Emphasize one Line on Horizontal Axis of Bar chart

  • Thread starter Thread starter SKSmith
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SKSmith

I created a column chart of sums that each of 11 travelers have in their
accounts. The total due is $1800. I have major units in the Axis set at 200.
I would really like to emphasize the 1800 line - not set maximum there, just
emphasize. Max is set at 2000 or possibly 2200. I have seen charts in
magazines where this was done - I do not know if I should use a different
chart type or if there is some way to tweak the column chart. In playing
around I can get that line with different chart types, but then the data
flows downward from that line. Should I just try to simply draw a line and
superimpose it upon the chart? Seems clunky, but I'll do that if necessary.
Any help appreciated.
 
Hello,

One option for emphasizing a line would be to create a combination chart
consisting of columns and a line. Jon Peltier provides an example via the
link below:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/ComboChart1.html

Converting your example to Jon's format, you would start with a column chart
consisting of two series - an "A" and "B". The "A" series would consist of
the data you have now. The "B" series would be populated with the value
"1800".

To convert the "B" series to a line, select it by clicking on the "b" series
bars. Then select Chart -> Chart Type -> Line. You can then emphasize your
line with a different formatting like color or weight.
 
This is so close - I can follow the logic, and I almost could do it, but when
following the directions on the link below, I cannot find the 'paste special'
because there is no Edit menu from which to select it. I did find a paste
special once I had copied the range, but the paste special had aboslutely
nothing like what you wrote. I'm using 2007 - am I totally off-base with the
paste special?
 
In 2007, after you copy the data, go to the Home tab, click the down
arrow on the Paste button, then choose paste Special. You should get the
same Paste Special dialog in 2007 as in earlier versions. Paste as new
series, with the appropriate series names and categories options selected.

- Jon
 
Wahoo!
I've added the Target goal (which in my case is total cost for trip)- and
now I will tackle the legend to be as I'd like (hopefully), and then
extrapolate from this process and add yet another line via the same process
to show Airfare needed for trip.
Very good to konw, THANK YOU so much.
 
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