Visualizing Proportions - Data Points: Visualization That Means Something - page 137

FIGurE 5-1 Pie chart generalized
Pie charts have developed a stigma for not being as accurate as bar charts
or position-based visuals, so some think you should avoid them com-
pletely. It's easier to judge length than it is to judge areas and angles. That
doesn't mean you have to completely avoid them though.
You can use the pie chart without any problems just as long you know its
limitations. It's simple. Keep your data organized, and don't put too many
wedges in one pie.
CrEATE A PIE ChArT
Although just about every charting program enables you to make pie
charts, you can make one in Illustrator just like you did in the previous
chapter. The process of adding data, making a default chart, and then
refining should feel familiar.
To build the base of your chart—the actual pie—is fairly straightforward.
After you create a new document, select the Pie Graph tool from the Tool
window, as shown in Figure 5-2. Click and drag a rectangle so that it is
roughly the size of what you want your graph to be. You can resize it later.