> ## Laying Out and Formatting a Chart

> Charts include many different visual elements, most of which are customizable. To clarify the presentation of data or to create a more pleasing composition, rearrange the chart layout. For example, change where the chart title appears or add padding between a series of bars and the axis on which they are arranged.

> Before making changes to the layout of a chart, you must understand the parts making up a typical chart. Figure 15-1 identifies the elements of a basic bar chart, using different background colors to highlight the following areas:

> | The plot containing all the parts of the chart

> | The chart area containing the axes, their labels and titles, and the chart

> | The legend containing information about the series displayed on the chart

> Figure 15-1 Elements of a chart

> The color and style of these chart elements can be changed. For example, modify a chart to:

> | Use a company’s standard color scheme

> | Outline or add a background color to the labels, legend, or plot

> | Change the color and shape of the series elements, such as the sectors in a pie chart or the candlesticks in a stock chart

> | Add gridlines that extend across the plot

> | Add data point labels to show the exact value of bars in a bar chart

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