Change Default Chart Type

You might be well aware that you can make the quickest chart ever by using the F11 key in Excel. If not, let me fill you in on this little gem of a shortcut.

Simply select the data in the Excel spreadsheet that you want to use to make a chart and then all you need to do is press the F11 key.

Voila! Just like magic, a chart will be added.

If you do not really like the default column type of chart Excel uses, you probably know that it is easy to change the chart to suit your wants and needs.
You can right click the chart area and select Change Chart Type, and then change the type and subtype from there.

However, if you typically use a different type of chart when you are making graphs in Excel, why not do the work one time and save yourself steps in the future?

Simply change the default chart type.

To get started, go to the Chart Type dialog by right-clicking the chart and selecting Change Chart Type as mentioned earlier.

Select the type of chart you want to use as the default, including the subtype. Click the Set as Default Chart button at the bottom of the box and you are all set.

The next time you use that good old F11 chart shortcut, it will present the type of chart you selected as the new default.