Any way to format labels in 3D chart?

I have a 3D column chart with labels that either run into the bottom of the columns, and/or run into each other (depending on 3D view, size of chart, and length of text). In general, labels seem to be far too close to the bottoms of the columns...even when set to a relatively small font size, like 12pt. A few questions based on this:

1) Is it possible to move labels manually? I can't seem to find a way to move one or all labels away from the columns so that text doesn't touch columns.

2) Is it possible to wrap text in a label so that labels don't touch each other. In Excel, you can use ^p, I think, or shift/return or option/return (it's been a while). Regardless, it's possible.

3) Is it possible to rotate labels so they don't touch each other or the columns?

Other notes:
I also have this problem on pie charts...especially when exploding a pie chart. The labels end up in the strangest places. It would be SOOO easy to just drag them to the right place, if I could figure out how to do it.

Same problem on Data Point Labels. Even when set to "outside," they frequently are so close that with the wrong 3D view, part of the label overlaps the columns. If I rotate the scene so data point labels don't overlap columns, then my X axis labels overlap the columns and vice versa. What a catch 22!

Any help is appreciated.

Random aside (in case anyone at Apple is monitoring this): I used to use DeltaGraph in the 90s, and both Numbers and Excel are missing some of the more intuitive formating functions of that 10-year old program. Give it a look at some point and use it as inspiration to make charts as easily modifiable as any drawing program...

Many, Mac OS X (10.5.2), Numbers '08 v1.0.2

Posted on Mar 14, 2008 3:02 PM

Reply
3 replies

Mar 15, 2008 9:08 AM in response to gameguy

game guy wrote:
Random aside (in case anyone at Apple is monitoring this): I used to use DeltaGraph in the 90s, and both Numbers and Excel are missing some of the more intuitive formating functions of that 10-year old program. Give it a look at some point and use it as inspiration to make charts as easily modifiable as any drawing program...


If you really want that some one in AppleLand read that,

_go to "Provide Numbers Feedback" in the "Numbers" menu_, describe what you wish.
Then, cross your fingers, and wait _at least_ for iWork'09 😉

Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE samedi 15 mars 2008 17:03:41)

Mar 15, 2008 3:27 PM in response to gameguy

game guy,

I don't share your level of dissatisfaction with the Charts, not to say that they are perfect, but I think if you spend more time getting accustomed to how they work you will begin to get better results.

If you want precise control over the text, don't include it in your chart. You can always add your own text boxes and format them anyway you wish, including position, rotation, line breaks, etc. If you want more room for the text, stretch out your Chart -- you're not stuck with the default size.

Hope you find a way to cope for now. The features are likely to improve in future revisions.

Regards,

Jerry

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Any way to format labels in 3D chart?

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