Customizing graphs


    You can customize a graph in numerous ways. You can change the colors of shading; change the typeface and type style; and move, reflect, shear, rotate, or scale any or all parts of the graph. You can use customized column and marker designs. You can also apply transparency, gradients, blends, brush strokes, graphic styles, and other effects to 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.

    When you customize a graph, it is essential to keep in mind that a graph is a grouped object that is related to its data. Never ungroup the graph; if you do, you cannot change the graph. To edit a graph, select the parts you want to edit without ungrouping the graph, using either the Direct Selection tool or the Group Selection tool.

    It is also important to understand how elements of a graph are related. The entire graph with its legends is one group. All the sets of data are a subgroup of the graph; in turn, each set of data with its legend box is a subgroup of all the sets of data. Each value is a subgroup of its set of data, and so on. Never ungroup or regroup objects that are within the graph.

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