Changing the chart area background
- The chart area is the area surrounding the chart graphic, including the (optional) main title and key.
- Double-click the chart so that it is enclosed by a gray border.
- Select Format > Chart Area. The Chart Area window appears.
- Choose the desired format settings.
Chart Area dialog
On the Area tab, you can change the color, or choose a hatch pattern, bitmap or some preset gradients. Click on the dropdown box to see the options. Patterns are probably more useful than color if you have to print out your chart in black and white.
You can also use the Transparency tab to change the area’s transparency. If you used a preset gradient from the Area tab, you can see the different parameters that made it.