How do I Create a Chart or Graph in Windows?

Create a chart or graphic in Windows with OpenOffice.

Microsoft Windows is a robust operating system that has thousands of applications that can be installed for productivity. There are programs available free for download on the Internet that will add functionality such as charting or graphing numbers. These programs are referred to as Open Source programs and some, such as OpenOffice, are offered by large corporations such as Oracle Corporation.



OpenOffice is an Open Source suite of programs which includes database, spreadsheet, word processor, presentation, and scientific calculator programs. The Calc program creates charts and graphs. Create a data table and use the chart wizard to create a graph.

Instructions

1. Open the OpenOffice Calc program by clicking "Start > All Programs > OpenOffice > OpenOffice.org Calc."

2. Create or open an existing table of data.

3. Highlight the data range and choose "Insert" and then "Chart" from the main menu. A chart wizard dialog box will appear.

4. Choose the chart or graph type and then click "Finish."

Tips & Warnings

• The chart wizard allows you to configure the chart as desired such as chart type, title, subtitle, legend and data range.Once the chart is created, double-click twice on the chart to change borders and area colors. Double-click the chart area and then right-click on a chart element to make changes.

• Chart data makes an absolute reference to the cells originally selected. A cut and paste of the data will move these references to the new cell's locations.

• Cells added above or below the data table will not appear on the chart until included in the data range. Double-click the chart area to select the chart, and then click once on the chart itself and right-click to choose "Data Ranges" to add in the new cell reference.

References

• OpenOffice: Creating a Chart

Resources

• OpenOffice