How to Make a Beautiful Radial Chart in Google Slides

Creating charts in Google Slides can be frustrating. Standard charts often look dull, cluttered, or confusing. You want your data to be clear, but the default options do not always make it easy.

This can make your presentations look messy. Viewers may struggle to follow your points, and your hard work may not get noticed. Poor visuals can distract from the message you want to share.

Luckily, there is a simple way to fix this. By learning how to make a beautiful radial chart in Google Slides, you can turn your data into a clear, attractive visual. Your slides will look professional, and your message will stand out.

What is a Radial Chart?

A radial chart is a type of graph that uses a circular layout to show data. Each part of the circle represents a portion of the total. All segments together make up 100% of the data. Radial charts make it easy to see proportions at a glance.

There are several types of radial charts. A donut chart is like a pie chart but with a hole in the center. It shows parts of a whole and keeps the focus on percentages. A sunburst chart displays data in layers, starting from the center and moving outward. This is useful for hierarchical information. A radial bar chart uses bars that extend from the center to the edges. The length of each bar shows the value.

These charts differ in how they present information and which types of data they suit best. According to Carmen Navarrete, radial charts can make complex data easier to understand.

How to Make a Radial Chart in Google Slides

A radial chart is a cool way to show two sets of proportions in one visually striking format. It looks like a mix between a pie chart and a donut chart. You can use it to compare parts of a whole in a clear, eye-catching way. Follow these steps to make your own radial chart in Google Slides.

Making the Outer Body of Your Radial Chart

Start on the slide where the radial chart will sit. Open the Insert menu and choose Shapes. Pick the pie shape and place it on the slide with one click. This first shape acts as the base of the outer body. Keep it near the center so later steps stay clean.

Add a Pie Chart

Start by selecting the slide where you want your radial chart. Go to the Insert tab, then choose Shape > Pie. Click on the slide to place the pie shape.

To adjust its appearance, select the shape and pick a Fill Color. For a clean, minimal look, set the border to Transparent.

Resize the Pie Chart

Click the pie shape to select it. Handles will appear around the edges. Drag any corner handle to change the size while keeping the shape circular. Adjust it until the pie forms a suitable outer frame.

Duplicate the Pie Chart

Once the first pie is resized, copy it and paste it onto the same slide. Position the new shape directly over the original. Use alignment guides to make sure both shapes are centered.

Change the Color and Position of the Duplicate Chart

Select the duplicate pie and change its fill color to make it distinct from the base shape. Then, click and rotate the duplicate slightly so it lines up well with the outer layer.

Resize the Duplicate Chart

Move the duplicate slightly away from the original. Drag the corner handles to adjust its size, creating some spacing between layers. Keep the radial lines parallel and ensure both charts share the same center.

Creating and styling the inner body

Creating the First Inner Circle

• Duplicate the first pie chart by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + D (or Cmd + D on Mac) so you have an exact copy to work with.
• Change the color of the duplicated circle by going to Format → Fill Color and selecting a color that complements your chart design.
• Resize the circle by dragging the corner handles while holding Shift to maintain the proportions, making sure it fits neatly over the original chart.
• Move the circle carefully into place so it is perfectly centered on the original chart, checking that it looks visually balanced.

Creating the Second Inner Circle

• Duplicate the second pie chart using Ctrl + D or Cmd + D to create a new circle for layering.
• Adjust the fill color of the duplicated circle to match your design theme and make it visually distinct from the first inner circle.
• Resize the circle smaller than the first inner circle so it sits neatly inside, maintaining a clear, layered effect.
• Position the second circle over the first inner circle and align it carefully to ensure it looks clean and well-proportioned.

Inserting Data Labels

• Insert a rounded rectangle shape by going to Insert → Shapes → Rounded Rectangle and draw it close to your chart.
• Apply a fill color to the rectangle that stands out against the chart background and adjust the border for a clean look.

• Click inside the rectangle and type the label text that corresponds to the data point you are highlighting.
• Copy the label using Ctrl + C and paste (Ctrl + V) as many times as needed for all data points, placing them neatly around the chart.
• Adjust the position of each label so it is easy to read and does not overlap other elements.

Connecting Labels to the Radial Chart

• Use the Line or Elbow Connector tool from Insert → Shapes to draw lines from each label to its corresponding section of the chart.
• Adjust each line carefully so it is straight and clear, connecting the label precisely to the right data point.
• Make sure all lines are tidy and visually balanced to avoid cluttering the chart.

Styling the Lines

• Select each connecting line and change its color using Format → Line Color to match your brand or chart theme.

• Adjust the thickness using Line Weight so the lines are visible but do not overpower other elements of the chart.
• Review all lines and labels to ensure the overall chart is polished, consistent, and visually appealing.

Adding Text

Insert titles

Go to the Insert tab. Next, click the Text Box option. Draw a text box under each label and start typing. When you select the text box, you will see more options to align the text on the top right bar.

Include descriptive text

Go to the Insert tab, click the Text Box option, and drag a text box below each title. Then, start typing. Apply styling and confirm everything looks correct. You can add information to the inner sections to give your explanation more context. Display details such as category names, numbers, campaign titles, your target audience, and more.

Free Google Slides Radial Chart Templates

Radial charts help organize information clearly. They make data easier to understand at a glance. Learning to create them from scratch can take time, but there’s a faster way.

Slidestack offers a variety of free radial chart templates. You’ll find options for different styles, colors, and layouts. These templates save time and give your slides a professional look.

All templates are fully editable. You can change colors, text, and shapes quickly. This makes it easy to match your presentation style and branding.

For the best results, keep designs simple and consistent. Avoid overcrowding the slide, and focus on clarity. Using these templates, you can create effective, polished slides with confidence.

Create Stunning Radial Charts with SlideStack

Make your data clear and visually appealing using SlideStack. Our free Google Slides radial chart templates let you build professional charts in minutes. Change colors, text, and shapes easily to match your style. Save time and make every slide look polished with SlideStack.

FAQs:

What is a radial chart?

A radial chart is a circular graph that shows data as parts of a whole. Each section represents a portion, and all sections together make 100%. It helps viewers see proportions quickly.

What types of radial charts can I use in Google Slides?

You can use donut charts, sunburst charts, and radial bar charts. Donut charts highlight percentages. Sunburst charts show layers of data. Radial bar charts use bars extending from the center to show values.

How do I start creating a radial chart?

First, insert a pie chart using Insert → Chart → Pie chart. Resize it, then duplicate it to create layered effects. Adjust colors and positions to make the chart visually clear.

How do I add inner circles to a radial chart?

Duplicate your outer chart to make the first inner circle. Resize and recolor it to fit inside the original. Repeat for a second inner circle if needed, keeping alignment balanced.

How can I label my radial chart?

Use rounded rectangle shapes for labels. Type the data text inside each label and place them around the chart. Connect labels to chart sections using lines or elbow connectors.

Can I customize the chart colors and text?

Yes. You can change colors, adjust line thickness, and edit all text boxes. This helps match your chart to your presentation style or brand.

Are there ready-made radial chart templates available?

Yes. SlideStack offers free, fully editable radial chart templates. You can change colors, text, and shapes to save time and create polished slides quickly.

Why should I use a radial chart instead of a standard chart?

Radial charts make complex data easier to read. They show proportions and comparisons clearly, making your presentation look professional and engaging.