2-D 3-layer bar graph

**Andy Pope** · 04-16-2009, 07:23 AM

Here is another approach to the problem using custom fills.

All columns are on the same axis. With overlapp set to 100.

I created to grouped shapes to use as the fill.
The group is a rectangle with no border or fill. Make this roughly the width of a column in the chart.
The second shape is a thinner rectangle coloured as appropriate.

With the 2 shapes grouped you can use copy and paste to fill the column series.

**tokyods** · 04-17-2009, 01:11 AM

Andy,

Thank you so much. The example you provided is really what I wanted.

I get the concept of the grouped fill, but not sure where, how, and in what format you are actually getting this to load into the custom fill. I'm looking in format data series > patterns > fill effects. I see the picture you're using and assume you are using the "select picture" button to upload.

Can you please advise?

Thank you

**Andy Pope** · 04-17-2009, 05:24 AM

As I said you can use normal copy and paste.

Select 1 of the grouped shapes.
CTRL+C
Select the appropriate column series for the grouped shape
CTRL+V

In xl2007 there is an option to use the clipboard for the custom fill