How to replace columns with pictures in a column chart
I found an interesting chart on CNN's website: Rise of the supersize rugby player It shows the average height of athletes for the past 40 years. Check it out.
It made me think how can I do this in Excel? First I drew this nice man, see the image below. I am going to use this picture in my chart. It is not as nice as the other chart but it will do for this demonstration.

Table of Contents
1. Create a column chart
- Select the data, see image above.
- Go to tab "Insert" on the ribbon.
- Select a new clustered column chart.
2. Delete the chart legend
- Press with left mouse button on the chart legend to select it.
- Press Delete on your keyboard to remove it from the chart.
3. Change chart gap width
- Press with right mouse button on on the data series.
- Press with left mouse button on "Format Data Series...". You will now see a dialog box or a settings pane depending on what Excel version you are using.
- Press with left mouse button on Series Options.
- Change gap width to 20%.
- Close the dialog box.
4. Insert a picture to chart column
- Press with left mouse button on "Fill and Line"
- Press with left mouse button on "Picture or texture fill".
- Press with left mouse button on the "Insert.." button.
- A dialog box appears. Select a picture file you want to use.
- Press with left mouse button on Insert.
5. Change min y-axis value
- Press with right mouse button on on chart y-axis, see image above. A popup menu shows up.
- Press with left mouse button on "Format axis..."
- Press with left mouse button on "Axis Options".
- Change the minimum value to 0 (zero).
- Press with left mouse button on OK.
Read more
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