1. Introduction
Microsoft Excel is an incredibly powerful tool for managing and analyzing data. However, creating visually appealing charts from raw data can be a challenging and time-consuming process. That’s where Excel chart template sites come in.
1.1 Importance of Excel Chart Template Site
Excel chart template sites offer a wide variety of pre-designed chart templates that can be easily customized to suit your data. These templates simplify the process of data visualization by aiding in the creation of professional-looking charts with just a few clicks. They save time, increase productivity, and empower users to present their data in a compelling way that connects with their audience.
1.2 Objectives of this Comparison
The aim of this comparison is to provide an in-depth analysis of the top-ranking Excel chart template sites. With so many options available out there, it can be overwhelming to find out which site best fits your needs. Here, we will compare the pros and cons of each site, examining their features, ease of use, variety of templates, and more. By the end of this comparison, you should be able to confidently choose a template site that caters to your specific requirements.
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2. Microsoft Chart Design Templates
The official Microsoft chart templates offer a collection of diverse chart designs made specifically for Excel. These templates provide a seamless integration with the software while ensuring high-quality design and reliable functionality. The collection ranges from basic charts like bar, line, and pie charts to more innovative designs.
2.1 Pros
- Integration: Being Microsoft’s official offering, these templates assure smooth integration with Excel, meaning there are fewer chances of compatibility issues.
- Variety: The website provides a vast array of template designs catering to various data visualization requirements.
- Free: Most of the templates on the Microsoft site are free, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Authenticity: Microsoft’s credibility is unquestionable, so you can rely on the authenticity and reliability of the templates.
- User-friendly: The templates are designed to be easy to use even for beginners.
2.2 Cons
- Lack of updates: Microsoft does not regularly add new templates, which can limit users seeking more modern or advanced chart designs.
- Standard designs: The design of the templates is fairly standard, lacking the unique and creative flair that some other template sites offer.
- Technical support: As these are free resources, there might not be dedicated support available for issues related to these templates.
3. AutomateExcel Excel Chart Templates
AutomateExcel is a dedicated platform for Excel users, offering an extensive range of templates focused on charts. These templates are designed to make Excel tasks faster, easier, and more efficient. They are professionally made and cater to different industries and applications.
3.1 Pros
- Range: Besides charts, the site also provides templates related to other Excel tasks, making it a one-stop solution for various excel-related needs.
- Professional Designs: The templates are professionally designed and are suitable for different sectors and instances.
- Detailed Explanations: Each template comes with a detailed explanation about its use and features which can be beneficial for beginners.
- Quality: The templates are well-crafted with attention to detail, ensuring high visual appeal and practical usefulness.
3.2 Cons
- Limited Free Options: While the website offers free downloads, the options are relatively limited as compared to the premium templates.
- Cost: Many of the higher-end templates require a premium subscription which may not be affordable for all users, particularly those on a budget.
- Time-consuming: The site is loaded with not just chart templates but also steps for automation which may consume significant time for users who are not familiar with the site.
4. WPS Excel Graph Templates
WPS Excel Graph Templates is a collection of striking graph templates meant to enhance data visualization. Each template comes equipped with a short tutorial that guides you on how to exploit the template’s full potential. These graph templates are designed to be compatible with WPS Spreadsheet, a Microsoft Excel alternative.
4.1 Pros
- Visual Appeal: The templates are not only useful but also aesthetically pleasing.
- Tutorials: Each template comes with a brief tutorial, helping users understand how to effectively use them.
- Variety: The site offers a good selection of graph templates for different purposes.
- Compatibility: The templates can be used with WPS Spreadsheet, providing an alternative for those who do not have access to Microsoft Excel.
4.2 Cons
- Compatibility Issues: Some templates might not work as smoothly on Microsoft Excel as they do on WPS Spreadsheet due to design compatibility.
- Availability: The number of templates is relatively limited compared to some other websites.
- Navigational challenges: The website primarily hosts content about its entire office suite, so finding the specific Excel chart templates might be a bit challenging for newcomers.
5. HubSpot Excel Graph Templates
HubSpot, a leading platform for marketing, sales, and customer service, offers a set of Excel graph templates designed to help businesses visualize their data more effectively. These templates are part of a larger suite of resources provided by HubSpot to aid in various aspects of business management and growth.
5.1 Pros
- Business-oriented: These templates are precisely designed for business purposes, aligning well with various types of business data presentations.
- Part of Larger Suite: These templates are a part of a larger resource suite offered by HubSpot, adding value to an overall business package that includes marketing, sales, and customer service resources.
- Quality: HubSpot is known for its quality offerings, and these templates are no exception. They offer high-quality visualization tools that can enhance any data presentation.
- Reputation: Coming from a leading platform like HubSpot, these templates bear a mark of credibility.
5.2 Cons
- Registration Required: To access these templates, one must first sign up or register on the HubSpot platform which may deter some users.
- Limited Selection: As these templates are part of a larger offering, the standalone selection of chart templates is not as extensive as on some other dedicated template platforms.
