How to set a chart’s background color

1	In the chart builder, choose Format Chart, then navigate to the Chart Area section. Use the list on the left to navigate among sections. Figure 16-2 shows the Chart Area section.

Figure 16-2  Background option in the Chart Area section

2	Choose Background. The color palette opens, as shown in Figure 16-3.

Figure 16-3  Color palette

3	Use the color palette to select a background color or image as follows:

To use one of the basic colors, select a color from the palette.

To use a transparent background, use the Opacity scroll tool to set the opacity to 0, then press Enter.

To use a gradient color, choose Gradient. In Gradient Editor, select a start color, end color, and rotation for the gradient pattern, as shown in Figure 16-4.

Figure 16-4  Setting colors and rotation for a gradient color

To use a custom color, choose Custom Color to show the custom color list, then select a color.

To use a background image, choose Image, then use Open to navigate to and select the image to use.

The background color or image appears in the chart builder.

4	To apply the color to the chart, choose Finish.

To define a custom color, on the color list, choose Define Custom Colors to show the custom color palette, as shown in Figure 16-5.

Figure 16-5  Color palette including custom color options

Use the options to select or define a custom color. When you finish, choose Add to Custom Colors, then choose OK.