transparent data series on area graphs

[Karen R.]

I am having trouble using the "area graph with a 3-D
visual effect" feature. The problem is that I want the
front series to be transparent so that the back area is
viewable from behind the front series. When I select the
front series and go to [area->fill effects] there is a
section there for setting transparency, which is exactly
what I want to be able to use! BUT!, it is unavailable
and nothing that I have tried has been effective in making
it an option, or available, for my selected data series.

HELP???

thanks much!

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

AFAIK, transparency in charts is only built in to the latest version of
Excel on the Macintosh, and is not available in the Windows version.

For a column chart, you can simulate the effect by pasting a transparent
shape onto the column series, but this doesn't work on an area chart.
http://j-walk.com/ss/excel/usertips/tip071.htm

Perhaps you could use a different type of chart, or a combination of
chart types. Jon Peltier has instructions for creating combination charts:


http://www.geocities.com/jonpeltier/Excel/Charts/ComboCharts.html#ComboCht

I am having trouble using the "area graph with a 3-D
visual effect" feature. The problem is that I want the
front series to be transparent so that the back area is
viewable from behind the front series. When I select the
front series and go to [area->fill effects] there is a
section there for setting transparency, which is exactly
what I want to be able to use! BUT!, it is unavailable
and nothing that I have tried has been effective in making
it an option, or available, for my selected data series.

HELP???

thanks much!