2-D 3-layer bar graph

**tokyods** · 04-14-2009, 11:52 PM

I need to create a 2-dimensional bar graph with three layers:

x-axis: months

Rear layer: target (this will be the widest bar: overlap 100, gap 50, currently on primary axis)

Middle layer: forecast (medium width: overlap 100, gap 220, currently first in order on secondary axis)

Front layer: actuals (narrowest: overlap 100, also secondary axis, gap currently 220, but would like this to be the thinnest bar)

I want to stack these one on top of the other with different widths so all are visible, but I when I adjust gap width, the middle and front layers change simultaneously (because they are on the same axis). That is, I can't set separate gaps to make sure they are both visible if they happen to have the same values. Example attached.

Thanks for your help in advance.

**Andy Pope** · 04-15-2009, 04:53 AM

Your post does not comply with Rule 8 of our Forum RULES. Cross-posting is when you post the same question in other forums on the web. You'll find people are disinclined to respond to cross-posts because they may be wasting their time solving a problem that has been solved elsewhere. We prefer that you not cross-post at all, but if you do (and it's unlikely to go unnoticed), you MUST provide a link (copy the url from the address bar in your browser)to the cross-post. Expect cross-posts without a link to be closed a message will be posted by the moderator explaining why. We are here to help so help us help you!

**tokyods** · 04-15-2009, 12:41 PM

Sorry about that, Andy.

Here is the cross-post: http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthr...07#post1905507

There has been a response, although I do not know if it has been resolved.

Thanks

**Andy Pope** · 04-16-2009, 07:23 AM

Here is another approach to the problem using custom fills.

All columns are on the same axis. With overlapp set to 100.

I created to grouped shapes to use as the fill.
The group is a rectangle with no border or fill. Make this roughly the width of a column in the chart.
The second shape is a thinner rectangle coloured as appropriate.

With the 2 shapes grouped you can use copy and paste to fill the column series.

**tokyods** · 04-17-2009, 01:11 AM

Andy,

Thank you so much. The example you provided is really what I wanted.

I get the concept of the grouped fill, but not sure where, how, and in what format you are actually getting this to load into the custom fill. I'm looking in format data series > patterns > fill effects. I see the picture you're using and assume you are using the "select picture" button to upload.

Can you please advise?

Thank you

**Andy Pope** · 04-17-2009, 05:24 AM

As I said you can use normal copy and paste.

Select 1 of the grouped shapes.
CTRL+C
Select the appropriate column series for the grouped shape
CTRL+V

In xl2007 there is an option to use the clipboard for the custom fill