Focus / Targeting Lines on a Chart

[Max]

Hi guys,

Let's say I have a chart in a chartsheet.

I'll like a visual aid to be able to direct, say, a discussion's focus
from one point on the chart to another.

Is there a way to put something like a "movable"
vertical / horizontal targeting lines [a cross-hair?] to accomplish this?
(something similar to Chip Pearson's Rowliner in a sheet?)

Grateful for any insights.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi Max,

Have a look at these examples of adding reference lines to charts,

Jon Peltier's page,
(http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/DummySeries.html#AddLine)

or mine,
(http://www.andypope.info/charts/averageline.htm)

Hi guys,

Let's say I have a chart in a chartsheet.

I'll like a visual aid to be able to direct, say, a discussion's focus
from one point on the chart to another.

Is there a way to put something like a "movable"
vertical / horizontal targeting lines [a cross-hair?] to accomplish this?
(something similar to Chip Pearson's Rowliner in a sheet?)

Grateful for any insights.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Max]

Thanks for the links, Andy!

I'll dig through and feedback further here.

 

[Max]

Ok, I've gone through the 2 links but was unable to find what was desired.

Perhaps a re-clarification. What I'm looking for
is a sort of "overlay" movable cross-hair grid ("superimposed")
for use in a chartsheet (not something to be plotted in the chart itself)

The cross-hair grid could be manipulated to say, highlight points
of intersection of lines / curves in the course of a briefing on the
chartsheet.

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi Max,

Check out this example I have created.
(http://www.andypope.info/ngs/ng26.htm)

It uses a extra data series to create the cross hairs.
The scrollers allow dynamic movement of them.

 

[Max]

Andy, many thanks. Yes, it's pretty close to what I'm after... just 2
wishes:

a. Could the cross-hairs be "expanded" to stretch right across / down ?
This is to enable easy read-off of values in the x & y axis for points of
interests
in the chart.

b. Could the chart be located in a chartsheet *and* the cross-hair controls
placed there to work ?
This would enable a bigger entire screen display to facilitate chart
visibility by parties discussing.

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi Max,

Tackle b first, its easiest. The workbook already contains a chartsheet
and a chartobject example.

You could try increasing the size of the datapoint marker, although I
suspect even when increased to the maximum size (72) it will not reach
the edges.
Therefore you need to replace the single data marker with two lines,
which will require additional data. Use the same principle to control
the x,y positions.

If you have problems adapting your chart then you can email me and I
will have a look see.

Andy, many thanks. Yes, it's pretty close to what I'm after... just 2
wishes:

a. Could the cross-hairs be "expanded" to stretch right across / down ?
This is to enable easy read-off of values in the x & y axis for points of
interests
in the chart.

b. Could the chart be located in a chartsheet *and* the cross-hair controls
placed there to work ?
This would enable a bigger entire screen display to facilitate chart
visibility by parties discussing.

 

[Jon Peltier]

Andy -

Without checking out your example, can I suggest error bars that span
the chart? These can be linked to cells that calculate the required
length based on the point of intersection.

- Jon
-------
Jon Peltier, Microsoft Excel MVP
Peltier Technical Services
http://PeltierTech.com/Excel/Charts/
_______

Hi Max,

Tackle b first, its easiest. The workbook already contains a chartsheet
and a chartobject example.

You could try increasing the size of the datapoint marker, although I
suspect even when increased to the maximum size (72) it will not reach
the edges.
Therefore you need to replace the single data marker with two lines,
which will require additional data. Use the same principle to control
the x,y positions.

If you have problems adapting your chart then you can email me and I
will have a look see.

 

[Max]

Urrggh ! I must have been really bat-blind to miss the Chart1, sorry ..

Yes, you're right - the max 72 pts size does help a bit, but it can't reach
the edges.

I'll have a bash at it with the 2 lines suggestion ...

Many thanks, Andy, for your assistance and kind offer !

 

[Max]

Marvellous ! That works.

Thanks, Andy and Jon !

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi Jon,

Yes the error bars solution is the easiest quick fix.
For the example set the Fixed values to 120 for the X bars and 100 for
the Y bars.

 

[Tushar Mehta]

I assume that between the suggestions here and in the PP NG, this is no
longer an issue. However, if it is, check the Excel/Add-
Ins/Interactive Chart page of my web site for an add-in that does
something very similar.

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta, MS MVP -- Excel
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions

 

[Max]

Thanks, Tushar.

But no, you're wrong <g>.
Even when it is no longer a pressing issue,
any options offered are always welcome & appreciated.

ok, I've checked out your Interactive Chart page

Certainly looks promising. Would have liked to try it out.
but think unable? to proceed further as I'm using xl97 [& PPT97].

There's this little caveat at the top right of the page:
"Works with Excel 2000 (or later) only."

Any equivalent add-in for xl97 ?

 

[Tushar Mehta]

Off the top of my head I can't think of any reason why it is restricted
to XL2000+. I'll have to take a look at it.

It's just amazing how many people/companies are still using Office 97.
Says a lot about the value of Office 2000, 2002, and 2003! <g>

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta, MS MVP -- Excel
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions

Thanks, Tushar.

But no, you're wrong <g>.
Even when it is no longer a pressing issue,
any options offered are always welcome & appreciated.

ok, I've checked out your Interactive Chart page

Certainly looks promising. Would have liked to try it out.
but think unable? to proceed further as I'm using xl97 [& PPT97].

There's this little caveat at the top right of the page:
"Works with Excel 2000 (or later) only."

Any equivalent add-in for xl97 ?

--
Rgds
Max
xl 97
----------------------------------------------------
Use xdemechanik <at>yahoo<dot>com for email
-----------------------------------------------------

I assume that between the suggestions here and in the PP NG, this is no
longer an issue. However, if it is, check the Excel/Add-
Ins/Interactive Chart page of my web site for an add-in that does
something very similar.

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta, MS MVP -- Excel
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions

 

[Max]

Ahh, I'll have to keep my fingers crossed for a possible version for xl97,
then ? <g>

Anyway, boldy (or brazenly?) ignoring the caveat,
just tried loading the "Interactive Chart Display" add-in into xl97
via Tools > Add-ins. It showed up as one of the add-ins available
but it just won't load.

Hit an error immediately:
Compile error in hidden module: InterpFormulas

Looks like the caveat was accurate ..

 

[Tushar Mehta]

Sorry. It turned out to be something more than a false warning. But,
your polite persistence paid off. Check version 1.1m. It's
retrofitted to XL97!

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta, MS MVP -- Excel
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions

 

[Max]

Many thanks, Tushar !

 

[Max]

Many thanks, Tushar !

A god-send to the XL97 fraternity...

 

[Tushar Mehta]

You are welcome. Glad to be of help.

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta, MS MVP -- Excel
www.tushar-mehta.com
Excel, PowerPoint, and VBA add-ins, tutorials
Custom MS Office productivity solutions