Creating a column graph in Excel using pictures and icons

Quick Links Beginner: Replace columns with basic images Advanced: Create partially embedded column graphics"Excel provides many different chart types, and can display data in bar charts, column charts, and more. However, there is no need to be satisfied with the default layout of column charts or bar charts. Instead, you can change the chart to something that will attract everyone's attention by using images and icons based on themes. No winning ad was found in the specified zone (below the first paragraph, in the native content). Beginner: Replace columns with basic imagesThis Excel sheet lists the heights of three famous buildings. To create a 2D clustered bar chart, select the data, click 'Insert', and choose the '2D Clustered Bar Chart' option. This generates a neat and readable graph. This alone is useful, but I currently want to make the graph more visually appealing by replacing the columns with the outline of buildings. When I first discovered this trick, it was surprisingly simple. First, find the appropriate image using a search engine and copy and paste it into Excel. Before transferring these images to the chart, remove any extra space around them. Select the first graphic, click the 'Image Format' tab, and click 'Cut' to remove it properly. Repeat this process for all images to be used in the graph. Now, select the image to replace the first column, press Ctrl+C, and return to the graph. Double-click the first column twice - the first click selects all columns, and the second click isolates that single column. Be careful not to double-click, as this is a different command in Excel. Instead, click once and wait for about 2 seconds before clicking again. You will see handles around that column, but not on the other columns. Copy the image using Ctrl+V and ensure it replaces the default column in the chart. Repeat the same process for the other columns. Before replacing with images, double-click each column twice. Manipulate the new graph and change the original data to see how the images change in size. Delete the first image that was pasted and tidy up the graph. You can add data labels, change axis names, or change the background of the graph. I did not know that anyone could create such visually impressive things in Microsoft Excel. Compare the original bar graph I created with this graph and appreciate how the impact changes when you add images and make some modifications.

Advanced: Creating Partially Embedded Column Graphics

Using Excel's ability to replace columns with images, you can create more specific comparisons like a chart showing the ratio of men to women. This Excel data and corresponding graph shows the number of Manchester United supporters by gender (dummy data for demonstration purposes). It is important that the chart data includes 100% values, which will be immediately obvious. This time, instead of searching for images on the internet, I will use Microsoft's Icon Gallery. If you want to find a specific icon, select 'Insert > Icon' and search for the required icon in the search bar. In my case, I entered 'human' and selected standard male and female icons, then clicked 'Insert'. In the next step, select any icon, click the 'Graphics Fill' dropdown in the 'Graphics Format' tab, and change its color. Repeat this for the other icons, but choose distinct colors to clearly differentiate them. In my demonstration, I used very clichéd blue and pink for identification. Now, select one icon and hold down the Ctrl key while selecting other icons. This selects both icons simultaneously. Next, press Ctrl+C > Ctrl+V to duplicate them. In future work, you will need to add outlines and remove fill for these duplicated icons. Select the first duplicated graphic, click 'Graphics Outline' in the 'Graphics Format' tab, and choose the same color for the fill. Then, click 'Graphics Fill' and select 'No Fill'. Repeat this process for both duplicated icons. This will complete the four icons, with two having fills and two showing only outlines. You are now ready to insert these icons into the graph. Select the first icon corresponding to the first column in the chart, press Ctrl+C, and then double-click the first column without double-clicking to select it independently, and press Ctrl+V. Repeat the same process for the other three columns, replacing the filled icons with the left-side data values and the empty icons with the right-side 100% column. In the next step, resize and overlap the icons. Select the first icon independently by double-clicking it, right-click, and select 'Format Data Point'. In the 'Data Point Format' sidebar, click the 'Fill And Line' icon and select 'Stack And Scale With'. Repeat this process for the remaining icons, selecting them individually as you progress. Once complete, do not close the 'Format Data Point' sidebar for future use. This graph may look unnatural, but don't worry - it's a temporary issue that will be resolved soon. Now, overlap