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Using Arrow Keys in Excel to move a chart small distances

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Using Arrow Keys in Excel to move a chart small distances

In the 2013 version, it is harder using Arrow Keys in Excel to move a chart small distances. Previously you could click on a chart and then use the arrow keys to move up, down, left or right the smallest distance which is easier than trying to use a mouse to place the chart in exactly the same place as the adjacent chart.

In the more recent versions of Excel if you click on the graph and use the arrow keys it toggles through the elements of the graph (first it highlights the first series, then the second than the gridlines etc).

To achieve the same thing as you could in previous versions you need to hold the CTRL key down and click on the graph. It is then treats the chart as an image and you can use the arrow keys to place it. You can still click on it and drag it around, but for the finer placements the arrow keys are sometimes easier, especially if you have shaky hands.

If you are worried about placement remember you can also use the ALT button for better placement. If you hold the ALT button down and drag the graph around, you will see it jumps from aligning with one gridline to another (watch the Chart Tips video to see how to do this).