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Axis Label Alignment

Anonymous
2015-11-13T00:49:18+00:00

I have recently updated to Excel 2016, excited to use the built-in Waterfall Chart function.

However, I am having difficulty trying to change the alignment of my X-axis labels. By default, they are at a 45 degree angle, and cut off with ... when too long. In older versions, I could right click, choose "Format axis", then change the alignment of the label.  I see no such options in Excel 2016.

All assistance I've found says there should be an alignment option under Axis Options. But I have no formatting options listed under Axis Options - nothing there.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-11-13T06:37:39+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for posting your query.

    I would like to inform you that, Size & Properties deals with sizing, alignment, and miscellaneous properties such as alt text and locks.

    The Chart Area element is unique in that its Size & Properties options affect the chart as a whole. Size, scale, and aspect ratio can be adjusted only on the Chart Area element, from which all other chart elements derive their inherent size and scale. Waterfall chart has pre-defined chart area and hence Size & Properties (such as alignment) modification option is not available.

    I hope the above information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance.

    Thank you.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-08-03T21:26:28+00:00

    In Excel, the Text formatting options are neatly hidden.  Spent 45 minutes looking for the axis label rotate function to find it here:

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-10-12T18:04:41+00:00

    I agree - I am having a very hard time with creating a presentation without this flexibility. I would strongly encourage Microsoft to look into this. It makes me want to go back to Office 2007!

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-08-25T15:01:42+00:00

    Sadly this is not the case for Waterfall charts, which is what the original post was about.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-07-12T18:56:31+00:00

    Having a similar issue....waterfall chart defaults to 90 degree alignment...meaning my execs would have to turn their heads (or the paper) to read the category labels.  Strangely, all online blog screenshots show the horizontal axis category labels at a diagonal (which is ideal), but that does not appear in my waterfall options & no means to adjust manually????  Please advise...

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