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Pivot & charts shortcut

Insert a default chart on the current sheet

Alt + F1 on Windows, Fn + Option + F1 on Mac.

CommonDifficulty 1000 · Capable
Practice · 2 questions →

When to use it

Inserts the default chart (a clustered column chart) for the selected data on the current sheet.

The shape of it

Windows
Alt + F1
Mac
Fn + Option + F1

Worked examples

  • Quick chart

    Select a small table, Alt + F1 → A column chart appears next to it

    Instant chart.

  • Change the default

    Change the default chart type under Insert, Charts dialog, right-click a type → Alt + F1 uses your preferred type

    Customize.

  • Compare with F11

    F11 instead → The chart on its own sheet

    Chart sheet.

Worth knowing

  • Set the default to a line or bar chart if that is what you make most.
  • Ctrl + 1 opens the format pane for the selected chart element.
  • Recommended Charts suggests alternatives.

Where it goes wrong

  • Selecting data with totals charts the totals too.
  • Chart lands over the data; drag it aside.

Related

Alt, N, VAlt + F5F11Alt + Shift + →Ctrl + Shift + *

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