Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Add a Subtitle or Multiple Lines to an Excel Chart Title

Emma Brown Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to add secondary subtitle text or display a multi-line title on an Excel chart, which does not have a dedicated subtitle field.

How to Add a Subtitle or Multiple Lines to an Excel Chart Title

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a chart presentation to include both a main heading and a descriptive subtitle underneath it.
Observed behavior: Standard Excel charts only offer a single, unified chart title field without a built-in option to split it into a distinct title and subtitle.

Before you start

Ensure your chart already has a primary title enabled. If it does not, click the Chart Elements icon (the plus sign next to the chart) and check the 'Chart Title' box.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Line Break or Text Box for a Custom Subtitle

The simplest and most direct method to add a subtitle to a single chart is by forcing a manual line break within the existing title or placing an independent text box over the chart area.

Using a manual line break keeps the title and subtitle contained within the same chart element, which is easier to move around. Alternatively, a text box gives you absolute freedom to place the subtitle anywhere on the chart canvas.

Edit the Chart Title

Click directly on your existing chart title to select the text box, then place your cursor at the very end of the main title text.

Insert a Line Break

Press 'Alt + Enter' on your keyboard to force a line break, moving the cursor to a new line just below your main title.

Format the Subtitle

Type your subtitle text. Highlight only the subtitle text, then use the font settings in the 'Home' tab to make the font size smaller, italicized, or a different color to distinguish it.

Alternative: Use a Text Box

If you prefer separate elements, go to the 'Insert' tab, select 'Text Box', draw the box directly underneath the chart title, type your subtitle, and remove the text box shape outline.

Use a Line Break or Text Box for a Custom Subtitle

Alignment Tip: If you use a text box, group it with the chart so that the subtitle moves together with the chart when you resize or reposition it on the worksheet.

Solution 2

Automate Multi-Line Chart Titles with VBA

If you need to apply standardized titles and subtitles to multiple charts in your workbook, a VBA macro can automatically insert line breaks and apply specific character formatting.

Add Multi-line Titles to Charts Easily in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly compatible and intuitive charting interface where you can effortlessly add line breaks, insert text boxes, and apply advanced formatting to chart titles.

1. Select the Chart Title: Open your workbook in WPS Spreadsheet, ensure your chart has a title enabled, and click on the title to enter text editing mode.
2. Insert a Line Break: Place your cursor at the end of the primary title text and press 'Alt + Enter' to move to a new line.
3. Type the Subtitle: Type your descriptive subtitle text on this newly created line below the main title.
4. Apply Subtitle Formatting: Highlight only the subtitle text and use the Home tab to reduce the font size or change the text color, easily separating it visually from the main heading.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel charts and data formatsIntuitive formatting tools for titles, legends, and data labelsFree to download and use with a familiar user interfaceLightweight application that handles large datasets smoothly

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find a default "Add Subtitle" button in Excel charts?

Excel charts are inherently designed with a single primary title element. Microsoft has not included a built-in secondary title field, so users must rely on formatting workarounds like line breaks (Alt + Enter) or separate text boxes to achieve a subtitle layout.

Can I link my chart subtitle to a specific cell value dynamically?

Yes. If you use a text box for your subtitle, click its border, click inside the formula bar, type '=', and select the cell containing your text. To combine a main title and subtitle from two cells into the main chart title, use a formula like '=A1 & CHAR(10) & A2' in a helper cell, and link the chart title directly to that helper cell.

Does the VBA character formatting method work if the chart title is linked to a cell formula?

No. If your chart title is dynamically linked to a cell formula, applying partial character formatting (such as changing only the color of the subtitle) via VBA or manual highlighting will break and overwrite the cell link, converting the title to static text.

Excel & Data Problems