How to Copy Chart in Excel Without Linking Data (with Easy Steps)

We have a dataset of some students with marks of a specific subject and the probability distribution value according to the mark. After creating the normal distribution curve, we want to copy the chart only without linking any data.

Step 1 – Copy the Chart

• You can copy the chart by pressing Ctrl + C. Alternatively, you can right-click on the chart to open the context menu and select the Copy option.

Step 2 – Paste the Chart as an Image

• Go to the cell where you want to paste the chart without linking the dataset.
• Right-click on the cell to open the context menu.
• Select the Paste Image icon under the Paste Options.

• You will create a new chart like the previous one. But when you click on the new one, you will see that it is actually an image. So, there will be no link with the dataset.

• Change some values in the dataset. When you change the dataset, you will see the previous chart is changing with the dataset but the new one which is actually an image is not changing.

How to Copy a Chart Without Source Data and Retain Formatting in Excel

Steps:

• Have both charts ready with the dataset in an Excel worksheet.

• Copy the formatted chart using the Ctrl + C shortcut.
• Select another chart at which you want to paste the format only and go to the Home tab in the top ribbon.
• Click on the Paste option and select the Paste Special option.

• In the Paste Special pop-up window, select the Format option and press OK.

• A chart is formatted with the same pattern as the previous one.

Read More: How to Duplicate Chart with Different Data in Excel

How to Unlink a Chart from the Source Data in Excel

Steps:

• Create the dataset and a chart.

• Go to Developer and select Visual Basic from the menu.

A window named “Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications” will appear. You can use Alt + F11 to open the “Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications” window if you don’t have the Developer tab added.

• From the top menu bar, select Insert and choose the Module option.

• A new Module window will appear.
• Paste this VBA code into the box.

Sub UnlinkChartData()
  If ActiveChart Is Nothing Then
    MsgBox "Please, Select a chart!", vbExclamation, "No Chart Selected"
  Else
    Dim ser As Series
    For Each ser In ActiveChart.SeriesCollection
      ser.XValues = ser.XValues
      ser.Values = ser.Values
      ser.Name = ser.Name
    Next ser
  End If
End Sub

• Go to the top menu, select the chart from the worksheet, then press on the Run option.
• Select Run Sub/UserForm or press F5 to run the code.

• Change some values in the dataset and you will see no change in the chart as the chart has become unlinked from the dataset.

Read More: How to Copy Chart Format in Excel

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