Emphasize chart information without editing your chart (Microsoft Excel 97/2000/2002/v. X/2003)

There are times when you want to emphasize some data in a chart, but you don't want to modify the chart permanently. An easy way to draw attention to something without interfering with its original state is to add a callout AutoShape to your worksheet.

To do so, simply view the Drawing toolbar by choosing View | Toolbars | Drawing from the menu bar. Then, click the AutoShapes button to access the AutoShapes options and choose Callouts. Once you choose a callout style, click anywhere in your worksheet to place the AutoShape. Then, type your text and press [Enter]. You can use the resize handles to modify its size and shape or click and drag to move its location when you see a four-headed mouse pointer. Also, you can adjust the connector that points to an area in your worksheet by clicking and dragging its yellow handles. For further customization, select the AutoShape so that a cross-hatch border appears and select Format | AutoShape from the menu bar. In the Format AutoShape dialog box, you can change font styles, colors, fills, protection, and more. The callout's biggest advantage is that it's easy to remove while still keeping your chart intact. Just click on the AutoShape's cross-hatch border and press the [Delete] key.