Create shapes for data graphics in Adobe Illustrator.

Design a shapely column.

Click and hold the Shape tool to see the available options. Choose the Polygon tool and then hold Shift as you drag to draw a hexagon.

Pro tip: Click the polygon with the Selection tool and drag up or down to change the number of sides.

To make a copy, click the hexagon with the Selection tool and hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) as you drag the shape down. Use Control+D (Windows) or Command+D (macOS) to repeat the action.

Create a pattern.

Select all the shapes in the column with the Selection tool. Hold Alt or Option as you drag the column up and to the side. Use Control+D or Command+D to create a staggered pattern with five columns.

Pro tip: Shift-click hexagons with the Selection tool and then press the Delete key to remove.

Add dimension with gradients.

To apply a gradient to the entire honeycomb, first select it with the Selection tool and choose Object > Compound Path > Make.

Double-click the Gradient tool and then click below the gradient slider to add a color stop. Double-click a color stop and choose a new color. Repeat this until your gradient has the number of color stops you want.

Drag an end to expand the gradient in either direction, or hover over one end and drag to rotate it.

Create more fun infographic elements.

Press and hold the Shape tool and choose the Ellipse. Then hold Shift as you drag to draw a circle. Choose Object > Path > Offset Path and experiment with the values to create a concentric circle. Click Preview to see the effects of the settings.

Knock out the center.

Drag with the Selection tool to select both circles. Select the Shape Builder tool and Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) on the inner circle to remove it.

Drag an end to expand the gradient in either direction, or hover over one end and drag to rotate it.

Fine-tune the design.

Add your own text and graphics, or experiment with different shape tools to make your data more engaging.