Data Merge Chart Editing

[Jochen Damm]

Another additional idea copied from other software:

It is possible to import charts from Microsoft Excel and edit them manually. For Adobe Illustrator exists a plugin called Datylon. This company provides beneath this plugin a library of over 120 chart templates. You can import raw spreadsheets and design beautiful charts out of it with specific features including the usage of color palettes/swatches like global colors and even spot colors. There is a whole bunch of design options. From the variety of chart types to the editing of each part. But the main feature is in my own opinion the data merge aspect of it. You can create one artboard per chart or combine multiple charts on one artboard but the data is linked to its source (spreadsheet) and updates itself. For example it would be useful for annual finacial reports. But also for scientific purposes. When the data has to be presented in a proper way as fast as possible. Sure, most scientists don't mind if the PowerPoint presentation has this outdated look and feel because the actual data is the main focus. But for public relations it should be more appealing. And you can print/save the charts in less than two minutes if you had its template designed before. 

Software like Microsoft Excel or Libre Office Calc have gained some additional power for styling charts in recent years but they don't have the flexibility that is needed.

At least the following chart types should be editable by a module/tool:

• Column and Bar, stacked and/or grouped
• Pie and Donut/Circle/Ring, Demicircle, Nightingale
• Area, stacked
• Line
• XY (scatter) and Bubble
• Net
• Stock
• Column and Line
• Bump and Slope
• Stream
• Density
• Bullet (bar within another bar) 

 

 

Quote

DATYLON + ILLUSTRATOR

Best of both worlds

Build a stunning chart with the Datylon plugin, add annotations, titles or any illustration using Adobe’s most powerful drawing tools. Place multiple charts on a single artboard to create captivating data stories and export them to the Datylon web app as templates.

Youtube tutorial from Yes, I am a designer to demonstrate this plugin

This feature request is helpful for several parties but I rank it myself as low priority and optional for later implementation.

But if there are users that need it more urgently vote for it.