How do you make a custom graph on Google Slides?

To make a custom graph (or chart) on Google Slides, you typically insert a chart that is linked to Google Sheets, where you enter and manage your data and perform most of the customization.

Here is the process, integrating the steps provided:

Steps to Create a Custom Graph in Google Slides

Creating a graph in Google Slides involves using its built-in charting tools, which seamlessly connect with Google Sheets for data handling.

Here are the essential steps:

1. Step 1: Open Google Slides. Start by opening the presentation where you want to add your graph.
2. Step 2: Insert a Chart. Navigate to the Insert menu in Google Slides. From the dropdown, select Chart. You will see options like Bar, Column, Line, Pie, or From Sheets. If you choose a standard type (like Bar or Column), Google Slides will insert a default chart with placeholder data and automatically create a linked Google Sheet for you. If you already have data in a Google Sheet, select From Sheets and choose the relevant sheet and chart.
3. Step 3: Access Google Sheets. Once a chart is inserted, click on it. A chainlink icon or a small arrow will appear, often allowing you to Open source or Open in Sheets. Click this to access the linked Google Sheet where the chart data resides. This step is crucial because Google Sheets is where you will input and format your data.
4. Step 4: Enter Your Data in Google Sheets. In the linked Google Sheet, you will find the placeholder data. Replace this data with your own information. Structure your data logically in columns and rows, typically with labels in the first row or column and corresponding values below or next to them. The chart in Slides will automatically update as you enter your data in Sheets.
5. Step 5: Customize the Graph. While primarily done in Google Sheets, some basic customization can be done directly in Slides by double-clicking the chart or using the Format options sidebar. For more in-depth customization (like changing chart type, colors, fonts, axis settings, series options, etc.), you'll need to work in the linked Google Sheet. In Sheets, double-click the chart or use the Chart editor sidebar to access extensive customization options.
6. Step 6: Add Titles and Labels. Make your graph understandable by adding clear titles and labels. In the Google Sheets chart editor, you can add chart titles, axis titles, data labels, and adjust legend positions. Ensure titles accurately describe the data presented. These will sync back to your Slides presentation.
7. Step 7: Final Adjustments. Once your data is entered and the chart is customized in Sheets, return to Google Slides. You might need to click the Update button that appears on the chart in Slides to ensure it reflects the latest changes from Sheets. Adjust the size and position of the graph on your slide as needed.
8. Step 8: Save and Present Your Slides. Google Slides automatically saves your changes. Your custom graph is now ready to be presented within your presentation.

By following these steps, you leverage the data power of Google Sheets within the presentation environment of Google Slides, allowing for dynamic and customizable visual data representation.