Trying to make line graph, but problems with overlapping text on x-axis

Question

I am trying to create a line graph from 30 years' worth of data, with the years listed on the x-axis and the number of individuals on the y-axis. When I do this in Excel, the program automatically adjusts the years on the x-axis (in this case, only writing out every other year) and orients the text vertically for easier reading. I was trying to reproduce this graph in Illustrator for publication, but when I enter the data, every single year is written out along the x-axis and they are all overlapping each other, which makes them impossible to read. How can I fix this?

Monika Gause · Accepted Answer

You could select all the text on the x-axis using the direct selection tool (just drag a rectangle over the text) and then apply Effect > Distort & Transform > Transform. Rotate by whichever angle is appropriate. You could also move the text with the effect.

Then you might want to use a different font size.

But that's about all you can do automatically.

Your next options are expanding the graph and then editing it. It's no longer attached to the data then.

Sue Garibaldi · Answer

Hi Beth. Which application are you using (you've posted in the Draw, a mobile app, forum)?Let me know and I'll move your post. Sue.

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