Ampler Charts lets you delete, re-add, and reposition the total labels above columns, so the column totals appear only where they help the message.
Quick answer: Select the first total label, Shift + right-click the last, and click Delete total label; re-add via right-click → Add total labels; drag to move (hold Ctrl to free-float).
How to use it
Delete, re-add, or drag column total labels.
- Select the first total label, hold Shift and right-click the last label, then click Delete total label (or press Delete).
- To add total labels again, right-click the chart and select Add total labels.
- Move total labels by left-click dragging; hold Ctrl to free-float them.
Total labels show each column’s total; you can show them where the totals are the point and remove them where the segments are.
When to use it
Show total labels when the column total is the headline; hide them when the segments — not the totals — carry the message.
How consultants use it
Whether to show totals is a deliberate choice about what the chart emphasises. Three habits apply:
- Totals when they’re the point: column totals are shown where the headline is the total
- Segments when they’re the point: totals are hidden where the split matters more
- Placed cleanly: totals sit just above the columns, clear of the data
Managing total labels puts the emphasis where the message needs it.
Tips & best practices
- Show totals where the column total is the headline figure.
- Hide totals where the reader should focus on the split.
- Keep total-label placement consistent across charts.
Availability
Part of Ampler Charts, included in Ampler for PowerPoint and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop PowerPoint.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add total labels to a stacked chart?
Right-click the chart in Ampler Charts and select Add total labels to show each column’s total.
How do you remove the total labels from a chart?
Select the first total label, hold Shift and right-click the last, then click Delete total label (or press Delete).
Should you show totals or segment values?
Show totals when the column total is the message; show segment values when the split is the message — and avoid crowding the chart with both unless both are needed.
How do you move a total label?
Drag it; hold Ctrl to free-float it into position.