How'd They Do That?: Create 3D Graphs in Illustrator
Give your presentation a boost by creating these interesting visuals.
September 2007
Going 3D
Illustrator’s graph
tools are very useful
for displaying hard
data. However, the
default colors and
graphic options lack
flair. Using the following
tips, you can turn
a boring, flat graphic
into a dynamic 3D
interpretation.
1. In the Tools palette,
select the Pie Graph
tool. Click once on the
art board, and in the
Graph Width/Height
box, enter 3.25 for
both fields. Click OK.
A graph data box will
appear. Enter the data
shown here. Close the
data palette.
2. For the 3D effect
to work properly,
take the stroke off
the newly created
chart. With the Direct
Selection tool, select
each pie shape and
change its color and
placement to your
preference. Deselect
shape with Selection
tool. Click on the pie
chart. (Note: all pieces
should be selected.)
3. Select Effect > 3D
> Extrude & Bevel...
Apply settings shown
in the 3D Extrude &
Bevel Options palette.
(To reveal complete
palette options, you
may need to click on
the More Options button.)
Click OK.
4. In order to keep
these settings to use
on future charts and
graphs, select the
graph shape with
the Selection tool,
and drag onto the
Graphic Styles palette.
Double-click your new
graphic styles icon to
name the newly created
style 3D Graphs
for future reference.
5. If you need to
change the pie chart
data, all is not lost.
With the Selection
tool, click on the
graph. Control-click
somewhere on the
graph to bring up the
contextual menu, and
select Data. Here you
will be able to change
the pie chart values.
Close the Data palette.
6. With the Direct
Select Tool, select the
individual pieces of
the pie to move them
around if needed.
7. You can now finalize
your graph info and
plug it into a layout.