Import a Line Graph from Excel into Adobe Illustrator

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

Hi folks --

I need to import a line graph from Excel (image A) into an existing Illustrator file (image B). 

The new line graph will replace a line/curve in the existing Illustrator file (highlighted in yellow in image B) as shown in the image:

 

I have tried multiple methods to import this data—including copying and pasting the graph into Illustrator and saving the data as a comma-delimited file to recreate the graph in Illustrator. 

After  much trial-and-error, I cannot get the results I want. I would like the new line graph to exist on its own layer and maintain the scale in the original Illustrator file. 

If anyone can point me to a solution or even a great online tutorial, I would appreciate it. 

Thank you!

[CarlosCanto]

Is the Image B in Illustrator a Graph Object? or just lines

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

Hi Carlos - Image B is just lines. See attached. Thank you!

[thepixelsmith]

So jusing confirming I unerstand the request. You want to copy a single line from a graph object in Excel into a illustrator file? Not the entire graph object?

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

Hi @thepixelsmith  - yes. I only need the curve/line from the Excel file. It will replace the incorrect line/curve in image B. Thank you!

[CarlosCanto]

you can copy/paste the whole Excel chart, then once in Illustrator you can select the line and copy it somewhere else

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

Hi @CarlosCanto - while I am able to copy the line, I can't get it to scale to the x and y axis of image B in the Illustrator file. 

I am going to try to use the graph tool again to see if I can recreate the line to the correct scale. 

If this doesn't sound like a good solution, feel free to advise. Thank you again.

[Kurt Gold]

> "while I am able to copy the line, I can't get it to scale to the x and y axis of image B in the Illustrator file."

What does that mean? For some reason it's not possible to scale the object? Or don't you know how to scale it?

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

Hi @Kurt Gold - I do know how to scale the object, however the X axis data, Gallons Per Minute, goes from 0-200 in the new graph. In the original Illustrator file, the GPM values go from 0-220. When I scale it, the data points don't match up. Thank you.

[Kurt Gold]

Well, then I'd rather assume it is better to create the entire chart in just one application, either in Excel or in Illustrator.

Your approach might be a bit too complicated as far as I can see.

[mary_n_fingerlakes]

@Kurt Gold - I agree. Given the fact that I am using graphs with a range of data points, it's not feasible to scale the new line/curves into an existing AI file. I'm going to create in Excel and see what happens. Thank you for reaching out.