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Combining different graph types


    You can combine different graph types in one graph. For example, you may want one set of data to appear as a column graph and other sets of data to appear as a line graph. You can combine any type of graph with any other, with the exception of scatter graphs. Scatter graphs cannot be combined with any other graph type.

    Graph with both columns and lines
    Graph with both columns and lines

    If a graph uses more than one graph type, you may want one set of data along the right axis and the other set of data along the left axis. In this way, each axis measures different data. For information on assigning data to different sides of the graph, see Specifying the value axis position and Setting axis tick mark and label options.

    Note: To create two axes for a graph with different scales, you need to assign data to the left side (or the bottom side) and different data to the right side (or the top side) using the Value Axis menu in the Graph Type dialog box. If you select the entire graph and the On Both Sides option, both axes will display identical scale values.

    If you use stacked column graphs with other graph types, be sure to use the same axis for all sets of data that are represented by stacked column graphs. If some sets of data use the right axis while other sets of data use the left axis, the column heights may be misleading or may overlap.

To combine different graph types:

  1. Use the group-selection tool The group-selection tool to select a set of data and its legend box or legend line. (See Selecting parts of a graph.) Once you select the series, you can then change the graph type in the Graph Type dialog box.
  2. Choose Object > Graph > Type, or double-click the graph tool.
  3. Select the graph type and options you want. (See Selecting graph options.)
  4. Apply the selected data to an axis by selecting On Right Side, On Left Side, On Top Side, or on Bottom Side from the Value Axis pop-up menu and click OK.
  5. Use the group-selection tool The group-selection tool again to select a different set of data on which to apply a different graph type, and which will be assigned to a different axis.
  6. Perform steps 2 through 4 again on the new data, creating a different graph type and assigning the data to the opposite axis, and then click OK.