Looking to easily create a chart using your MacBook? Whether you need a pie chart, flowchart, size chart, or table chart – the MacBook has features for any type of chart you may need.
You can use the MacBook program Numbers to create most standard charts. For more complex charts, you might consider downloading an application from the App store to assist you.
The article below will review every different type of chart you can create using your MacBook and walk through each step so that you can try it for yourself.
Let’s get started!
Column or Bar Charts on Mac
Using the Numbers application you can create a column or bar chart with any data. The first step is to organize your data within cells and make sure that everything is clearly labeled and correctly formatted.
Once you’re ready to create your chart, select the cells of data you want to use. You can select individual cells or specific rows and columns. You can also use data from multiple sheets to create your chart.
Next, locate the chart icon. You will have the option to select 2D, 3D, or interactive charts. You can browse different styles by clicking the arrows on the left and right sides of the chart style you want. Select the chart option and drag it to the sheet you are working on.
Some versions of Numbers do not have the chart icon. Instead, click “insert”, “chart”, and select the type of chart you want to use. You will still have options for 2D, 3D, and interactive charts.
You also have options to create stacked charts. These charts can be helpful when directly comparing two groups of data (i.e., sales from January 2021 compared to January 2020).
If you wish to change the rows or columns of your chart, use the “format” tools from the menu bar. For interactive charts, click on “edit data references” to modify or see more data.
Pie Charts on Mac
To create a pie chart on Mac, enter your data into Numbers. Once all of the desired cells are populated, select them. Locate the chart icon to see your chart options.
You will have the option to select from 2D, 3D, and interactive charts. There are a variety of styles you can use for your pie chart within Numbers. Once you have selected the style you want, select it or drag it to the sheet.
Similar to the column or bar chart creation, you may need to insert your chart using the menu at the top of your program. Click “insert”, “chart”, and then select from the pie chart options on the menu.
For 3D pie charts, you will see an icon at the center. You can use this icon to change the orientation of the chart.
Other Chart Options on Mac
When you enter the Numbers application and select charts you will see a comprehensive list of the types of charts you can create with a few simple clicks. As you saw above you can easily make a bar, column, or pie chart. A few of the other chart options using numbers include:
- Line
- Area
- Donut
- Scatter
- Bubble
Consider which of these charts will best demonstrate the data. You can create multiple charts for the same data set to compare them.
Editing Charts on Mac
To edit the settings of your chart locate the font icon in the top right of the window (it looks like a paintbrush). If you click on “chart” from the menu options you can change the style and color of your chart. You can add a title, border, or legend to your chart.
From the chart menu, you can also change the font, background, and border style of your chart. If you want to quickly change your chart from one type to another, locate the “chart type” drop-down menu and select the new chart type you want to see.
Next to the chart menu is the axis menu. From there you can modify values and categories located on the x and y-axes. You can adjust the minimum and maximum values for both axes and change the axis scale from linear to logarithmic.
You can also adjust the value labels. Common examples of value labels include currency, percentages, or fractions. You can also adjust the value labels using the series tab from the font menu.
For more advanced settings on the position and proportions of your chart, locate the “arrange” item in the font menu. The settings you see are automated but can be manually adjusted.
Flow Charts on Mac
Flowcharts allow us to visualize and organize processes. They are increasingly common across industries to demonstrate existing processes and ways of improving the flow.
While it’s possible to create flowcharts using Mac programs like Pages or Keynote, it’s much simpler if you download software designed to create flowcharts.
You’ll save a lot of time and energy by downloading a program. Check out everything you need to know about creating a flowchart on mac here: https://setapp.com/how-to/make-a-flowchart-on-mac.
Chart Software for Mac
There are other software programs you can use for charts other than flowcharts. They have programs to create an astro chart, size chart, or even marine navigation charts.
Search in the app store for the type of chart you wish to make. Some charts will have a specifically designed program and others are generic chart-creation software with dozens of chart options.
Ready to Create Perfect Charts Every Time?
You have every step you need to create dozens of different charts in a matter of minutes. Follow these steps and you’ll have no trouble with your next project.
Consider researching applications for specific types of charts that you don’t see listed above. Chances are there is a program out there to help – you just have to find it!
You can find more tech and business news, how-to guides, and more by visiting our site and browsing our blogs.