Format pie graphs

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to format pie graphs in Adobe Illustrator by adjusting the legend placement, wedge sorting, and how multiple graphs are displayed.

Select the pie graph using the Selection tool.

Select Graph Type in the Properties panel.

From the Legend menu, select how the legend appears:

  • No Legend: Omits legend entirely.
  • Standard Legend: Places column labels outside the graph. This default option works well when combining pie graphs with other graphs.
  • Legends in Wedges: Places labels inside the corresponding wedges.

From the Position menu, select how to display multiple pie graphs:

  • Ratio: Displays pie graphs in proportion to their values.
  • Even: Makes all pie graphs the same size.
  • Stacked: Stacks the graphs and sizes them relative to one another.

From the Sort menu, select how wedges are ordered:

  • All: Sorts wedges from largest to smallest in each graph, clockwise from the top.
  • First: Sorts wedges in the first graph from largest to smallest and applies that order to the others.
  • None: Uses the original data entry order for each graph.
Tip

If a pie wedge has a dark fill that obscures the legend, repaint it for better visibility. Use the Group Selection tool to select the wedge and apply a new color using the Color panel or Swatches panel.