Excel 2007 : XY Scatter Chart - Missing X Error Bars In Dialog Box

Hi all,

In an XY scatter chart plotted using XL2007, I can select the series, and then by following

Chart Tools > Layout > Error Bars > More Error Bar Options

I open a dialog that controls the vertical error bars only, and no option for horizontal error bars. I realise that I can access control of the horizontal error bars via the Current Selection area of the ribbon, but would like to understand: Is this a bug, or something I'm (as usual) doing wrong?

Thanks,

Dave

When you open the dialog, does Excel add both sets of error bars? (it should) You can then select whichever you want to format with the dialog open (not modal in 2007)

In 2010 it definitely adds horiz and vert error bars at the same time, without giving you the option to choose. Most annoying, I find, since you then have to figure out a way to delete the set you don't require.

I then go to the Layout tab in the Chart Tools, use the drop down of the chart elements on the left to select the "Series 3 Y error bars" or "MyDataSeries X error bars" and take it from there to delete of format.

cheers

You can just select them and delete with the dialog open, too.

Depending on the data values the error bars may be very short and masked by the data points. But as the others have said both H/V bars are added automatically.

And in xl2007 the following will happen,

With the dialog open if you click on the chart and use the UP arrow you can cycle through the major elements.
The Horizontal Error bars will appear in the dialog
The Vertical Error bars will not.

If on the other hand you press DOWN the Vertical Error bars will appear.
But it will not cycle any further through the major elements using DOWN.

The arrow keys with the open format dialog are a revelation, Andy! Thank you!!

Thankyou all. The data is too tightly distributed to see the error bars, cycling through is indeed the dialog with the cursor keys is indeed a revelation.

Thanks again folks.