Whether you're creating charts and graphs in Excel or formatting data tables in Word, there's one thing you should always keep in mind: if it doesn't look good, no one will read it.

Even the smallest cosmetic blunder can render your graphs and tables unsightly at best or downright repulsive at worst. Fortunately, with a few design tips and tweaks, your presentations will never look unprofessional ever again.

What's the key takeaway? Less is more. Remove or mute all unnecessary elements so that the spotlight can shine on the data you want to present. After all, data is what it's all about.

Of course, you don't have to blindly adhere to every tip. Heed as many of the tips as you find useful. Want to use Calibri? That's your call. But regardless, try to reduce as much clutter as possible. That's the heart of these GIFs.

Did you find these useful? Or were they overkill? Got any tips and tricks of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Graphs and Charts by In-Finity via Shutterstock