Add and format a chart legend (2024)

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  1. Click the chart to which you want to add a legend, click the Chart Elements button Add and format a chart legend (2) , and then click Legend.

    Add and format a chart legend (3)
  2. To change the location of the legend, click the arrow next to Legend and then click the location that you want.

Tips:

  • By default, a legend does not overlap the chart. If you have space constraints, you may be able to reduce the size of the chart by clicking More Options and then clearing the Show the legend without overlapping the chart check box.

  • To remove a legend, right-click it, and then click Delete.

    Add and format a chart legend (4)

Once you add the chart legend, there are many things that you can do to change how it looks.

Change font or font size

  1. Right-click the legend, and then click Font.

    Add and format a chart legend (5)
  2. On the Font tab, make the changes that you want to the font or font size.

    Add and format a chart legend (6)

Change legend border or background

  1. Right-click the legend, and then click Format Legend.

  2. In the Format Legend task pane, pick the options that you want.

    Add and format a chart legend (7)

Tip:You can really make your legend stand out by adding an effect. Click Effects and then pick the effect that you want. A wide variety of effects is available, including shadows, glows, and soft edges. (Just be careful not to go overboard: you probably don't want to clutter the presentation of your data.)

Add and format a chart legend (8)

A legend can make your chart easier to read because it positions the labels for the data series outside the plot area of the chart. You can change the position of the legend and customize its colors and fonts. You can also edit the text in the legend and change the order of the entries in the legend.

  1. On the View menu, click Print Layout.

  2. Click the chart, and then click the Chart Design tab.

  3. Click Add Chart Element > Legend.

  4. To change the position of the legend, choose Right, Top, Left, or Bottom. To change the format of the legend, click More Legend Options, and then make the format changes that you want.

    Depending on the chart type, some options may not be available.

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Add and format a chart legend (2024)
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