How to Change Legend Labels in Excel?

If you want to create an effective and visually appealing Excel chart, you need to know how to change legend labels. Legend labels are an important part of any chart, as they provide the viewer with a quick reference to the meaning of the chart data. Changing legend labels in Excel is a simple process that can make a big difference in the impact of your chart. In this article, we will discuss how to change the legend labels in Excel and provide you with the steps you need to follow to make the process as easy as possible.

How to Modify Legend Labels in Excel?

Legend labels are important for a chart in Excel as they help the reader to understand the chart and the data points better. It is therefore important to make sure the legend labels are accurate and easy to read. In this tutorial, we will learn how to modify legend labels in Excel.

When creating a chart in Excel, the legend labels are automatically generated based on the data points in the chart. However, it is possible to change these labels to something more meaningful or relevant. This can be done by selecting the chart and then clicking on the ‘Legend’ option in the Chart Tools group. From here, you can select ‘Edit Legend Labels’ and enter the new labels.

Step by Step Guide to Modifying Legend Labels in Excel

The following steps can be used to modify legend labels in Excel:

Step 1: Select the Chart

The first step is to select the chart that you want to modify. You can do this by clicking on the chart and then selecting ‘Edit Chart’ from the Chart Tools group.

Step 2: Select the Legend Option

Once the chart is selected, you can click on the ‘Legend’ option in the Chart Tools group. This will open the ‘Legend’ dialog box.

Step 3: Select ‘Edit Legend Labels’

From the ‘Legend’ dialog box, you can select ‘Edit Legend Labels’ to open the ‘Edit Legend Labels’ dialog box. This dialog box will allow you to enter the new labels for the legend.

Tips for Modifying Legend Labels in Excel

When modifying legend labels in Excel, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:

Keep Legend Labels Short and Descriptive

It is important to keep the legend labels short and descriptive. This will make it easier for the reader to understand the chart and the data points.

Check for Grammatical Errors

It is also important to check for any grammatical errors in the legend labels. This will ensure that the labels are accurate and easy to read.

Related FAQ

Q1: How do I change a legend label in Excel?

A1: To change a legend label in Excel, right-click on the legend and select “Edit Legend Items.” This will open the “Select Data Source” window. From here, you can select the series you wish to edit, and change the legend label by typing in the new text in the “Legend Entries” field. Once you have made your changes, click “OK.” Your legend label should now be updated.

Q2: How do I add a legend label in Excel?

A2: To add a legend label in Excel, select the chart and then go to the “Design” tab. From here, click “Add Chart Element” and select “Legend.” This will add a legend to your chart. Then, right-click on the legend and select “Edit Legend Items” to open the “Select Data Source” window. Here, you can add a legend label by typing in the text in the “Legend Entries” field and then clicking “OK.”

Q3: How do I delete a legend label in Excel?

A3: To delete a legend label in Excel, right-click on the legend and select “Edit Legend Items.” This will open the “Select Data Source” window. From here, you can select the series you wish to delete, and then click “Remove.” Your legend label should now be deleted.

Q4: How do I move a legend label in Excel?

A4: To move a legend label in Excel, select the chart and then go to the “Design” tab. From here, click “Add Chart Element” and select “Legend.” This will add a legend to your chart. Then, right-click on the legend and select “Format Legend.” This will open the “Format Legend” window. From here, you can select the “Position” tab and choose the position of the legend from the drop-down menu.

Q5: How do I change the font size of a legend label in Excel?

A5: To change the font size of a legend label in Excel, select the chart and then go to the “Design” tab. From here, click “Add Chart Element” and select “Legend.” This will add a legend to your chart. Then, right-click on the legend and select “Format Legend.” This will open the “Format Legend” window. From here, you can select the “Font” tab and choose the desired font size from the “Size” drop-down menu.

Q6: How do I change the color of a legend label in Excel?

A6: To change the color of a legend label in Excel, select the chart and then go to the “Design” tab. From here, click “Add Chart Element” and select “Legend.” This will add a legend to your chart. Then, right-click on the legend and select “Format Legend.” This will open the “Format Legend” window. From here, you can select the “Fill” tab and choose the desired color from the “Color” drop-down menu.

How to Rename a Legend in an Excel Chart (Two Different Ways)

Changing legend labels in Excel can be a daunting task, but with the right instructions and a few simple steps, you can easily adjust your legend labels to make your charts more informative and visually appealing. By using the Format Legend pane, you can quickly make changes to the labels, and even customize them further with the use of text boxes. With the ability to easily adjust your legend labels in Excel, you can now create more accurate and effective visuals.