A graph maker is an excellent program that will help you turn your black and white text documents into colorful graphs. Although it is easy to use, there are mistakes that beginners make when using a graph maker. In most cases, users who make these mistakes don’t realize they’ve done anything wrong until after the fact.
Here are some of the do’s and don’ts when using a graph maker, along with explanations for why they are so.
Do: Run a test to determine how many patterns you’ll need.
For example, if your graph is going to have 10 rows, you can set up a pattern with 5 horizontal bars using the “graph maker” program. Then multiply the number of bars by the number of rows. If you want your graph to be 100 pixels tall, multiplying 4 (the number of bars) by 10 (the number of rows) will give you 40. This means that you’ll need 40 different pattern files to complete your project.
Do: Match the color scheme of your graph creator to that of your product.
The first thing people notice about a graph is its colors. Therefore, the colors that are used mustn’t clash with the color of your product. Doing this will make your graph look unprofessional and may even lead people to believe you did it on purpose for attention.
Check out Venngage for ideas on how to pair or group colors for your graph.
Don’t: Try to get away with using color schemes or fonts that are copyrighted.
Although some companies can be contacted for permission, most will not agree to let you use their color schemes or fonts. If a company finds out that you have used something from them in your graph, they may choose to take legal action against you.
Don’t: Use a copyrighted font in a bar graph maker without permission.
This should be noted with utmost importance, especially if you plan to incorporate your graph in a white paper. Not only will the owner of the font not agree to let you use it for free, most likely the owner won’t let you use it at all. Even if you do get permission, the company will most likely require that your graph be printed somewhere to justify purchasing a license for their font.
Do: Use colors that are easy on the eyes.
People are more likely to enjoy looking at line graph examples with colors that are easy on the eyes. If your colors are too bright or harsh, people may not want to look at them for very long. This is especially true if your product is something that will be used daily for an extended period, such as school textbooks.
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Do: Include patterns within the text of your graph.
Many graph makers allow users to add patterns within the text of their graphs. Although you do not need to use this feature, it is a good idea to try out different patterns and see how they look when placed within your text.
Do: Examine the file type that’s generated by your line graph maker before publishing or printing it.
Many users choose to publish or print their graphs without examining the file type first. This can cause problems, as some graph makers generate certain types of files that may not be compatible with all programs. If you don’t publish or print the correct type of file, there is a chance that your graph will not work properly.
Don’t: Expect to get by without reading the instructions.
Although some graph makers are very easy to use, there is always a chance that your program may be slightly different than what you expected. You won’t know for sure until you read the instructions. It is also important to keep in mind that graph maker instruction manuals can include information about more than one type of product.
Do: Examine the graph maker’s features and decide how you want to use them.
Many factors can influence how and where you’d like to place your graphs on a page. For example, do you want the graph to be vertical or horizontal? Will it include labels? Are there any other images you need to incorporate as well? Will these features make line graphs understandable? Once you’ve made these decisions, you’ll be able to determine the number of rows and columns needed for your product.
Don’t: Examine the graph maker’s features and forget to consider what they can do.
It is important to remember that any graph maker will allow you to create certain types of graphs, such as bar graphs and pie charts. If you want a graph that includes more than just those two types, read through all of the options your graph maker has to offer before deciding on a final product.
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Takeaway
Before starting to use a graph maker, it’s important to examine its features and functions first so that you know what kinds of graphs your product can create. It is also essential to understand how the product works and the steps you need to take to complete these tasks properly.
