Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Big_Bird]

Hello there. I need some help on how to make graphs (that don't use specific values).

I know how to make a graph (in Excel for example) if I have exact values. You just arrange your data, select it, and turn it into a graph.

But do you know how (using mainstream software like word, excel or powerpoint) I could make a graph with unspecified values?

For example, graphs that might go a bit like these ones (which I have imported from randomly googled websites):

[doc_ido]

You can "fake" a graph using Powerpoint just by using the Draw tools to draw axes, lines and curves. It gives reasonable results, but I find the curves a bit tricky and labelling the axis values can be awkward. Both the graphs you posted look like they've been done this way.

A more flexible method, using Excel, is simply to generate your own data. Create a sequential column of numbers (e.g. start at 0 in A1 and then put =A1+1 in the row below and copy down), and then in the next column put your desired graph equation. For a straight line, this will be =(m*A1)+c, where m is the gradient (slope) and c is the y-intercept (add these values in their own cells for later reference). Then you can add extra columns of data and adjust values to your liking, add labels etc. Curves and exponentials can of course be done using the appropriate Excel function, e.g. =(A1^2)+c, =(EXP(1/A1))+c etc.

If you don't want the axis values, you can delete these (or set them to white) and use text boxes in Powerpoint to add your own after importing the graph.

[Underwaterbob]

Both of the graphs you have pictured could be done in excel. What type of curve are you looking for?

Making a graph without data basically equates to drawing a picture.

[Big_Bird]

Thanks guys. Yes, I wondered if it would come down to just drawing a picture, using the art functions. Kind of tricky and time consuming. The idea of putting in values and hiding them as white text might be better (though a bit tatty).

Not sure what curve I want yet. Just feeling for ideas on how to do it at the moment, ready for when I actually need to do the graphs (sometime before Friday).