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How to Set Data Series Colors in Microsoft Access Modern Charts

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to configure and maintain consistent data series colors in Microsoft Access Modern Charts.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a Modern Chart in an Access form or report, particularly when dealing with dynamic data where series values might occasionally be missing.
Observed behavior: Modern Charts often randomly reassign series colors when a specific data series is missing from the dataset, and the charts offer limited formatting controls and VBA support.

Before you start

Ensure your Microsoft Access database is open and the form or report containing your Modern Chart is set to Design View.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Series Fill Colors in Chart Settings

Use the built-in Format tab within the Chart Settings pane to manually assign specific colors to each data series.

Open Chart Settings

Click on your Modern Chart while in Design View to reveal the Chart Settings pane on the right side of the screen.

Configure the Legend Field

Navigate to the Data tab in the Chart Settings pane and ensure your specific data field is properly configured in the Legend (Series) section.

Format Data Series

Switch to the Format tab within the same pane. Locate the Data Series dropdown list and select a specific value.

Assign Series Fill Color

With the series value selected, apply your desired color using the Series Fill Color option. Repeat this process for each value in the Data Series list.

Solution 2

Use Dummy Records to Prevent Color Shifting

Create dummy records in your query to guarantee all series values are always present, preventing Access from automatically reassigning colors when data is missing.

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Create Beautiful and Stable Charts with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by the charting limitations and dynamic color shifting in Microsoft Access, consider exporting your data to a dedicated spreadsheet tool. WPS Spreadsheets is a powerful, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Excel that offers robust, highly customizable charting features without the formatting headaches.

1. Export Access Data: Right-click your query in Access, select Export, and save your data as an Excel workbook (.xlsx).
2. Open in WPS: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your newly exported file.
3. Insert Chart: Highlight your data, navigate to the Insert tab, and choose your preferred chart type.
4. Customize Colors: Use the straightforward Chart Tools pane to quickly assign and lock your series colors permanently.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls) for seamless data import.Extensive charting tools with reliable, lockable data series colors.Free and lightweight, consuming fewer system resources than heavy database applications.Familiar, user-friendly interface that requires zero learning curve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Modern Chart series colors using VBA in Access?

Currently, Microsoft Access provides very limited VBA support for Modern Charts. Setting specific series colors programmatically via code is generally not supported, so you must define them manually in the Chart Settings pane.

Why do my Access chart colors change when I apply a filter?

If a filter removes an entire data series from the query results, Access dynamically reassigns the default colors to the remaining series. You can prevent this by using dummy records to ensure all series values are always present in the dataset.

Are classic charts still available in Microsoft Access?

Yes, Access still supports the older MSGraph-based classic charts. While they lack the responsive aesthetics of Modern Charts, classic charts offer much more granular control over formatting and properties through VBA.

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