Gridlines

All bar charts should have a zero line and standard gridlines, even if labelled directly (to aid users in scanning the bars).

X-axis labels should be at the bottom.

Spacing

Bars should always be evenly spaced – the text should align to the vertical centre of the bar.

Labelling

Column charts with a single series should not have a legend

Direct labelling

In most cases, horizontal bar charts should be directly labelled with the data value.

Direct data labels should align to the end of the bar on the inside where possible, outside where not. This can be on the right end if positive value, or on the left end if negative value.

• Inside bar = white text, no shadows
• Outside bar = black (#222222) text, no shadows

Bars

No transparency – bars should be fully opaque.

The bars should not have rounded corners.