- Figure number (optional): use figure number if the chart is referred to in the text. This makes the link between the text and the figure more clear
- Title: title is mandatory in every case. The title should answer the “why” question: why are we showing readers this chart? What is the point we want to make
- Subtitle: descriptive: what are the data points, time period, categories displayed
- Legend:
- Y-axis title: mandatory if units are not included in (sub)title. Preferred location: above y-axis, horizontal. Secondary location: left of y-axis, vertical (if title is very long)
- Y-axis values: Mandatory if chart elements cannot be labelled directly, otherwise optional.
- Gridlines
- Direct labels / annotation:
- X-axis: use outside tick marks to separate categories if necessary
- X-axis title: Mandatory if x-axis units are not included in (sub) title. centred, horizontal
- X-axis values: mandatory if chart elements cannot be labelled directly, otherwise optional.
- Source / note
- Logo: mandatory, follow brand guidelines (don’t stretch etc.) Must be placed bottom right. If not possible for whatever reason: top right (?)
