How to Create an Excel Chart with Nonadjacent Columns on Android
Question details
The user needs to create a chart using data from nonadjacent columns in the Excel application for Android.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to generate a data visualization from independent and dependent data series that are not located next to each other in the spreadsheet on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel for Android application does not allow users to select multiple nonadjacent data ranges at the same time, preventing the creation of the desired chart.
Ensure your Excel spreadsheet is saved to OneDrive, Google Drive, or another cloud storage service so you can easily access and edit it from a computer.
Use Excel for Desktop or Excel for the Web
Since the Android app lacks the feature to select non-continuous cells, the official workaround is to open the synced file on a computer to create the chart.
The Excel mobile app is optimized for touch interfaces and currently lacks the advanced selection features found in desktop versions. To select nonadjacent columns, you must use a device that supports a keyboard and a full version of Excel.
Save your current Excel file to OneDrive from your Android device to ensure your data is backed up to the cloud.
Log in to Excel for the Web through your browser, or open the Excel desktop application on your Windows or Mac computer and load your synced spreadsheet.
Click and drag to select your first data column. Then, hold down the 'Ctrl' key (or 'Cmd' on Mac) and select the second, nonadjacent data column.
Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, choose your desired chart type (such as a Bar or Line chart), and format it as needed.
Save the file on your computer. When you reopen the spreadsheet in the Excel app on your Android device, the newly created chart will be fully visible and accurately represent your data.
Reorganize Data into Adjacent Columns on Android
If you do not have access to a computer, you can rearrange your data directly on your Android device so the columns sit side-by-side.
Create Professional Charts Easily with WPS Office
Overcome mobile editing frustrations by managing your spreadsheets with WPS Office Desktop. It offers robust charting capabilities, effortless nonadjacent cell selection, and an interface that feels instantly familiar.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free on your PC or Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel format file.
- 3. Select nonadjacent data: Hold down the Ctrl key and highlight the separate columns you want to include in your chart.
- 4. Insert your chart: Click the 'Insert' tab, select 'Chart', and customize your data visualization effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a physical keyboard with my Android tablet to select nonadjacent columns in Excel?
No. Even if you connect a Bluetooth or USB keyboard to your Android device, the Excel mobile app does not currently support the 'Ctrl + Click' function to highlight non-continuous cells.
Why doesn't the Excel app for Android allow selecting separate data ranges?
The mobile version of Excel is streamlined for touch interactions on smaller screens. Features requiring complex multi-selections are currently restricted to the full desktop and web versions.
Will a chart created from nonadjacent columns on PC disappear when viewed on Android?
No. Once you create the chart using Excel for desktop or web and save the file, the chart will render perfectly when you open the file on your Android device. You simply cannot edit the nonadjacent data range from the mobile app.
Is there any touch gesture to select separate cells in mobile spreadsheets?
Currently, native touch gestures in the Excel app do not support highlighting disjointed columns. The best mobile workaround is to copy and paste your data so that it sits in adjacent columns before creating the chart.
