Direct labels over legends
direct-labels-over-legends
Direct labels over legends; pie/doughnut 2–4 slices; doughnut preferred in digital. Legend only when direct labels fail; keep it readable at 200% zoom. Stacked bar: 3–4 segments. Multi-line: 3–4 series. Horizontal bar when category labels are long.
Description
Prefer direct labels over legends; pie or doughnut 2–4 slices (doughnut preferred on digital). Legend only when direct labels fail; keep it readable at 200% zoom. Stacked bar 3–4 segments; multi-line 3–4 series; horizontal bar for long category labels. Pass when those limits and direct-label preference hold. Fail when legend is the only label path though direct labels would fit, pie has many slices, or there are many stacked segments or lines.
When to use
Labeling series on pies, stacked bars, and multi-line charts.
Not when
Legend-only when direct labels fit, or too many slices, segments, or lines.
Agent hint
Prefer direct labels; keep pie 2–4 slices and stacked or multi-line series to 3–4.
Direct labels where they fit; pie/doughnut 2–4 slices (doughnut preferred on digital); stacked bar / multi-line 3–4; long categories use horizontal bar.
Legend as the only labels when direct labels would fit; pie with many slices; many stacked segments or lines.
Citations
NSW — Charts and graphs
https://designsystem.nsw.gov.au/docs/content/methods/charts-and-graphs.html