You can run the following in VBA (Alt+F11, then Ctrl+G):
ActiveChart.ChartGroups(1).Has3DShading = False

Alternatively, you can format each legend entry (band), and apply the "Flat"
material on the 3-D Format tab.

You can then save this as a new template for future charts.

--
Thanks,
Christopher

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.


"Suzanne" wrote:

I have the newest version of excel (trial version), how do you turn off the
3d shading in a surface chart? I have searched and searched and cannot find
any answers or functions to do so. I need to make plain ol' gradient surface
charts, but they all automatically have 3d shading. Help!