How to add data labels to a bar graph

[default36nzjgaxbdir]

I am creating a simple bar graph. I want to add data labels to the top of each bar without having to manually type in the labels. For example, in Excel you can simply add data lebels to the graph and have them appear based on the value you specified each bar to be. How can I do that in illustrator?

[Joely]

https://helpx.adobe.com/in/illustrator/using/graphs.html

go to; Add totals to a column design...

[caring_developer2654]

To the very best of my knowledge, the best explanation on how to do this is in this video: https://youtu.be/kS48XXS-LRM?si=qSb9pT19Bg0noMpu&t=334 that explains how to add data labels inside the bars and then later on, on minute 7:24, it explains the trickier way to make them appear on top of each bar, just like you want it. It is important that you follow all the steps, like using an empty bar behind the filled bar and a small guide in the middle when designing the marker, or else the label disappears when you update the data. It was very helpful for me, I hope it helps you too. Greetings!

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

While the YouTube video shows a clever technique, it has too many steps for my taste--especially if doing multiple charts.

I prefer to create the chart in Excel and do one of the following:

1. Copy Excel chart and paste chart into Illustrator. Keep the Excel formatting simple for best results. This is OK for a few charts.

2. This is my technique for dealing with lots of charts for print (typically using InDesign):

     a. Create chart in Excel and save. Best if using RGB colors that fall within the CMYK range. Move chart to own worksheet;

     b. Then save-as PDF. If the data updates;

     c. Place in InDesign (or Illustrator). If the chart data updates, simple update Excel file, save-as PDF replacing the original one, and update in InDesign/AI.

     d. Export/Save As to PDF leaving colors unchanged.

     e. In Acrobat Pro, using the Print Production tools, convert colors to CMYK and RGB black to 100K.

[Monika Gause]

While the YouTube video shows a clever technique, 

By @Dave Creamer of IDEAS

That is the standard method as described in the documentation.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

And? That doesn't affect or change my comment about it being clever. 

[Monika Gause]

They didn't have a lot of options back then in Illustrator 3. If that function were invented 20 years later, then most probably they would have come up with a GUI for it.