Change the Chart Style to Style 8 in Excel: Quick Formatting Guide

Style 8 in Excel turns a basic chart into a professional presentation in seconds. I use this exact style for client reports because it adds depth without distraction.

The process is shockingly simple: select your chart, go to Chart Design, then Chart Styles. Style 8 is usually in the second row, third column.

You’ll get clean lines, subtle shadows, and a color scheme that prints perfectly. Works in Excel 2016 and newer versions without any extra steps.

If Style 8 is missing, check your template or reset the chart styles. Here’s how to make it appear every time.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here’s the fastest way I know to apply this visual theme to any chart.

Click anywhere on the chart you want to modify. This activates the Chart Design tab at the top of the Excel ribbon. You’ll see it appear between Chart Format and Page Layout—this is your control center for all visual modifications.

If the tab doesn’t appear, double-check that you’ve selected the chart and not a cell. The border around the chart should show selection handles when active. This confirms you’re in the right place to make style changes.

In the Chart Design tab, look for the Chart Styles group on the far left. Here’s where it gets interesting—the gallery displays thumbnail previews of all available styles. Each thumbnail shows exactly how your data will look with that style applied.

Use the scroll arrows on the right side of the gallery to navigate through the options. The styles are organized in rows, and you’ll find the one you need in the first visible set. Don’t worry about counting—Excel numbers them for you.

Hover your cursor over each style thumbnail to see a live preview on your chart. This lets you test different looks without committing. When you reach the eighth option (second row, fourth column), click it to apply permanently.

The change happens instantly. Watch for the color scheme and layout to update—this visual confirmation means the new style has been successfully applied. If nothing changes, try clicking again or verify your selection.

After applying, check that all chart elements look correct. Sometimes the default color palette might not contrast well with your worksheet background. If this happens, use the Change Colors button next to the styles gallery to pick a better scheme.

Save your workbook immediately after making visual changes. This prevents losing your formatting if Excel crashes or you accidentally close without saving. The new style will persist with the chart even if you move or resize it later.

Tips and Common Mistakes

These quick pointers will save you time and frustration when applying Style 8.

Selection Confirmation: In Step 1, if the Chart Design tab doesn’t appear, click directly on the chart’s plot area—not the surrounding whitespace. I’ve seen many users accidentally click the worksheet instead, which keeps the tab hidden. The selection handles are your visual cue that you’re in the right place.

Navigation Shortcut: For Step 2, instead of scrolling through styles with the arrows, you can press the down arrow key to move through options more quickly. The eighth style is always in the second row, fourth column as mentioned, but keyboard navigation helps if you’re working with many styles.

Preview Pro Tip: During Step 3, the live preview works best when your cursor hovers for about a second. Don’t rush—if the preview doesn’t appear immediately, hold still for a moment. Also, if you accidentally click the wrong style, just click Style 8 again to correct it.

Safety Net: Step 4’s advice about saving immediately is crucial. I learned this the hard way after losing an hour of formatting work to a sudden Excel crash. TheCtrl+S habit will save you from similar heartache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Changing your chart style to Style 8 in Excel is a quick way to give your data a polished, professional look. 🎯 With just a few clicks, you can transform a basic chart into a visually appealing one. Now that you’ve mastered this trick, try experimenting with other styles or customizing colors to make your charts stand out even more!