Ampler Charts lets you set the gap between columns by dragging on the chart, so columns sit at the width and spacing that read best.
Quick answer: Left-click any series in the chart, drag the centre handles left or right, and release at the gap width you want.
How to use it
Left-click a series and drag the handles to set the column gap.
- Left-click on any series in the chart.
- Drag the centre handles left or right.
- Release at the desired gap width.
The gap between columns sets how dense or open the chart looks, which affects how easily it’s read.
When to use it
Adjust the gap for readability — tighter where there are many columns, wider where there are few — and keep it consistent across charts that will be compared.
How consultants use it
Column spacing is a small but real part of a clean chart — too tight looks crowded, too wide looks sparse. Three habits apply:
- Readable density: the gap is set so columns are neither crowded nor sparse
- Consistent across charts: related charts use the same column spacing
- Set by eye on the chart: the gap is dragged directly rather than typed into a dialog
Adjusting the column gap tunes how open or dense a chart reads.
Tips & best practices
- Keep column spacing consistent across comparable charts.
- Avoid overly tight columns that look crowded.
- Use a category gap to separate groups of columns.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you change the space between columns in a chart?
Left-click any series in Ampler Charts, drag the centre handles left or right, and release at the gap width you want.
How do you make chart columns wider or narrower?
Adjust the gap between them by dragging the handles — a smaller gap makes wider columns and vice versa.
What is the difference between column gap and category gap?
The column gap sets the spacing between all columns; a category gap is a wider gap you insert to separate groups of columns.
Can you keep the column spacing consistent across charts?
Yes. Set the same gap on each chart so comparable exhibits match.