Though graphs and charts can be created in Microsoft Excel, the graphic capabilities of Adobe Illustrator give charts greater possibilities. Follow along to learn how to take data from an Excel spreadsheet and make a visually creative graph within Illustrator.
Bring the Data In
Use the Graph Tool and click in a document window, entering size dimensions manually (or click and draw a box of any size).
Example A shows what appears: a graph with a single bar and a value scale of 0 to 1. Note the graph data dialog below where only one cell has data in the speadsheet area. Add data in by entering in the entry field while a cell below is highlighted, or pasting data from a spread sheet by selecting the cell group within Excel and pasting it in the entry field in Illustrator. Click the last button to the right of the entry field (“Apply”).
Note the Import Data button to the right of the entry field. I’ve found that it doesn’t import data very well, cramming data from Excel into a single cell making it useless. I recommend pasting cell groups into the entry field.
Example B shows the results. The graph data is a grouped object and can be changed and replotted as long as it remains a group. Note the legend created for “Wins” and “Losses”. But there is some work to be done.
Fixing the Values and Categories
Our example correctly shows vertical bars with wins and losses for each season, but incorrectly show years as numerical data. The value scales reflect this error. Modify the year data in Illustrator’s spreadsheet cells so they work as categories. Place quotation marks around the years in the left column.
Example C shows this change made and applied. Years are listed below, and the value scales reflect the data represented.
Many Graph Options
Nine different graphing tools are available. A chart can be changed into other formats by using the Graph Type dialog box (Object > Graph > Graph Type). Change the graph type, styles and display options in this dialog.
Example D shows the bar graph changed to a line graph, the value axis scale appears only on the left, and data points are not shown.
Modifying and Adding Graph Graphics
Modify graph data elements like any Illustrator graphics. Remember, the graph is a group and modified items need to stay within that group if data needs to be changed and maintain graphic styles. Example E shows the final artwork in which fonts are changed, graph lines are changed to colors and thickened, and “tick” lines are extended across. New graphics are added, but remember that new elements are not part of the graph data group and will not change if graph data changes.
If data is added to a graph group, the graph will stay within the same area on the layout and include the new data within the space. Graphics may need to be altered to accommodate more or less information. Graphics outside the graph group will not be altered.
Use in Adobe, or in Office
When finished, the graph can be imported into graphics applications in most major graphics formats. Save the file as a JPG, GIF, or Windows Metafile format (WMF) to be brought into Microsoft Office applications.
Credit: Detroit Tiger season record stats in the examples were compiled from MLB.com.
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