INFOGRAPHIC SERIES - Data Viz Radial Column Chart

Creating data viz charts can be fun, in this case I wanted to know ho to make a radial bar chart. Then it came to me! Use type on a path and then change the bars to match the data. Sounds fairly simple and it really is!

---

Create a circle.

Under the Type Tool, select the Type on a Path Tool.

Click on the circle and type a vertical slash (  |  ). Then copy and paste it as needed. Choose a font that will give the correct weight for the chart. 

In some cases the type will appear below the baseline on the circle. To set the go to the Type menu and choose Type on a Path Options and set it to Align the path to the baseline. 

---

Open up the Character Panel from the Window Menu.

Use the Character Panel to adjust the kerning to properly space the vertical lines. 

To control the height of each line, use the Character Panel vertical scale to get the correct representation for each line. 

Select each line and set the percentage of vertical scale to the data you need to represent. 

---

In some fonts, the vertical scale will cause the baseline to shift up or down off the circle. You may need to use the baseline shift in the Character Panel to adjust the lines. 

When the data entry is done, select the circle and convert the type to outlines under the Type menu>Create Outlines. 

This will make all the type shapes. The edges are flat and don't quite have the arc of the of the circle.

Select all the shapes and convert them to a Compound Shape. Object>Compound Path>Make.

---

Draw a circle over the inside of the shapes, then select all the shapes and the circle. 

In the Pathfinder panel use the Minus Front command to delete the circle and create a smooth arc on the inside of the shapes. 

Create type for the data and place it in location. Use the Rotate Tool and locate the center of the chart. 

With the type selected, OPTION + CLICK with the Rotate Tool in the center of the chart. This opens up the Rotate Options. Set the angle of rotation to match the spacing of the chart bars. Click COPY.

---

Use the COMMAND + D option to duplicate the type around the chart, lining it up with each bar. Enter the data to match the chart.

This has an added outer glow around the chart bars to give add legibility.