Microsoft Knowledge Base

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

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, you may receive unexpected results when you choose the Invert If Negative option on the Patterns tab of the Format Data Series dialog box.

MORE INFORMATION

When you choose the Invert If Negative option in the Format Data Series dialog box for a selected chart series, the foreground and background colors for the data series marker in a bar, column, area, or pie chart are reversed when the value the marker represents is negative. However, because the Format Data Series dialog box does not contain specific foreground and background color options, it is difficult to determine the color that is used for the negative data series markers when the selected pattern for the series is solid.

If you choose the solid pattern for your chart series, the sample on the Patterns tab of the Format Data Series dialog box displays only the color of the positive data series markers (foreground color). When the selected pattern is solid, the color you select from the Color box is used for the positive data series markers (foreground). The color you select from the Pattern color box is used for the negative data series markers (background).

To choose the color for the negative data series markers with a solid pattern when you use the Invert If Negative option, do the following:

1. Select the chart series you want to format, and from the Format menu, choose Selected Data Series.

2. Under the Area Color, select the color you want for the positive data

1. From the Pattern box, select the solid (first) pattern option.

2. From the Pattern box, select the color you want for the negative data series markers.

REFERENCES

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

    patterns