Custom Charting Need Assistance

[Leah918]

Hello, I have a specific chart requested from my boss yet, I have had very little success finding a method to customize existing templates to reflect some of the features he wanted.

I have included the basic requirements, for which,Project Timeline Example.xlsx an automated chart needs to be designed. The elements he requires are:
1. Automation (user enters date ranges and chart self populates)
2. Specific start and end dates (i.e., Start: 1/1/2012 End:2/15/2012)
3. Different colors for each bar/activity
4. Show line through chart for current date (see light blue line on example)

I have attempted customizing Gantt charts (as well as many suggestions seen on forums) yet most troubles I encounter are formatting the chart dates to the ones I'm using. I typically get Jan-00, Jan-64 or J J J A F O or many others depending on the different date formats I select. Further, I cannot seem to understand how to change the bar colors.

PS: The example was created manually and is displayed in PowerPoint. For these purposes, I have copied it into Excel.

Any help is appreciated.

Sincerely,
Leah918

[Palmetto]

You should be able to adapt this approach by Andy Pope: Floating bar cluster Chart

Change the chart type from stacked clustered to normal clustered.

To allow users to specify start and end dates, take a look at John Peltier's Dynamic & Interactive Charts
Choose the link on Dynamic Charting By Dates

For Item-4, you will have to create a series all having the same value, but with different date to match the x-axis, then change the chart type for this series from bar to column.

[pimpmychart]

Hi,

here is a simple floating bar chart sample which you might use as a starting point: http://www.pimpmychart.com/english/d...0559f8e1287701

Regards

Holger

[Leah918]

Thank you everyone! I ended up here: http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/eas...epeated-tasks/ which was perfect. Then, I found a macro to customize colors here: http://chrisumphlett.com/?p=168

Regardless, I found all the tips helpful in directing me more towards my goal.

I sincerely appreciate the help - and newfound knowledge!

-Leah918