Sliding Graph Designs

One of the most effective graph elements is a sliding column design. For example, use a martini glass as a column design where the top and bottom of the glass remain the same but the middle portion slides to grow taller. To do this, create your glass design and use the Pen tool (P) to create a horizontal line to indicate where the sliding should take place. Select the artwork and the line, then group them (Command-G [PC: Control-G]). Use the Direct Selection tool (A) to select the sliding line and from the View menu choose Guides>Make Guides. Then select the entire design and from the Object menu select Graph>Design. In the dialog, click the New Design button and use the Rename button if you want to call it something other than "New Design." To replace your graphic with this sliding design, select the graph and use Object>Graph>Column. In the dialog, choose your new design and from the Column Type pop-up menu choose Sliding. Here's a comparison of the difference between sliding and scaling column designs.