Formatting a single gridline in a graph

Question

I've created a excel document [mac 2011] to graph test results so that I can then paste the graph into my psychological reports. I want to format a single grid line, so that it is easy for parents to see where the average score is. I know that this is possible, because I've somehow done it in two of my graphs, but I can't figure out how I did it, after more than an hour of trying to figure it out. Frustrating to say the least.

As you can see, the grid line at 100 has been selected separately from the other grid lines in the graph. When I click on any of the other grid lines, all but this grid line are selected simultaneously. 

I know how to insert a line into the graph once I've pasted it into word, and align it with the average score. However, it would make my report writing go faster if I don't have to mess around with adding a line each time. 

So, the question really is- How do I make a single grid line in a graph function separately from the other grid lines, so that I can then change it's formatting separately from the other grid lines?

ANSWER: Right click on a gridline, and select format axis. Find the box that says "Horizontal line crosses at:" and enter the value of the gridline you want to format differently than the others [for example, 100 for the graph above]. It will now be selectable separately from the other gridlines, and so can be formatted separately from the other gridlines.

Answer 1

Oh my heck, as we say in Utah... I just figured it out.

I did a right click, and selected format axis. On the Horizontal axis crosses at box, I put in the value of the gridline I want to format differently. Now the gridline selects separately from the other gridlines.

Thanks for your efforts guys, it was through answering your questions that I rediscovered how to do this.

I can't mark my own post as the answer, can one of you do that?

Brian

Answer 2

Thanks Jim for the videos on those two topics. It's not what I need for this situation, but these applications could be useful in the future.

You could be right about a graph line being superimposed over a grid line, but I doubt it. Here is why:

• There is no numerical data entered into the graph.
• When I control click on the gridline/graph line that is different, I get menu options that relate to a grid lines, and are exactly the same as when I control click the other gridlines. When I put data in the graph, and control click the resulting line, I get a different set of menu options.
• When I click on one of the other gridlines, they all become activated, except for the one that I have formatted differently.

Answer 3

No, I cannot select other individual grid lines, they all select together, except for the one that functions independantly.

No, I cannot drag the selected gridline.

Answer 4

Here is a link where you can download the excel file where I have apparently pulled off this miraculous deed. Go to the WISC tab to see the graphs where I was successful. I'm trying to do this to graphs for the Conners and ASRS tabs.

http://www.excelforum.com/excel-charting-and-pivots/1093513-formatting-a-single-horizontal-gridline-on-a-graph.html#post4145084

Answer 5

Can you produce a yellow tip box by hovering on the single line? If so, what description does it give?

If you right-click the single line, what appears in the contextual menu? There should be some sort of Format_______ command near the bottom of the menu.

Can you share a copy of a file containing one of these charts? I'd like to take a first hand look.