# Legend

> A chart word, with the charts that use it.

**Definition.** A legend is the key that names each colour or mark. It sits under the plot so the chart can be read without guessing.

Updated Nov 2, 2026

## 012 · Multi-line

- **01 The lines.** One colour per series.
- **02 The legend.** Names each colour under the plot.

## Where you see it

- [017 · Donut](https://usechartory.com/charts/donut): Part of a whole · SaaS data
- [012 · Multi-line](https://usechartory.com/charts/multi-line): Change over time · AI data

## Common mistakes

- **A legend for one series** With one colour there is nothing to name. Use the title.
- **A legend far from the chart** Keep it next to the plot, in the same order as the marks.

## Questions

### Can a chart work without a legend?

Yes, when it labels its marks directly. 31 Chartory types do, so they have no legend prop.

### Is the legend a prop?

Yes, on the types that have one: legend on or off, the same as in Figma.

## Related terms

- [Series](https://usechartory.com/glossary/series): One set of values drawn together, such as one line or one colour of bars.
- [Category](https://usechartory.com/glossary/category): A named group a mark belongs to, such as a plan or a region.
- [Encoding](https://usechartory.com/glossary/encoding): The visual property that carries a value: length, position, angle, area or colour.

## Multi-line, donut and the other types.

In Figma and React, in four sizes, light and dark. Pay once, every update. [See plans](https://usechartory.com/pricing)

Every chart word, A to Z. [Open the glossary](https://usechartory.com/glossary)