5 Ways To Reorder Excel Legend Without Changing Chart

Reordering the legend in an Excel chart can be a bit tricky, but there are a few ways to do it without changing the chart itself. Here are five methods to help you achieve this:

Method 1: Using the Select Data Source Dialog Box

One way to reorder the legend in an Excel chart is by using the Select Data Source dialog box. To do this, follow these steps:

• Click on the chart to select it.
• Go to the "Chart Tools" section in the ribbon.
• Click on the "Design" tab.
• Click on the "Select Data" button in the "Data" group.
• In the "Select Data Source" dialog box, click on the "Legend Entries" button.
• In the "Legend Entries" dialog box, select the series you want to move.
• Use the "Move Up" or "Move Down" buttons to reorder the series.
• Click "OK" to apply the changes.

What to Expect

Using this method, you can reorder the legend entries without changing the chart itself. However, this method only works if you have multiple series in your chart.

Method 2: Using the Chart Filters

Another way to reorder the legend in an Excel chart is by using the chart filters. To do this, follow these steps:

• Click on the chart to select it.
• Go to the "Chart Tools" section in the ribbon.
• Click on the "Design" tab.
• Click on the "Chart Filters" button in the "Data" group.
• In the "Chart Filters" pane, click on the "Legend" tab.
• Use the "Move Up" or "Move Down" buttons to reorder the series.
• Click "OK" to apply the changes.

What to Expect

Using this method, you can reorder the legend entries without changing the chart itself. However, this method only works if you have multiple series in your chart.

Method 3: Using VBA Macros

If you're comfortable with VBA macros, you can use them to reorder the legend in an Excel chart. To do this, follow these steps:

• Press "Alt + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor.
• In the Visual Basic Editor, click on "Insert" > "Module" to insert a new module.
• Paste the following code into the module:

Sub ReorderLegend()
    Dim cht As Chart
    Set cht = ActiveChart
    cht.Legend.LegendEntries(1).Select
    Selection.MoveUp
End Sub

• Click "Run" to run the macro.
• The legend entries will be reordered.

What to Expect

Using this method, you can reorder the legend entries without changing the chart itself. However, this method requires knowledge of VBA macros.

Method 4: Using the Excel Built-in Function

Excel has a built-in function that allows you to reorder the legend entries. To use this function, follow these steps:

• Click on the chart to select it.
• Go to the "Chart Tools" section in the ribbon.
• Click on the "Design" tab.
• Click on the "Select Data" button in the "Data" group.
• In the "Select Data Source" dialog box, click on the "Legend Entries" button.
• In the "Legend Entries" dialog box, select the series you want to move.
• Right-click on the selected series and select "Move Up" or "Move Down".

What to Expect

Using this method, you can reorder the legend entries without changing the chart itself. However, this method only works if you have multiple series in your chart.

Method 5: Using a Third-Party Add-in

There are several third-party add-ins available that can help you reorder the legend entries in an Excel chart. One such add-in is the "Chart Tools" add-in. To use this add-in, follow these steps:

• Download and install the "Chart Tools" add-in.
• Click on the chart to select it.
• Go to the "Chart Tools" section in the ribbon.
• Click on the "Legend" button.
• Use the "Move Up" or "Move Down" buttons to reorder the series.

What to Expect

Using this method, you can reorder the legend entries without changing the chart itself. However, this method requires downloading and installing a third-party add-in.

Excel Legend Image Gallery

We hope this article has helped you learn how to reorder the legend in an Excel chart without changing the chart itself. Do you have any questions or need further assistance? Leave a comment below!