About creating graphs


    Graphs use words, numbers, and shapes to compare categories of data to each other. Illustrator lets you create nine types of graphs and customize them in a variety of ways.

    Graph with default settings compared to graph with custom shading, type, and column designs
    Graph with default settings compared to graph with custom shading, type, and column designs

    There are five basic steps to creating a graph:

    Step 1: Choose a graph type

    Illustrator provides nine graph tools, each one for creating a different type of graph. The type of graph you choose depends on the information you want to communicate. (See Choosing a graph type.)

    Step 2: Draw with a graph tool

    You use a graph tool to define the dimensions of a graph on the artboard. (See Drawing with the graph tools.)

    Step 3: Enter graph data

    After you draw with a graph tool, the Graph Data window appears. You can enter data into the Graph Data window manually or by importing data from another application. Illustrator uses the numbers and text you enter to generate the graph. (See Using the Graph Data window.)

    One of the most important aspects of creating graphs is how you organize the data in the Graph Data window. The data must be arranged in a specific order, which varies by graph type. Before you start to enter data, be sure to read about how to organize labels and data sets in the worksheet. (See About organizing graph data.)

    Step 4: Set formatting options

    The options in the Graph Type dialog box let you change the appearance of a graph. For example, you can change the appearance and position of the graph's axes, add drop shadows, and set options for specific types of graphs. (SeeFormatting graphs.)

    Step 5: Customize the graph

    If desired, you can customize your graph in a variety of ways. For example, you can change the colors of shading; change the typeface and type style; move, reflect, shear, rotate, or scale any or all parts of the graph; and customize column and marker designs. You should always apply these types of changes last, because regenerating the graph will remove them. (See Customizing graphs.)

    Tip icon To get ideas for how you can customize graphs, see the examples in the Sample Files/Graph Designs folder inside the Illustrator application folder.