Data sets and label options

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how structuring your data and formatting labels in Illustrator can help you create clear, accurate graphs.

Graph labels

Graph labels are words or numbers that identify the data sets you’re comparing and the categories used for comparison.

The Graph Data window displays three labeled elements for graph setup: Data set labels, blank cell, and category labels.

A. Data set labels B. Blank cell C. Category labels

Element	Description
Data set labels	Labels for the different sets of data in the first row of cells. These labels appear in the legend.
Blank cell	Upper-left cell in the data table. Leave it blank to allow for legend generation.
Category labels	Labels for the categories in the left column of cells.

Data sets

Each graph type, column, bar, line, scatter, pie, radar, and area, represents specific data sets and label values. Select the Column Graph tool and choose a graph type to access different graphs.

The tool panel displays the following graph tool options: Column Graph, Stacked Column Graph, Bar Graph, Stacked Bar Graph, Line Graph, Area Graph, Scatter Graph, Pie Graph, and Radar Graph. — Select a graph type to create a graph based on your data.

Graph type	Data representation	Values
Column Graph	Column height represents the value.	All values must be either positive or negative. Negative values appear as inverted columns.
Stacked Column Graph	Column height represents the value, with stacked segments for each data set.	All values must be either positive or negative.
Bar Graph	Bar length represents the value.	All values must be either positive or negative. Negative bars extend to the left.
Stacked Bar Graph	Bar length shows values, with stacked segments representing each data set.	All values must be either positive or negative.
Line Graph	Each column of data corresponds to one line.	All values must be either positive or negative.
Area Graph	Each row of data corresponds to a filled area.	All values must be either positive or negative.
Scatter Graph	Both axes display numerical values. The Y axis represents data from the first column, and the X axis represents data from the second column.	All values must be either positive or negative.
Pie Graph	Each row represents a pie graph, sized by its total. One row creates one pie, and multiple rows create multiple pies.	All values must be either positive or negative. Category labels determine graph names.
Radar Graph	Each axis represents a variable. Values are plotted on the axes and connected to form a web.	All values must be either positive or negative.

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