Table of contents

  1. Line styles
  2. Axis labels and tick marks
  3. Legends or keys
  4. Long category names
  5. Subcategories
  6. Chart titles
  7. Chart labels
  8. Labelling values in a chart
  9. Annotation and footnotes
  10. Source

Print this page

Download as PDF

Legends or keys

Using a legend or key

A legend or key should not be used, instead label the data directly. If a legend or key is necessary, place it on the chart as close as possible to the data.

Example of how to use a legend or key

Example of how not to use a legend or key

Order and orientation

The order and orientation of the legend or key should be the same as the data.

Example of how to order a legend or key

Example of how not to order a legend or key