Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Set Default Excel Chart Colors and Line Styles

Muhammad Talha Oct 1, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to standardize chart formatting so all newly created charts automatically use specific preferred colors, line widths, and styles.

How to Set Default Chart Colors and Line Styles in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating multiple charts and wanting to maintain consistent branding and styling without having to manually format every single chart.
Observed behavior: By default, charts use the standard Office colors and styles, requiring repetitive manual adjustments for every new chart created.

Before you start

Ensure you have your finalized color palette and preferred line styles decided beforehand, so you can apply these settings consistently when creating your reusable template.

Solution 1Recommended

Save a Custom Chart as a Template

This method allows you to save all specific formatting, including line styles and colors, to be reused as a template for future charts.

By saving a fully formatted chart as a template, you can apply your preferred visual settings to any new data set instantly without altering your workbook's overall theme.

Format your initial chart

Create a standard chart and manually change the colors, line widths, and styles to your exact preference using the Chart Design and Format tabs.

Save as template

Right-click the formatted chart area and select 'Save as Template' from the context menu.

Name and save

Enter a descriptive name for your template in the dialog box and save it in the default 'Charts' folder location.

Apply to new charts

When creating a new chart, go to Insert > Recommended Charts > All Charts tab. Click on the 'Templates' folder and select your custom saved template to apply the formatting to the new data.

Set Template as Default: You can right-click your saved template inside the 'All Charts' > 'Templates' dialog and select 'Set as Default Chart' so that pressing Alt+F1 will automatically use your custom styles.

Solution 2

Customize and Save the Default Office Theme

Changing the overall Office theme applies your preferred color palette to all new charts and shapes in the workbook.

Efficient Charting with WPS

Save Custom Chart Templates Effortlessly in WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet provides a seamless way to create, customize, and save chart templates. Apply your personalized colors, line widths, and branding consistently across all your data visualization tasks with ease.

1. Create a chart: Select your data and insert a basic chart in WPS Spreadsheet.
2. Customize formatting: Adjust the chart colors, gridlines, and line styles using the Chart Tools tab on the ribbon.
3. Save as a template: Right-click the chart area and choose 'Save as Template' from the context menu.
4. Apply to future data: To use it later, click Insert > Chart, go to the 'Templates' folder, and select your custom design.

Easily save customized charts as reusable templates with a single click.Complete compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and chart designs.Rich library of built-in chart styles and professional color palettes.Lightweight, fast, and completely free alternative for your daily spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my custom chart colors not saving for new workbooks?

Chart templates and custom themes are saved locally. If you open a new workbook and use the standard 'Insert Chart' button, it defaults to the standard Office theme. You must explicitly choose your saved template from the Templates folder or apply your custom theme from the Page Layout tab.

Can I set a specific chart template as the absolute default in Excel?

Yes. In the Insert Chart dialog box, navigate to the All Charts tab, select Templates, right-click your custom template, and choose 'Set as Default Chart'. Afterward, any quick-chart shortcut (like Alt+F1) will generate a chart using this layout.

Do chart templates save data along with the formatting?

No, chart templates (.crtx files) only save the formatting, layout, colors, fonts, and line styles. When you apply a template to new data, it simply adapts your saved formatting to the new data values.

How do I share my custom chart theme with colleagues?

You can share your custom theme by locating the saved .thmx file (for themes) or .crtx file (for chart templates) in your local Microsoft templates folder. Send the file to your colleagues, and have them place it in their respective local Template folders.

Excel & Data Problems