Changing Borders for Data Series

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 3, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003


When Microsoft Graph charts your data, it normally surrounds the graphical representation of that data with a border. This is typically a thin black line, but you can change both the line color and line weight used to create this border. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Select a data series by clicking on the graphical representation of that series. For instance, if your data is displayed as a column chart, click on the column that represents the series whose border you wish to turn off.
  2. Choose Selected Data Series from the Format menu. Microsoft Graph displays the Format Data Series dialog box. The Patterns tab should be selected. (See Figure 1.)
  3. Figure 1. The Patterns tab of the Format Data Series dialog box.

  4. In the Border area, use the Style drop-down list to select the type of line you want to use for the border.
  5. In the Border area, select the color you want applied to the border using the Color drop-down list.
  6. In the Border area, use the Weight drop-down list to select the line weight you wish to use for the border (you can select from four line weights).
  7. Click on OK.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (718) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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