How to Convert an Excel Chart to Image in C#

Charts visually represent data in Excel files. When sharing reports, building dashboards, or generating documentation, you might need to export those charts to image files. This guide shows how to convert an Excel chart to an image using Aspose.Cells for .NET.

Why Convert Charts to Images?

Embed visual data in websites or presentations
Email reports without needing Excel viewers
Include charts in PDFs or print layouts

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Aspose.Cells for .NET

dotnet add package Aspose.Cells

Step 2: Load the Workbook

Workbook workbook = new Workbook("Dashboard.xlsx");
Worksheet sheet = workbook.Worksheets["Charts"];

Step 3: Select the Chart

// Access the first chart on the worksheet
Chart chart = sheet.Charts[0];

Step 4: Set Export Options

ImageOrPrintOptions options = new ImageOrPrintOptions
{
    ImageType = ImageType.Png,
    HorizontalResolution = 300,
    VerticalResolution = 300,
    Transparent = false
};

Step 5: Convert Chart to Image

chart.ToImage("chart_output.png", options);

Step 6: Save and Verify

This saves your chart as a PNG file. You can also choose JPEG, BMP, TIFF, etc.

Step 7: Optional Enhancements

You can control image size and quality further by setting:

// Control scaling
chart.ToImage("chart_highres.png", new ImageOrPrintOptions
{
    ImageType = ImageType.Jpeg,
    SmoothingMode = SmoothingMode.AntiAlias,
    ChartImageWidth = 1200,
    ChartImageHeight = 800
});

Complete Example Code

using System;
using Aspose.Cells;
using Aspose.Cells.Rendering;
using System.Drawing.Drawing2D;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Load the workbook
        Workbook workbook = new Workbook("Dashboard.xlsx");

        // Access the worksheet and first chart
        Worksheet sheet = workbook.Worksheets["Charts"];
        Chart chart = sheet.Charts[0];

        // Set image export options
        ImageOrPrintOptions options = new ImageOrPrintOptions
        {
            ImageType = ImageType.Png,
            HorizontalResolution = 300,
            VerticalResolution = 300,
            SmoothingMode = SmoothingMode.AntiAlias,
            ChartImageWidth = 1200,
            ChartImageHeight = 800
        };

        // Export chart to image
        chart.ToImage("chart_output.png", options);

        Console.WriteLine("Chart successfully exported as image.");
    }
}

Common Scenarios & Fixes

Issue	Solution
Chart appears blurry	Increase `ChartImageWidth` and `ChartImageHeight`
Image lacks clarity	Use `SmoothingMode = AntiAlias`
Chart is clipped	Check worksheet margins or scaling settings