Undock data table from Chart

[thatlem]

I am using Excel within Office 2007. When I add a data table to a chart, the data table is docked on the x axis of the chart. A coworker's data table is separate from the chart, allowing for additional flexibility. We have been unable to identify how to convert one type to the other, though suspect it's a simple matter of checking or unchecking the right box.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Todd

 

[thingssocomplex]

I am unsure what you mean by docked! Is the data in your in your spreadsheet formatted to a table using the built-in option in 2007? If yes the chart will auto update one way to break the link is to convert your table to a ranger - to do this click on the table on the ribbion click design and on the left hand-side click Convert to Range.

 

[thatlem]

The chart tab contains both the graphic representation and a table which shows the data numerically. The top of the data table is bound to the x-axis of the chart. I wish to separate them in order to move the data table independent of the chart. Both contain the same data and are linked to a spreadsheet on another tab.

 

[thingssocomplex]

Have you created a Pivot Chart? This would show both a table and a chart if yes simply click on the chart or table which ever you want to move go in to the design tab and select move chart or table to the desired location.

 

[thatlem]

While that might be one way to resolve the problem, I am not looking for anything so complicated. Two of us can run identical data and request a chart with data table. One builds with the data table and graph bound together, one does not. Why? and how do I switch back and forth - that is the question. There is no template for one vs the other, no formating selections, and best I can tell, no spreadsheet command functions, and finally, no VBA code.

I'm absolutely stumped.

 

[thingssocomplex]

Would it be possible to share the spreadsheets with me so I can take a closer look? You can add mock data if necessary?

 

[thatlem]

sure. Though had to convert to .xls and if a setting on your computer, it may not accurately reflect the issue, but I'll try anything at this point.

See file: TEST.xls

 

[thingssocomplex]

I think I might understand what you mean now - when creating the chart you have a data table attached to add or remove a data table you click on the chart which will trigger some more ribbion tabs click on 'Layout' under 'Labels' you have 'Show Data Table' click on the drop down arrow you will be presented with 3 options 'None' 'Data Table' and Data Table with legend' choose the desired one. I hope this resolves your problem.

 

[thatlem]

Again, you do not understand the problem. Grab the data table and try to move it - you can't. I don't want to REMOVE, just move to a different location on the page, say further below or right or left of the chart.

 

[thingssocomplex]

I am now stumped I use Charts in Excel daily and I've never come across an unlinked data table from chart it automatically attaches these to the bottom of a chart and you have limited formatting and layout options. If I want to show a table separate to a chart I use Pivot Table Chart which shows chart and table. Sorry I could not help any further with this but as mentioned above I've no idea how to unlink a data table from a chart.

 

[thatlem]

Thanks for the effort. At least it's good to know that this is not something simple I'm missing. Wish I could figure it out though - it has some nice benefits.

 

[thingssocomplex]

I have had a think you could always copy your data and paste as a linked image you than can place the image where ever you want either inside your chart or outside your chart, the benefit of a linked image is that it will update if you change the numbers in the cells. I am not sure what version of Excel you are using but if you want to know more let me know the version and I will send instructions.

 

[timeOut]

@thatLem: Today I observed the same thing, one spreadsheet has the data table seamlessly bound to the graph; another spreadsheet has the data table detached (undocked) from the graph. Did you ever discover how to control this behavior?

Thanks