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About graph designs


    You can create and apply custom markers or columns to represent data in graphs. Graph designs can be a simple drawing, logo, or other symbol representing values in a graph, such as a bicycle; they can also be complex objects that contain patterns, guide objects, and type. You can reuse graph designs and edit them to make a new design.

    Using a graph design is different from painting a column with a pattern. Graph designs are scaled so that the design fits within the column. Once the design is used in the graph, the design can be selected and modified.

    You can apply a graph design in a column or stacked column graph, or in a bar or stacked bar graph. You can also use a graph design to replace markers in a line or scatter graph.

    You can create the following types of graph designs:

    • A vertically scaled design is stretched or compressed vertically. Its width does not change.
    • A uniformly scaled design is scaled both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal spacing of the designs is not adjusted for the different widths.
    Vertically scaled graph design compared to uniformly scaled graph design
    Vertically scaled graph design compared to uniformly scaled graph design
    • A repeating design stacks a design to fill the columns. You can specify the value that each design represents, as well as whether you want to chop or scale designs that represent fractions.
    Repeating graph with chopped design compared to repeating graph with scaled design
    Repeating graph with chopped design compared to repeating graph with scaled design
    • A sliding design is similar to a vertically scaled design, except that you can specify where in the design to stretch or compress it. For example, if you were using a person to represent data, you might stretch or compress only the body, but not the person's head. Using the Vertically Scaled option would scale the entire person.
    Sliding graph design
    Sliding graph design

    When you use a graph design with a column or bar graph, you scale the design vertically or horizontally, repeat the design, or slide the design with the columns or bars.

    You can also rotate the design in the Graph Column dialog legend box. By default, the design is rotated to appear horizontal in the legend box. You can turn this option off so that the design appears vertically in the legend box.

    Rotated graph design compared to unrotated design
    Rotated graph design compared to unrotated design