Select the graph using the Selection tool.
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Change graph value axes
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to customize the value axis on a graph in Illustrator to improve scale and clarity.
All graphs except pie graphs have a value axis that shows units of measurement. You can display the axis on one or both sides of the graph. Bar, stacked bar, column, stacked column, line, and area graphs also have a category axis that defines the data categories.
You can control tick mark count and length on each axis and add a prefix or suffix to axis numbers.
Select Object > Graph > Type.
In the Graph Type dialog, choose On Left Side, On Right Side, or On Both Sides from the Value Axis dropdown.
To format tick marks and labels, select an axis from the dropdown menu, and set the following options:
- Tick Values: Select Override Calculated Values to manually set a minimum value, maximum value, and number of divisions between labels.
- Tick Marks: Select length and number of tick marks per division. For category axes, turn on Draw tick marks between labels to adjust tick placement.
- Add Labels: Add a prefix or suffix to value axis numbers. For example, add a $ or a % sign to axis numbers.
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