

When you format a scatter chart with the ChartWizard or with an autoformat, to change the axis that the series is plotted on while still retaining your series format, do the following:

  1. From the Format Data Series dialog box, choose the Patterns tab. Under Line, reselect Automatic (even though it is already selected).

  2. Select the Axis tab, and under Plot Series On, select the axis that is not already selected.

  3. Choose OK to close the Format Data Series dialog box.

NOTE: Steps 1 and 2 above can be done in any order, but must be done before step 3.

MORE INFORMATION

You can plot series on a scatter chart on either the primary axis or the secondary axis. You can format the series with a combination of line and marker options. If you use the ChartWizard or an applied autoformat to format your chart, and if your series is formatted with a line, the line will disappear in the chart sample if you change the series so that it is plotted on the secondary axis rather than on the primary axis.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. In a new worksheet, enter the following data: 

          A1: 10   B1: 20   C1: 30
      A2: 11   B2: 21   C2: 31
      A3: 12   B3: 22   C3: 32

  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 the formula =$A$1:$C$3 and choose Next.

  4. In the Step 2 Of 5 screen, under Select A Chart Type, choose XY (Scatter) and choose Next.

  5. In the Step 3 Of 5 screen, under Select A Format For The XY (Scatter) Chart, choose format 2, and choose Next.

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

  7. On the chart, select series 1, and from the Format menu, choose Selected Data Series. Select the Axis tab and under Plot Series On select the Secondary Axis option.

Series 1 is no longer displayed with a line in the sample chart. The pattern format has changed just by changing the axis to plot the series on.

REFERENCES

For more information about Applying Colors, Patterns, And Borders To Chart Items, choose the Search button in Help and type: 

   patterns

KBCategory: kbusage kbtlc
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 7.00 5.00



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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
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