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W
Wonder Professor
Participant
August 2, 2021
Answered

Illustrator won't let me create a graph

  • August 2, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 2343 views

Obviously, I am doing something incredibly stupid. I create an 8 1/2" by 11" sheet. I go to [Object] | [Graph] | [Type] and choose a line chart and click [Ok] and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS. I watched videos online and of course, the person in the video does something like this and voila!, they get a graph.

 

One thing that is different is the graph tool is not in my toolbar. I can do to the bottom and choose the [...] icon and then find the [Line Chart] icon. But when I click on the [Line Chart], again, nothing happens. I can hold down the mouse button on the [Line Chart] icon and line chart icon appears but when I drag the mouse away from the [Line Chart] to the file, the icon changes to a cursor with an NO symbol to the bottom right.

 

There has got to be some really simple reason why I can't create a graph. Other people must have had this problem also, right? I can't seem to find any on this forum or on the Internet.

  

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Brad @ Roaring Mouse

Re: your first paragraph. This only sets the style of Graph: it does not create one.

Para 2: If your tools are just showing the Basic Tools, when you click on the 3 dots, this just shows you the list of tools you can add. Find and DRAG the line graph tool into your Tool Bar for it to be added. Then you can use it. (Alternatively .you can reconfigure your Tool bar to use the more inclusive "Advanced" items which will show more. Click on the 3 dots, and at the very top right of the list, pull down the menu where you can select Advanced. 

NOW, Select the tool and either drag a square on your artboard, or simply click once and enter the dimension you desire.

1 reply

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Brad @ Roaring MouseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
August 2, 2021

Re: your first paragraph. This only sets the style of Graph: it does not create one.

Para 2: If your tools are just showing the Basic Tools, when you click on the 3 dots, this just shows you the list of tools you can add. Find and DRAG the line graph tool into your Tool Bar for it to be added. Then you can use it. (Alternatively .you can reconfigure your Tool bar to use the more inclusive "Advanced" items which will show more. Click on the 3 dots, and at the very top right of the list, pull down the menu where you can select Advanced. 

NOW, Select the tool and either drag a square on your artboard, or simply click once and enter the dimension you desire.

    W
    Wonder ProfessorAuthor
    Participant
    August 2, 2021

    As the young folks text to one another, OMG! Thank you so very much! I am being overly critical to ask, "How is someone new to this program supposed to figure that out?"

     

    I guess I am just too old to use these programs ...

     

    Again, thank you very much, RoaringMouse!

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 2, 2021

    Perhaps intuitively? It works like the shape tools, in that you select a tool, then click and drag.

    The toolbar stuff on the other hand is a minefield of confusion for new users.

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