How to create a chart from Excel data

If you're creating charts that will require periodic updates, you can save time by creating the charts directly from your Excel data (Windows version of Mekko Graphics only).

Step 1: Select the range of your data in Excel and choose Chart in PowerPoint and then your chart type from the Mekko Graphics ribbon.

Step 2:

Open your PowerPoint file and select the slide where you would like to place the chart. Your cursor will be shown as a pointer with a chart. Click on the slide area to insert your chart.

Step 3:

Format the chart series. In this case, I want Net Margin to be shown only as a data row and EPS to be shown as a line plotted on the 2Y axis. I can make all of these selections using Bars and Series in the Mekko Graphics ribbon.

Step 4:

You will be notified when the data in your Excel spreadsheet differs from what is shown in your chart. When you click on the chart and the border is green, your chart is in synch with the data. When the border is red, your chart is out of synch with the Excel data. To refresh the chart with new data, click on Link to Excel in the Mekko Graphics ribbon and select Refresh.

You can also create this chart directly in your Excel worksheet by choosing Chart in Excel in the Mekko Graphics ribbon. This can be helpful if you want to keep the charts with your Excel analysis or if you want to use Excel as a scratchpad for your chart while you're working on the analysis.