- Specific Focus: These templates are heavily business-oriented and may not cater well to other sectors or academic use.
6. Chandoo Excel Chart Templates
Chandoo is an Excel learning and resources website that offers a range of Excel chart templates suited for various needs. These templates are tailored to help users present data in attractive and insightful ways while reducing the effort and learning curve typically associated with Excel chart creation.
6.1 Pros
- Learning Advantage: With every template, users can effectively learn how to build similar charts, helping them increase their Excel skills in the long run.
- Variety: Chandoo offers a wide array of templates suitable for different types of data visualization needs.
- Quality: These templates are well designed and have a designer-quality touch to them, adding to the professional appeal of your charts.
- Free: All the templates on the website are free to download, offering good value for no cost.
6.2 Cons
- Interface: The website has an older interface which might make navigation a bit tricky compared to more modern platforms.
- Support: As these are free resources, the support and troubleshooting offered might not be as in-depth or prompt as provided by some paid platforms.
- Download Process: The download process is not as straightforward and might be time-consuming as one needs to enter an email address to receive the downloads.
7. Vertex42 Pareto Chart Template
The Vertex42 website is a vast resource for Excel templates of all sorts, including a specific Pareto Chart Template. Pareto Charts are extremely helpful in identifying major problems or causes in data analysis as they sort categories by the count of their occurrences. The Vertex42 Pareto Chart Template helps you simplify the steps in creating these insightful visualizations.
7.1 Pros
- Specialized Template: The Pareto Chart Template on Vertex42 is handy for those looking for this specific kind of chart, which shows the most significant contributing factors to a problem.
- In-Depth Guide: Each template comes with a comprehensive guide on how to use it effectively. The guide also provides insights into when and why to use a Pareto chart.
- Free to use: The template is free to use, making it accessible for anyone.
- Customizable: Despite being a specialized chart, the template allows for adjustments and customization according to the user’s particular data requirements.
7.2 Cons
- Single Template: Vertext42 offers many templates, but each one, including the Pareto chart template, must be downloaded individually. There are no bundles or downloadable sets.
- Limited Scope: While the Pareto Chart Template is beneficial for its specific purpose, it might not meet all users’ needs who are seeking a range of chart designs.
- Complexity for Beginners: Pareto Charts can be complex for those not familiar with them, despite the accompanying guide.
8. ExcelKid Excel Chart Templates
ExcelKid is a website dedicated to providing resources for Excel users. This includes an array of Excel chart templates designed to cater to various data visualization needs. These professionally crafted templates aim to simplify the process of creating efficient and aesthetically pleasing charts in Excel.
8.1 Pros
- Range of Templates: ExcelKid provides a broad range of templates, catering to diverse charting needs.
- User-Friendly: Most templates are easy to use, with clear instructions provided.
- Resourceful Website: Besides the templates, ExcelKid also offers many tutorials and tips on Excel usage, making it a comprehensive resource for Excel enthusiasts.
- Free: The templates are available for free, providing an economical option for users.
8.2 Cons
- Limited Advanced Templates: ExcelKid does fall short when it comes to providing templates for advanced charts and those requiring a higher degree of customization.
- Advertisements: The website has advertisements which may disrupt the user experience.
- Design: While the templates are functional, some users might find them lacking in terms of aesthetics or originality.
9. Pingboard Organizational Chart Template
Pingboard, a software platform specialized in designing company org charts and planning for company growth, offers an organizational chart template for Excel. This template helps to build easy-to-understand and professional-looking organizational charts that can fully represent your company’s structure.
9.1 Pros
- Specialized Template: Pingboard’s organizational chart template for Excel is particularly beneficial for those tasked with building a visual representation of their company’s structure.
- Integration: The template is designed for seamless integration with Excel for easy manipulation and customization.
- Simplicity: Building an organizational chart using Pingboard’s template is relatively straightforward, even without advanced Excel skills.
- Instructions: The template is accompanied by comprehensive instructions that explain how to fill it out and customize it to your needs.
9.2 Cons
- Limited Range: Pingboard only provides an organizational chart template, so it is not an option for those seeking a variety of chart templates.
- Restrictions: The template’s customization options may be limited, which might deter users looking for highly tailored solutions.
- Requires Sign Up: To access the template, you need to sign up for a free Pingboard trial, which might not appeal to all users.
10. Smartsheet Hierarchical Organization Chart Template
Smartsheet, a software platform for work execution enabling teams to plan, track, automate, and report work, offers a Hierarchical Organization Chart Template for Excel. This template provides an efficient solution for those who want to visually represent an organization’s hierarchy in a clear and professional manner.
10.1 Pros
- Intuitiveness: The template is designed to be easy to read and understand, making it ideal for larger organizations.
- Scalability: It is easy to add new roles or delete old ones as your organization grows or transforms.
- Instructions: Smartsheet provides clear instructions on how to use the template, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
- Ease of Use: The template is user-friendly and saves time and effort compared to making a hierarchical chart from scratch.
10.2 Cons
- Limited Customization: Although functional, the template does not offer abundant visual customization options.
