By default, Microsoft Excel automatically updates a chart when you make a change to the chart data. While automatic updating keeps a chart current, there may be times when you want to keep a snapshot of the data before an update. You could try making a copy of the chart before an update, but Excel is programmed to automatically update any copy of the chart, along with the original.
To keep Excel from automatically updating a copy of a chart with new data, you need to break the link to the source data. Follow these steps:
- Copy the chart in question to another workbook. In the second workbook, go to Edit | Links.
- Click the link between the chart and its data source.
- Click the Break Link button.
- In the error warning box, click the Break Links button, and then click Close.
Now you'll have an opportunity to capture a snapshot of your chart data before the chart is updated.
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