Table of contents

  1. Keep it simple (KISS)
  2. Chart size
  3. Number of lines per chart
  4. Location of y-axis
  5. Gridlines and unit intervals
  6. Gaps between bars
  7. Borders and backgrounds
  8. 3D and other chart effects

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3D and other chart effects

Do not use 3D when creating charts. The false perspective will distort the data.

Example 1

For example, categories A and B seem equal when plotted in 3D. However, category B is noticeably larger, as shown when plotted in 2D.

3D example

A 3D pie chart where two categories of data appear to be equal.

2D example

A 2D bar chart showing the same data as the pie chart, but one category is a lot higher than the rest.

Example 2

When plotted in 3D, the highest value appears to be around 7.9 in 2012. The same data in 2D clearly show the highest value is 8 in 2010.

3D example

A 3D line chart where the highest value appears to be 7.9 in 2012.

2D example

A 2D bar chart showing that the highest value is 8 in 2010.

Example 3

In 3D, bar W looks smaller than bar Z. However, they are both equal.

3D example

A 3D bar chart where the bar for category W appears to be smaller than the bar for category Z.

2D example

A 2D bar chart that shows that both bars for categories W and Z are equal.

We are constantly improving based on research and best practice. Any significant changes to our guidance are available on the Updates page.