How to Manage Microsoft Graphs Between Microsoft Software Applications

While Microsoft Excel is the most useful Microsoft Office application for creating graphs from existing data, other Microsoft programs can import and manage graphs as well. Working with graphs between programs allows you to share detailed visual data in spreadsheets, documents, emails and presentations without recreating the information. Most Office applications can edit graphs at a basic level, and make formatting and visual changes to make the graph better suited for that program's environment.

• 1

  Create a graph. Different Microsoft programs have different methods of creating graphs. Create a graph in Excel by selecting data and clicking on "Chart" in the Insert menu. In Microsoft Word, create a new chart object by clicking "Object" in the Insert menu.

• 2

  Follow the onscreen instructions to customize the chart and display it within the open program. Click and drag to position the chart correctly.

• 3

  Open a second Microsoft Office application and create a new document, spreadsheet or presentation for use with the graph.

• 4

  Click and drag the graph from one window into the other and release the mouse button to move the graph between programs. This will remove the graph from the original application. To transfer the graph without removal, right-click on it and choose "Copy." Right-click on the appropriate space in the second program and click on "Paste" to place the graph.

• 5

  Double-click on the graph to bring up the Chart toolbar. Make a selection in the drop-down menu to manage a specific part of the graph. Use the "Chart Type" button to change the fundamental appearance of the graph, or the "Format Data Series" button to modify the graph's legend, colors and other elements. Click outside the graph when finished.