Designing the chart surround

A chart's purpose is to display data so that we can quickly grasp its meaning. The chart surround is a collection of graphical elements that gives meaning or clarifies the meaning of the data displayed in a chart. It puts the data into context so we can analyse, organize, and communicate the information effectively.

The chart surround elements include:

Title and subtitle
The x-axis and its ticks, labels and headings
The y-axis and its ticks, labels and headings
The legend
The background
The data labels

Each chart surround element helps to present the data as clearly as possible. You do not need to include every element in every chart. Select the ones that most effectively convey the chart's meaning.

On the Chart Definition window, click the Options tab.
In the Title box, type a word or phrase that you want as a title for your chart.
In the Subtitle box, type a word or phrase that you want as a subtitle for your chart.
In the Category field list, select the field that most clearly describes the records used in the chart.
In the X-axis heading box, type a word or phrase that you want to display along the bottom of the chart.
Select Show X-axis values to display the data values along the x-axis of the chart.
In the Y-axis heading box, type a word or phrase that you want to display along the y-axis of the chart.
Select Show Y-axis values to display the data values along the y-axis of the chart.
Select Show legend to display the legend for the data in the chart.
Select Show data labels to display labels on the data in the chart.
In the Background style list, click to select a style for the area behind the chart. You can create a frame around the chart or color the background.
Click OK.

Note: The Restore to Defaults button clears the preference file for the chart, not only the settings on the Options tab.