SOLVED

Can't edit charts - all options greyed out

Copper Contributor

Hi - I've recently been upgraded to Office 365.  I've got a regular reporting spreadsheet, with charts that need updating.  However, I can't edit any of the charts! I can't right click anywhere on the sheets containing the charts, and all the options on the 'Chart Design' and 'Format' ribbon tabs are greyed out.

The spreadsheet isn't protected, and I don't think its shared with anyone.

Any clues?

14 Replies

@AlexOrange 

Please read the information in this link (at the end) and include this information in your request.

In this way you could get a solution proposal much faster and more precisely and it saves the helpers time, with which they can answer more questions. Win-win for everyone.

 

Link: Welcome to your Excel discussion space!

 

Thank you for your understanding and patience

 

Wish you a nice day.

 

Nikolino

I know I don't know anything (Socrates)

 

Thanks @NikolinoDE 

I'm running PC Windows 10, Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.1679)

I'm using 'Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise' Version 2009 (Build 13231.20390 Click-to-Run)

Cut down file is attached

I want to update the charts on sheet 'Weekly giving semi-annual' and 'Income comparisons quarterly' to extend the series show.

However, I can't edit any of the charts! I can't right click anywhere on the sheets containing the charts, and all the options on the 'Chart Design' and 'Format' ribbon tabs are greyed out.

As far as I could understand the problem lies in the combination with Power Querie. Unfortunately, my knowledge is very limited, I am looking for it, but the expertise of the specialists is required here.

Thank you for your understanding and patience

Wish you a nice day.

Nikolino
I know I don't know anything (Socrates)

@AlexOrange 

File was broken, not only charts didn't work. Not sure why, just opened it in Google Sheets and download back as Excel file. Please see attached.

Hi, that hasn't worked, I still have the same problem

@AlexOrange 

Perhaps something is wrong in your environment. On my machine latest Excel works

image.png

How can I work out whats wrong in my environment? It's a company machine, so I can't just uninstall and reinstall Excel 😞

@AlexOrange 

First I'd try same file (I mean repaired file form this thread which works on my machine) on another computer in your organization. You may also check on your computer in safe mode (Win+R, excel /safe).

If works, check add-ins installed.

What did you do to fix the file? That file is just a cut down of a much larger file that I use

@AlexOrange 

I uploaded file into Google Sheets and immediately (i.e. without any changes) download it from here as Excel file.

Ah - that doesn't work with my larger file as Google Sheets screws up all sorts of other things. I need a solution to the underlying problem with the charts that I can fix in Excel
best response confirmed by AlexOrange (Copper Contributor)
Solution
Well I managed to find a solution - I copied all the tabs from my original workbook into a new workbook, and I could then edit the charts. Still don't know what caused the original problem, but putting up this solution for anyone who faces the same issue in future

@AlexOrange 

I'm facing the same problem and I'm disappointed no one from Microsoft seems to have unearthed the root cause. Copying large number of sheets and trying to recreate the chart will require too much time and is not an option.

@AlexOrange Hi, I recently encountered the same problem. You have to turn off the "shared workbook" option. Once you do, you will be able to use all the functions normally and move around charts.

I know it's a late response but I hope this helps someone else with the same problem later on!

1 best response

Accepted Solutions
best response confirmed by AlexOrange (Copper Contributor)
Solution
Well I managed to find a solution - I copied all the tabs from my original workbook into a new workbook, and I could then edit the charts. Still don't know what caused the original problem, but putting up this solution for anyone who faces the same issue in future

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