How to create a column chart with background image in Excel ?

 

 

 

 

Step 1: Arrange the data.

Arrange the data like this.

Step 2: Create a column chart

Select the data, insert a stacked column chart (why not a regular column chart?, you will understand in a minute).

You will get this.

Step 3: Set up image as background for chart’s plot area

Select chart’s plot area. Press CTRL+1.

Choose picture or texture fill and select the file with image you want.

Step 4: Add dummy max-series

In your data, add a column which gives the difference between column values & axis maximum. For our test data, I choose 1,400 as axis maximum, so the dummy series values are,

Now add this series to chart.

Step 5: Format the chart

Now, we are almost done. Our chart looks like below. We just need to format it.

1. Select the columns (any series) and press 1
2. Adjust gap widtth to 0%
3. Fill the dummy series with a chosen background color.
4. Make the data series transparent (fill color = no color)
5. Add borders to data series. Border color should be same as background color.
6. Adjust the border thickness to 3pts.
7. Adjust axis maximum to 1,400 (or any value you have selected in Step 4).
8. Remove grid lines, legend and any un-necessary chart fluff.

Your column chart with background image is ready!