Change a Chart Background

You can use a solid color, a pattern, or a gradient fill effect to customize the chart background.

You can also use an image as a background for a chart. For more information, see Set Chart Properties.

Steps

1. Click the chart object.

2. Click the unlock button , select the chart body by clicking between the axes, and, in the Properties pane, under Color & Background, double-click the Fill Effects property.

3. In the Effect box, choose a color, a gradient fill effect, or a pattern:

   • To apply a color, click Color and specify the color properties.

   • To apply a gradient fill effect, click Gradient and then specify the Direction, From color, and To color properties.

   • To apply a pattern effect, click Pattern and specify the Pattern, Foreground Color, and Background Color properties.

     The foreground color is the color of the selected pattern. The background color is the color of the area behind the pattern.

Tip: To remove a background fill effect, click None.

Example - Change the Background of the Order Trends Chart

You are a report author at The Great Outdoors Company, which sells sporting equipment. You created a column chart that shows the contribution that each order method makes to revenue.

You decide to give your chart a visually interesting background fill.

Before you can try this example, you must create the chart in Example - Customize the Palette in the Order Trends Chart.

Steps

1. Open the Order Trends chart.

2. Click the chart object.

3. Click the unlock button .

4. Select the chart body by clicking between the axes.

5. In the Properties pane, under Color & Background, double-click the Fill Effects property.

6. In the Effect box, click Gradient.

7. Specify a gradient that goes from yellow to white:

   • In the Direction box, click Bottom to Top and click OK.

   • Click From color.

   • On the Web Safe Colors tab, click a light yellow color and click OK.

   • Leave white as the To color.

8. Save the chart.