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My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

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    My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Greetings,

    I write reports and would like to increase the attractiveness of the data I present. I have the data in a workbook. The data are linked to a word document.

    I would like to improve the way the table/chart/whatever it is called looks.


    In the attached 'sample' and 'sample2' files, there are several examples of what I would like the output to look like.

    You'll notice a couple of really cool features:

    1) It looks professionally done.

    2) The data include only tests that were administered (not every test is administered for each report). In contrast, I have to go into my Word table and manually delete the rows for the tests that were not administered. This takes time and is repetitive.

    3) The table cells are color-coded depending on the score. For example, an 'average' IQ score such as 100 would be GREEN because an average IQ is good. On the other hand, an 'exceptionally low' IQ score of 65 would be RED because exceptionally low IQ scores are bad. I would like my table cells to change color when the data change. It's easy for consumers to understand and it looks great.


    I am not looking for a free handout - I'll pay someone for help if it's a very time-intensive job. What I would really prefer would be for someone to tell me:

    1) How are these sample graphs created? What technology do I need to learn make things look like this?

    2) Is this something I can learn to do myself in several hours, or is it something I would be better off outsourcing?

    Thanks for your help!

    Semper fi,

    Paul
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Hi Paul,
    It is very hard to tell how to get great looking tables and charts. The samples look great, but the key is the data you have and the story you want to tell.
    Depending on the data you have, there are many build in tools in excel to make it look great. Conditional formatting will do the colouring automatically for you based on the bands you set and colours you want. There are also many charts to choose from. Each chart type has different styles to give it your look and feel, colour scheme etc.
    Again, depending on your raw data, you may need to do some conversion or use 'helper columns'.
    For dashboards, there is a saying: Information > transformation > presentation.
    If you can upload some 'cleaned non confidential' sample data, I may be able to suggest something more concrete.
    If your Question is answered; please mark it SOLVED. If you are happy with a member's solution, say 'Thanks' and click the 'Star' to Add Reputation.

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Thanks! I've attached a sample file.


    Semper fi,

    Paul
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    You have uploaded a file with links to another (not provided) file. This can make things difficult, as other members cannot see how things reference to each other?
    1. Use code tags for VBA. [code] Your Code [/code] (or use the # button)
    2. If your question is resolved, mark it SOLVED using the thread tools
    3. Click on the star if you think someone helped you

    Regards
    Ford

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Thank for replying.

    The links for the lookup table are in the worksheet. They are located waaayyy over to the right.

    I might add that the lookup function isn't too relevant to my question. I'm more concerned about making the data go into a table as described in the OP.

    Thanks!

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    No, it appears that you have a link to a file...
    =IF(F2<>"",VLOOKUP(F2,'*****\VA Test Score Template 101419 - Linked.xlsx'!Table2[#Data],2),"")

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    You were absolutely right!

    Sorry about that. I believe it is corrected now.
    Attached Files Attached Files

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Lets start with the raw data;
    Try to avoid empty rows. Is there a specific reason why your table in column J:K has empty rows? If not, remove them.
    Your columns should have a 'header' so the user knows what they are. Headers can also used for charts.
    Again, is there a reason why you have empty columns between your data set; C, E, G ?
    Observation: Column F has an in consisted formula. -100, from D8 onwards -10. This may be on purpose.

    One quick tool to format your date: Highlight the data you want to apply the changes to. Click: "Ctrl+ Q" (Quick Analysing).
    There you have a number of tools: Formatting, Charts, Totals, Tables, Sparklines. Each will show you different option. Click on it for a preview. You can set different Formatting for each column, or multiple formatting, but that can make the data messy.

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    Re: My tables are ugly. How can I fix them?

    Hi again,
    In the attached file I have added a couple of sheets.
    One with your date a bit 'cleaned up'. I also inserted a couple of screenshots in the file to help you how to do it yourself.
    On the other a few sample charts from your date. I put your data into a Pivot table, counting the number of IQ Percentile by description and created 3 different charts via Insert Pivot Chart.
    Trust this gives you some ideas.
    Attached Files Attached Files

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