Changing Chart Types in PowerPoint 2003 and 2002 for Windows

PowerPoint provides sample choices in chart types for almost every kind of graphical data representation. There are some basic chart types such as column, bar, line, pie, etc. (see Figure 1), and advanced charts like radar, surface, bubble, doughnut, etc. (see Figure 2). Together, all these chart types cater for almost every kind of graphical data representation.

Figure 1: Column, Bar, and Pie Chart Types

Figure 2: Radar, Surface, and Bubble Chart Types

To change a chart type you need to have a chart in your presentation. Learn how to insert a chart in PowerPoint 2002 - 2003.

Follow these steps to change the chart type in PowerPoint 2002 and 2003.

1. Double-click the chart to go to the chart editing mode as shown in Figure 3, below.
2. 
   Figure 3: Chart editing mode
2. From the menu choose, Chart | Chart Type as shown in Figure 4, below.
3. 
   Figure 4: Chart type
3. Doing so summons the Chart Type dialog box, as shown in Figure 5, below.
4. 
   Figure 5: Chart Type
5. Within the Standard Types tab of this dialog box, choose:

A. Chart type

6. Provides a list of chart types to choose from.

B. Chart sub-type

7. Here you can see the sub-types, based on what is chosen in chart type list. The text box below this area shows the detailed information about the selected sub-type.

C. Press and Hold to View Sample

8. To preview how the chart will look like with the chosen chart type, click the Press and Hold to View Sample button. This replaces the chart sub-type box with the sample chart temporarily as shown in Figure 6, below.
9. 
   Figure 6: Sample chart type

D. Set as default chart

10. If you would like to use a specific chart type all the time, click the Set as default chart button to change PowerPoint's defaults.
4. With the new chart type selected, click OK to get back to the chart editing mode as shown in Figure 7, below.
5. 
   Figure 7: Changed chart type
5. You can exit the chart editing mode by clicking anywhere outside the chart area or the datasheet.
6. Save your presentation.