# Rule 3: Direct labeling

## Intent

Let the reader identify marks without bouncing between the chart and a separate legend.

## Pass signals

- Line endpoints labeled directly
- Values or category names placed on or beside bars when practical
- Small numbers of series or categories labeled in place

## Fail signals

- User must look back and forth between chart and legend to decode colors
- Legend used for only a few obvious series that could be labeled directly
- Labels placed far from the marks they describe

## Reviewer guidance

Be practical. If direct labels clearly fit, require them. If there are too many series for clean direct labels, call that out explicitly.
