Saving an Excel chart as an image is a handy trick that can help you share your data more effectively. Whether you need to embed a chart into a presentation, insert it into a report, or simply share it with colleagues, saving your Excel chart as an image ensures that the visual data remains clear and accessible. Here’s how you can do it quickly.
How to Save Excel Chart as Image
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to save an Excel chart as an image. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to convert any chart in Excel into a picture file.
Step 1: Select the Chart
First, click on the chart you want to save as an image. This will highlight the chart area.
When you select the chart, it becomes surrounded by a border with resizing handles. This indicates that the chart is active and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Copy the Chart
Second, right-click on the highlighted chart and choose ‘Copy’ from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+C.
Copying the chart places it onto your clipboard, which temporarily stores the information. This step is crucial for transferring the chart into another program where it can be saved as an image.
Step 3: Open a Graphics Program
Third, open a graphics program like Microsoft Paint. You can do this by searching for "Paint" in your computer’s start menu.
Paint is a simple but effective program that comes pre-installed on most Windows computers. It’s perfect for quick tasks like turning charts into images.
Step 4: Paste the Chart
Fourth, in Paint, right-click and choose ‘Paste’ or press Ctrl+V. Your chart should appear in the graphics program.
Pasting the chart transfers it from your clipboard into the graphics program. It should look exactly like it did in Excel, but now it’s in an environment where it can be saved as an image file.
Step 5: Save as Image
Finally, go to ‘File’ in the top-left corner, select ‘Save As’, and choose the image format you prefer (e.g., JPEG, PNG). Name your file and click ‘Save’.
Selecting ‘Save As’ opens a dialog box where you can choose your desired file format. PNG and JPEG are the most common formats and work well for most purposes.
Once you save the image, your chart is now an image file that you can easily share, insert into documents, or upload online.
Tips for Saving Excel Chart as Image
- Resolution: Choose a high-resolution setting in Paint to ensure your chart is clear.
- File Type: Use PNG for images with transparent backgrounds and JPEG for higher compression.
- Editing: Crop and resize your chart in Paint before saving to get the perfect dimensions.
- Reusability: Save your Excel file with the chart intact so you can easily make future changes.
- Backup: Keep a copy of the image in multiple locations to avoid accidental loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save the chart directly from Excel as an image?
No, Excel itself doesn’t offer a direct save-as-image feature, but copying and pasting into a graphics program is a simple workaround.
What image format should I use?
PNG is best for charts with text and lines, while JPEG is suitable for colorful and complex images.
Can I use this method on a Mac?
Yes, you can use similar steps with Preview or any graphics program available on Mac.
How can I adjust the size of the image?
Before saving in Paint, use the resize function to adjust the dimensions of your chart image.
Is there any software that can save Excel charts as images directly?
Yes, certain third-party add-ins and software like Snagit can save charts as images directly from Excel.
Summary of Steps
- Select the chart.
- Copy the chart.
- Open a graphics program.
- Paste the chart.
- Save as image.
Conclusion
Saving an Excel chart as an image is a straightforward process that can make your data presentations more flexible and professional. By following these simple steps, you can easily convert any chart into a format that’s universally accessible, ensuring your data reaches its audience in the clearest way possible. Whether you’re prepping for a big meeting or just need to share a quick snapshot with a colleague, knowing how to save an Excel chart as an image is a valuable skill. Share this guide with others who might find it useful, and keep exploring the vast functionalities of Excel to get the most out of your data.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.