Change legend symbols independent of graph symbols

[Markus Schmieder]

Dear community,

Do you have an idea how to change the symbols that are used in the legend?

For example: I have a line chart but square symbols should be shown in the legend.

Thank you in advance!

Best regards from Zurich,
Markus

[Marcos Almeida]

Hello Markus,

Welcome to the Stata Forum.

I guess it did not understand your query, for, IMHO, no matter whether we change the symbol, legend symbols must go on a par with the symbols inside the graphic.

Perhaps you could clarify by presenting a brief display of the data as well as the graph, as recommended in the FAQ.

Best,

Marcos

[Markus Schmieder]

Hi Marcos

Thank you for your reply.

"legend symbols must go on a par with the symbols inside the graphic" that's exactly what I am trying to change. If this is not possible in Stata, I need to use another programme (e.g. Adobe Illustrator) to change it there.

Or do you see any work-around within Stata?

Best,
Markus

[Nick Cox]

Like Marcos, I am puzzled why you want to do this, but it's possible. You just create an extra variable that is not actually shown on the graph. This may start you off.

webuse grunfeld
line invest year if company == 1
gen frog = .
line invest year if company == 1 || scatter frog year, ms(Sh) legend(order(2 "invest"))

[Markus Schmieder]

Thank you, Nick!

I did not think of this work-around.

The reason is simply aesthetics.

Best,
Markus

[Nick Cox]

Still puzzled.