Auto create charts

Pyjama Double 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T15:33:59.92+00:00

I regularly create the same chart from different data tables in Excel. The data range changes each time, but I always want to create a Clustered Column Chart using the selected data.

Currently, I have to select the table, go to Insert → Column Chart → Clustered Column every time. Is there a way to set up a custom keyboard shortcut, for example Ctrl + Shift + C, so that after I select the data range, pressing the shortcut will automatically create the Clustered Column Chart?

Ideally, I don’t want to manually select the chart type each time. I just want to select the data and use one keyboard shortcut to create the same chart.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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  1. Elena-VH 1,730 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T16:19:50.98+00:00

    Dear Pyjama Double,

    I understand you'd like to create a Clustered Column Chart with a single keyboard shortcut after selecting your data.

    Excel does not currently provide a built-in way to assign a custom keyboard shortcut directly to a specific chart type without using VBA. One option you can try is adding a chart command to the Quick Access Toolbar:

    • Open Excel > Click the drop-down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar (next to Save, Undo, and Redo) > Select More Commands
    • In Choose commands from, select All Commands > Look for a chart-related command (For example: Insert Column or Bar Chart) and add it to the Quick Access Toolbar.
    • Once added, you can access the command using Alt + 1, Alt + 2, and so on, depending on its position on the toolbar.

    Otherwise, you can set Clustered Column as your default chart type. To set it up:

    • Create a chart once > Right-click the chart and set Clustered Column as your default chart type by selecting the chart > Chart Design > Change Chart Type > Ensure it is a Clustered Column chart > Click OK.
    • You can also go to Chart Design > Save as Template...
    • After that, select any data range and press Alt + F1 to create the chart automatically.

    Note: If you press Alt + F1 at the same time, the key won't respond; your function lock is toggled. Therefore, please try to press Fn + Esc (or the corresponding key) to toggle standard F-key behavior back on, and then try pressing Alt + F1 again.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Looking forward to your update.

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