How to Automate Excel Graphs in Powerpoint

Have you created a cool Excel graph that needs to be built into a PowerPoint presentation? Do you need it to update automatically so that the PowerPoint displays the latest information, or reflects small changes you make to the Excel data?

It's easy to automate these Excel graphs. It saves time in updating the graphs for recurring presentations (like a monthly business review). It eliminates potential manual errors by repeatedly updating the PowerPoint. It saves time in formatting the graph for every update. And it's cool!

Step 1: Select the graph created in Excel and 'Copy'

Step 2: On the PowerPoint deck, click 'Edit' and select 'Paste Special...'

Step 3: Select the 'Paste link' radio button in the Paste Special window

Step 4: Paste the link and format the chart. The Excel chart is now linked to the deck.

Any changes made to the Excel graph are reflected on the linked graph on the deck.

You might consider breaking the link to reduce the file size when you distribute the deck (like emailing it). After the deck has been opened (and updated) in PowerPoint, click 'Edit', and choose 'Links...' Select the link and click the 'Break Link' button.

That's how you automate Excel Graphs in Powerpoint!