How can I create a simple donut chart in Illustrator CC?

[ron1972]

Hello, I wanted to create a simple donut chart in illustrator. (image attached).

Methods I have tried:

1. Creating a circle, adding color to the stroke, and then trying to put another shape on top and then using the pathfinder (minus/divide). It simply moves the stroke around the rectangle shape.

2. Creating a circle and using the scissors. - this almost gets me there, except it creates a little white space the I don't know how to remove. (image attached).

3. I then tried to create a pie chart, thinking I could easily add a white circle over it and merge/divide/minus them. I had a hard time exactly aligning the two, the align feature didn't work exactly, so I manually tried to align them, and while close, they weren't perfect.

Is there an easy way to create a simple two color donut chart?

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Ron,

I believe 2) is the simplest way, but you seem to have a green Stroke and a white Fill for the selected path (and also a white fill for the other paths), and I believe you see a snippet of that fill on top of the grey stroke where the arrow points.

You should set the Fill to None (from the start, before cutting the circle). I believe that will solve the issue.

Obviously, you should set the stroke Weight to get the right width of the doughnut.

[ron1972]

Thanks!!! I removed the fill setting and it worked perfect. I had overlooked the fill setting. Thank you!!!

[Jacob Bugge]

For my part you are welcome, Ron.

[Ton Frederiks]

Maybe the little white space is cause by GPU rendering.

Switching between GPU and CPU rendering may solve this: Cmd E (Mac), Ctrl E (Win)

[Ton Frederiks]

Forget my suggestion about the GPU rendering, I tried it and it does not make a difference.

Jacob's way (setting the fill to None) should help.

[sishamIAGD]

I find the easiest way to create simple, accurate doughnut charts is to add it to a gradient within the stroke. If you give the gradient hard edge colors and apply to the stroke you will get the result you are looking for.

Here is a quick video to show you how easy it really is:

(Right click+Alt and drag to create other gradient sliders)

Hope this helps.

[ron1972]

Thanks! I didn't know how to create the hard edge gradient - this is awesome. Wish I could give two correct answers! I will be using this technique in the future!

[sishamIAGD]

Glad to help.

I find this the fastest and most accurate way of doing a small number of sections, say up to 4-5 but if you go above that you would be best using the pie chart tool and then expanding it, then laying a circle over the top of the chart and then using the pathfinder tool to divide.

All the best.

[shannonh22930547]

To make a donut chart in Illustrator, use the Pie Graph tool, select the Stacked option, make sure First Row in Front is checked.

In your Graph Data, add a row at the top with no value - this will create the hole in the middle of your donut. Add the values you want to display for your chart in the second row.

[Geoff_at_Azure]

So easy this way.  Thank you.