Create a Vertical Bar Chart

If the Bar chart below resembles what you would like to create, proceed; otherwise, return to the graph selection page. Bar charts are ideal for comparing different categories, especially when the differences are significant and the data involves distinct groups of data.

Line Plot

To create a bar chart:

1. If needed click the Plot 1 tab to return to the new plot document.

2. Click the Home | New Graph | Bar | Vertical Bar Chart command.

   

3. Browse to the Samples directory at C:\Program Files\Golden Software\Grapher\Samples by default.

4. In the list of files, click Temperature Data.xlsx.

5. Click Open.

A bar chat is created using the default properties. By default, Grapher uses the first two columns containing numeric or date/time data in the data file. In this example, the X values are in column A and the Y values are in column B. Depending on how you have Grapher configured, you will see the Plot window, the Object Manager, and the Property Manager. Those two windows are described in more detail throughout the tutorial.

The bar chart is created with the default settings.

 

Change the bar color

1. Click the current Graph to select it.

2. In the Property Manager, click the Line tab to select it.

3. In the Plot Line Properties section, in the Style field click the drop down and select Invisible to hide the outline around the bars.

Adjust the Y axis properties and title

1. In the Object Manager , click the Y axis, Y Axis 1.

2. In the Property Manager, click the Axis tab.

3. In the Limits section click the Minimum drop down and select Custom.

4. In the Limits section click the Maximum drop down and select Custom.

   

5. In the Title section, click the Text Editor button [] in the Text field.

6. In the Text Editor window delete the current text and enter "Earth's Surface Temperature Variance (F)".

7. To add the degree symbol place the cursor in front of the "F", then click the Insert Symbol button, .

   1. In the Symbol Properties window, click in the Symbol Set field and select Calibri from the list of fonts.

   2. Scroll down 4 lines past the lower case z to find the degree symbol, select it then click OK.

   3. Click OK to close the Text Editor window.

   

Adjust the X axis properties and title

1. In the Object Manager , click the X axis, X Axis 1.

2. In the Property Manager, click the Axis tab.

3. In the Limits section click the Minimum drop down and select Custom.

4. In the Limits section click the Maximum drop down and select Custom.

   

5. In the Title section, click the Text Editor button [] in the Text field.

6. In the Text Editor window delete the current text and enter "Year".

Change the Graph title

1. In the Object Manager, click the graph, Graph 1.

2. In the Property Manager, click the Title tab.

3. In the Title Properties section, next to the text field click the Text Editor button, .

4. In the Text Editor window delete the current text and enter "Annual Surface Temperature of Earth Compared to 1901 (1960-2021)".

5. To change the text formatting place the cursor in front of the "(" and press ENTER.

6. Select all of the text then press the Center Text and Bold buttons to change the font properties, then press OK.

After completing the steps above your graph will look like the image below.

 

Now let's take this bar chart and transform it into a stunning visual that is sure to make your data easier to understand and present to your stakeholders.

Let's start by adding some horizontal and vertical lines ....