Chapter 19. Laying Out and Formatting a Chart

Charts include many different visual elements, most of which are customizable. To clarify the presentation of data or to create a more pleasing composition, rearrange the chart layout. For example, change where the chart title appears or add padding between a series of bars and the axis on which they are arranged.

Before making changes to the layout of a chart, you must understand the parts making up a typical chart. Figure 19-1 identifies the elements of a basic bar chart, using different background colors to highlight the following areas:

• The plot containing all the parts of the chart

• The chart area containing the axes, their labels and titles, and the chart

• The legend containing information ...

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