- Single Template: While the hierarchical chart template is useful, Smartsheet does not provide a broad variety of other chart templates.
- Requires Account: You cannot download the template without first creating an account on Smartsheet, which may not suit all users.
11. Template.Net Excel Chart Templates
Template.Net is an online platform that provides a wealth of templates for various purposes, including Excel chart templates. These templates cater to different data visualization needs and are designed to make the chart creation process in Excel quick and straightforward, without having to start from scratch.
11.1 Pros
- Diversity of Templates: Template.Net offers a diverse selection of Excel chart templates, catering to various visual representation requirements.
- Website Layout: The website has an organized layout with clear categories, making it easy to find the right templates.
- Instructions: Templates are accompanied by directions for use, making it beginner-friendly.
- Editable and Customizable: The templates are editable, allowing users to tweak them based on their specific needs.
11.2 Cons
- Paywall: While there are some free templates, many of the best templates are only available to premium subscribers.
- Registration: Users are required to register an account and provide personal information before they can download templates.
- Generalized: Template.Net offers templates for a broad range of needs, but as such, they may lack some specialized chart templates.
12. PINEXL Excel Preset Chart Templates
PINEXL is an online platform that offers preset Excel chart templates to simplify and enhance data visualization work. The platform pledges to offer designer-quality, better-than-default presets that can transform ordinary data into extraordinary, insight-driven charts.
12.1 Pros
- Professional Look: The presets are designed to provide a professional and polished look to your charts, elevating your presentation and reporting game.
- Efficiency: PINEXL’s chart templates can significantly reduce the time and effort spent on fidgeting with Excel’s default settings.
- Variety: PINEXL offers various chart types such as Gantt, Waterfall, Spider, and Gauge charts, among others.
- Guidance: Each template comes with guidance on when and how best to use it, allowing users to make the most out of them.
12.2 Cons
- Costs: PINEXL is a premium service, and users may need to purchase the templates.
- Requires Excel Skills: To leverage full functionality and aesthetics of the charts, one may need a good grounding in Excel.
- Limited Freebies: There are only a few freebies available on the platform, which can limit users who are not willing to pay for templates.
13. Summary
13.1 Overall Comparison Table
| Site | Features | Price | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Chart Design Templates | Integration with Excel, Wide Variety, Authenticity | Free | Limited |
| AutomateExcel Excel Chart Templates | Range of Templates, Professional Designs, Detailed Explanations | Some Free, Some Paid | Available with Premium |
| WPS Excel Graph Templates | Ease of use, Tutorials Included, Compatibility with WPS Spreadsheet | Free | No Specific Support for Templates |
| HubSpot Excel Graph Templates | Business-oriented, Part of Larger Suite, High Quality | Free with Registration | Paid Support Available |
| Chandoo Excel Chart Templates | Learning Advantage, Variety, Quality, Free | Free | Limited |
| Vertex42 Pareto Chart Template | Specialized, In-Depth Guide, Customizable | Free | Basic Support Available |
| ExcelKid Excel Chart Templates | Range of Templates, User-Friendly, Resourceful Website | Free | No Specific Support for Templates |
| Pingboard Organizational Chart Template | Specialized, Integration, Simplicity | Free with Free Trial | Customer Support Available |
| Smartsheet Hierarchical Organization Chart Template | Scalability, Instructions | Free with Registration | Customer Support Available |
| Template.Net Excel Chart Templates | Diversity of Templates, Editable and Customizable, Instructions Included | Some Free, Some Paid | Paid Support Available |
| PINEXL Excel Preset Chart Templates | Professional Look, Efficiency, Variety | Paid | Customer Support Available |
13.2 Recommended Template Site Based on Various Needs
Based on the analysis, different sites suit different user needs. For a diverse range of free templates, Microsoft Chart Design Templates and Chandoo Excel Chart Templates are an excellent choice. For users looking for professional designs along with learning resources, AutomateExcel Excel Chart Templates and Template.Net offer a great combination. For specific chart needs, specialized offerings from Vertex42, Pingboard, and Smartsheet can be helpful. For users seeking premium, designer-quality templates, PINEXL stands out, while Business-oriented professionals may find HubSpot’s offerings perfectly tailored to their needs.
14. Conclusion
14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Excel Chart Template Site
Choosing the right Excel chart template site greatly hinges on understanding your specific needs, budget, and level of comfort with Excel. Free template sites like Microsoft Chart Designs and Chandoo provide a variety of good quality templates with the added advantage of being free. For those keen to expand their Excel skills, AutomateExcel offers the added benefit of detailed explanations and a learning opportunity with each template.
When it comes to the needs of business professionals, HubSpot provides templates that align well with various business data presentation requirements. Specialized chart requirements, like organizing charts, can be met with platforms such as Pingboard and Smartsheet.
In conclusion, Excel charting does not have to be tedious or time-consuming. With the right template and resources, you can create visually compelling and impactful charts with less effort. All you need to do is identify your unique requirements and choose the template site that best fulfills them.
Author Introduction:
Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a BKF file recovery software tool.