How do I set transparent colors in a graph?

I want to superpose my chart on another image, i.e. a map. How do I let the
lines from my map show through the colors used in my pie chart? Any way to
play with transparency in such a context? The picture toolbar doesn't hlep as
the transparency button is disabled when I try to use it. Currently I'm
working in Word, would I be better off in Powerpoint?

Charles,

If you are not restricted to the pie chart and can use another chart option
i.e. column or bar, you can try copying a semitransparent autoshape into the
chart series. For example, to do so create a simple column chart. Go to the
drawing toolbar and choose an arrow autoshape. Drag the arrow autoshape onto
your spreadsheet. Double-click on the arrow autoshape and in the Format
Autoshape Dialog Box -> Colors and lines Tab choose a fill color and check
the semitransparent option. Hit OK.

Click once on the autoshape and in the standard toolbar go to Edit -> Copy.
Then, click on the chart series and hit Edit -> Paste. The arrows should now
be pasted into the chart. Finally, set the chart area and plot area
backgrounds = None.

Again, copying a semitransparent autoshape works OK for columns and bars but
I could not get it to work with the pie chart. If you can make a change
possibly the above method will work.

----
Regards,
John Mansfield
http://www.pdbook.com

"Charles" wrote:

> I want to superpose my chart on another image, i.e. a map. How do I let the
> lines from my map show through the colors used in my pie chart? Any way to
> play with transparency in such a context? The picture toolbar doesn't hlep as
> the transparency button is disabled when I try to use it. Currently I'm
> working in Word, would I be better off in Powerpoint?

Unfortunately that transparency button is reserved for those darn Mac users.

- Jon
-------
Jon Peltier, Microsoft Excel MVP
Peltier Technical Services
Tutorials and Custom Solutions
http://PeltierTech.com/
_______


Charles wrote:

> I want to superpose my chart on another image, i.e. a map. How do I let the
> lines from my map show through the colors used in my pie chart? Any way to
> play with transparency in such a context? The picture toolbar doesn't hlep as
> the transparency button is disabled when I try to use it. Currently I'm
> working in Word, would I be better off in Powerpoint?

Hi Charles,

If you can live without coloured slices this might be a usable work around.
http://www.andypope.info/charts/pieimage.htm

Cheers
Andy

Charles wrote:
> I want to superpose my chart on another image, i.e. a map. How do I let the
> lines from my map show through the colors used in my pie chart? Any way to
> play with transparency in such a context? The picture toolbar doesn't hlep as
> the transparency button is disabled when I try to use it. Currently I'm
> working in Word, would I be better off in Powerpoint?

--

Andy Pope, Microsoft MVP - Excel
http://www.andypope.info