Adding a curve

A curve can help to emphasize a trend in the data.

To add a curve annotation to a chart:

  1. Click Curve on the chart stage toolbar.
    The cursor will change to .
  2. Click the chart where you want the curve to start.
  3. Click other positions on the chart to create more points for the curve to pass through.
    To create a smooth curve, create points that are equally spaced from each other.
  4. To finish drawing the curve, press Enter, or double-click the final point.
  5. Optional: With the curve displayed, you can change its shape or appearance, or move the curve:
    Option Description
    Add a new point to a curve
    After adding a curve to a chart, you can change the curve shape by adding new points:
    1. Right-click a curve at the position where you want to create a new point.
    2. Click Add Point.
    Move current point on a curve

    1. Click a curve to select it.

      When a curve is selected, the points appear as white squares.

    2. Move the cursor over an existing point on the curve.

      The cursor will change to when it is on a point.

    3. Click and drag the point to the new position.
    A preview of the new curve shape is shown as a dotted line.
    Delete a point from a curve

    1. Click a curve to select it.

      When a curve is selected, the points appear as white squares.

    2. Right-click the point you want to delete, and click Delete Point, or hold Ctrl and click a point.

    The cursor will change to when it is over a point.
    Move a curve

    Position the cursor over the curve, and click and drag the curve to its new location.
    Change curve appearance
    1. Right-click the curve, then click Format line.
    2. Specify the line style, color, width, start arrow, and end arrow.
    3. Click Apply to see the result in the chart.
    4. To use these line format settings for all new curves, click Set as Default.
    5. Click OK to save your changes and close the Curve Properties dialog.