Ampler Charts links a chart to a range in Excel, so the chart stays tied to the source data and can be refreshed when it changes.
Quick answer: Right-click the chart and select Establish Excel link, select the cells in Excel to link to, and click OK; the linked path is shown in the top-right corner.
How to use it
Establish an Excel link, then select the source cells.
- Right-click on the chart and select Establish Excel link.
- Select the cells in Excel with the data to link to.
- Click OK to link the chart with Excel — the path is shown in the top-right corner.
The chart is then tied to the Excel range, so its data can be refreshed from the source.
When to use it
Link to Excel when the chart must stay in sync with a model that changes; keep it on the data sheet only when the numbers are fixed and won’t need updating.
How consultants use it
In consulting and finance, a chart’s numbers must trace to the model, and linking is how that’s kept true. Three conventions apply:
- Tied to the model: the chart draws from the Excel source, not retyped numbers
- Refreshable: an update in the model can flow through to the chart
- Traceable: the linked path shows exactly where the data comes from
Linking a chart to Excel keeps its numbers tied to the model.
Tips & best practices
- Link charts whose data lives in a model that changes.
- Note the linked path shown in the corner so the source is clear.
- Break the link (and check) before sending a deck externally.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you link a chart to Excel in PowerPoint?
Right-click the chart in Ampler Charts, choose Establish Excel link, select the source cells in Excel, and click OK. The chart is tied to that range.
Why link a chart to Excel?
So the chart’s numbers trace to the model and can be refreshed when the source data changes, rather than being retyped.
How do you refresh or break the Excel link?
Right-click the chart and choose Refresh linked data or Break Excel link — see the related article.
Where does the linked data come from?
The Excel range you select; the linked path is shown in the top-right corner of the chart.