Chapter 6: Creating Charts, Diagrams, and Templates

Matrix

A category of Smar tArt graphics used to show how parts relate to a whole.

Relationship

A category of Smart Art graphics that is used to illustrate connections.

Pyramid

A category of Smart Art graphics that uses a series of pictures to show relationships.

List

A category of Smart Art graphics used to show non-sequential information.

Process

A category of SmartArt graphics that is used to show steps in a process or timeline.

Hierarchy

A category of SmartArt graphics used to create an organization chart or show a decision tree.

Embedded chart

A chart that is inserted into the same worksheet that contains the data used to create the chart.

Data marker

A column, bar, area, dot, pie slice, or other symbol in a chart that represents a single data point.

Cycle

A continual process diagram.

Word Art

A feature that transforms text into a stylized image that you can use to create a distinctive logo or heading.

Trend line

A graphic representation of trends in a data series, such as a line sloping upward to represent increased sales over a period of months.

Rotation handle

A green circle that displays on the top side of a selected object.

Data series

A group of related data points that are plotted in a chart.

Axis

A line that serves as a frame of reference for measurement and that borders the chart plot area.

Major unit value

A number that determines the spacing between tick marks and between the grid lines in the plot area.

Chart sheet

A separate worksheet used to display an entire chart.

Data point

A single value in a worksheet represented by a data marker in a chart.

Column chart

A type of chart that shows comparisons among related data.

Line chart

A type of chart that uses lines to show a trend over time.

Organization chart

A type of graphic that is useful to depict reporting relationships within an organization.

Picture

A type of graphic that is useful to display pictures in a diagram.

Smar tArt graphic

A visual representation of your information and ideas.

Template

A workbook used as a pattern for creating other workbooks.

Standardization

All forms created within the organization will have a uniform appearance; the data will always be organized in the same manner.

Password

An optional element of a template added to prevent someone from disabling a worksheet's protection.

Unlocked [cells]

Cells in a template that may be filled in.

Labels

Column and row headings that describe the values and help the reader understand the chart.

Locked [cells]

Formula cells that prevent others from changing the formulas in the template.

Tick mark labels

Identifying information for a tick mark generated from the cells on the worksheet used to create the chart.

Legend

In a multicolumn chart, a key that identifies the data series by colors or patterns.

Category labels

Labels that display along the bottom of the chart to identify the category of data.

Data labels

Labels that display the value, percentage, and/or category of each particular data point and can contain one or more of the choices listed—Series name, Category name, Value, or Percentage.

Gridlines

Lines in the plot area that aid the eye in determining the plotted values.

Chart elements

Objects that make up a chart.

Tick marks

Short lines that display on an axis at regular intervals.

Plot area

The area of a chart bounded by the axes, including all the data series.

Walls and floor

The areas surrounding a 3-D chart that give dimension and boundaries to the chart.

Chart area

The entire chart and all its elements.

Scale

The range of numbers in the data series that controls the minimum, maximum, and incremental values on the value axis.

Text pane

This always displays to the left of the graphic, is populated with placeholder text, and is used to build a graphic by entering and editing text.

Horizontal Category axis (x-axis)

This displays along the bottom of the chart to identify the category of data.

Vertical Value axis (y-axis)

This displays along the left side of the chart to identify the numerical scale on which the charted data is based.

Protection

This prevents anyone from altering the formulas or changing other template components.

Spark lines

Tiny charts that fit within a cell and give a visual trend summary alongside your data.