Getting started with data visualization.

To better understand how data visualization tools can help, start with the basics: What is data visualization? In data visualization, you’re creating representations of data through graphics like charts, infographics, and graphs. It’s not just used in data science. In the real world, industries like marketing and finance rely on effective visualization to understand trends and gain data-driven insights.

Since they’re easier to share, you’re also making information easily accessible. Plus, data visualization helps you visualize patterns or relationships between different components.

You can then use these to show changes over time, examine data distribution, and see how variables affect one another. Other uses for data visualizations include comparing values between different groups and evaluating geographical data.

Visualizations can be classified into four types according to their purpose: idea generation, idea illustration, visual discovery, and data visualization. In data visualization, three main components are involved: story, data, and visuals. Your data’s story gives your visualizations a purpose. For example, you may want to identify patterns or measure KPIs.

Once you have the story, you’ll need to find the right datasets to use for your visualizations. Lastly, you have to consider the visuals. Here, choosing the right visualization type is crucial because the wrong chart or graph type can muddle your message. You also have to think about the actual data you’re using. More than having stunning graphics, you need to have the right data. This means clean, accurate, and up-to-date data.

This might then result in consequences like misinterpreted data or your audience losing interest. Furthermore, using the wrong type of visualization can potentially lead to decision-making errors. Find the best type that lets you systematically present your data.

Some of the common types of visuals include tables, pie charts, scatter plots, and bar charts. Infographics, which combine visual and textual elements to represent data, are also a popular type of visualization. Data visualization tools like dashboards help users track and visualize data from different sources.

Discover how you can use Adobe Express to easily turn complex data into coherent charts, graphs, and infographics.

Make captivating and memorable visualizations. Every single time.

Data visualization tools help you create visual representations of data to uncover valuable insights. With the sheer array of tools available, how do you pick the best one?

Aside from your budget, you need to consider the following aspects:

• Selection of different visualization types
• Beginner-friendly features like a drag-and-drop functionality and a user-friendly interface
• Compatibility with your current tech stack

Factor in the tool’s purpose and use case. Will you be dealing with big data? Do you need it for simple reporting, or will you need a tool that lets you create interactive data visualizations?

Below are some actionable tips to help you make effective data visualizations.

When making a chart or a graph, design with your audience in mind. Consider their visualization preferences, needs, and how familiar they are with data in general.

Keep your visuals simple. Don’t try to squeeze in a ton of information in one chart just because you can. Using simple but deliberate design elements helps your audience focus on what matters most. Before adding new bits of information to your graph or chart, ask yourself if you really need to include additional labels, colors, and graphics.

With Adobe Express, making visuals that set your project apart is a breeze. Explore customizable templates for line graphs and charts. When making a line graph, plan your measurement intervals and don’t plot too many lines. This helps enhance your graph’s readability. You can also use colors to make your visuals pop and to highlight key data points. However, when using color, it’s best to keep your palette simple.

To make your visuals more compelling, consider adding comparison data. You can also experiment with different color combinations or line widths to make your graph more accessible to a wider audience. For example, using a higher contrast makes your text more readable.

Planning to make a scroll-stopping infographic? Use concise text and combine it with visually appealing icons and imagery. Then, determine the best chart or graph type to go with your infographic.

For example, if you’re comparing data, use a bar graph. If you want to show changes over a certain period of time, use line graphs. To show the relationship between variables, use scatter plots. Apply design principles like contrast, balance, and hierarchy to make your infographic more effective.

Lastly, always test your visualizations. Getting feedback from your team or audience helps. This lets you see whether or not your visualization can effectively communicate with your intended audience.

Adobe Express lets you make awe-inspiring data visuals from anywhere. Open Adobe Express on your browser or mobile to start making captivating visuals

See the connections that matter with the help of Adobe Express.

Adobe Express gives you access to free data visualization tools. Find a template that works for you, or start from scratch. With Adobe Express, you have complete control over how you want to transform your data. Use your brand colors, add legends, or incorporate graphics to make your visualizations stand out.

Aside from these tools, Adobe Express also lets you instantly generate amazing text effects, images, and vector graphics with Adobe Firefly. Enjoy seamless real-time collaboration with your team. Add your linked Photoshop and Illustrator assets to take your creative projects further.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have amazing charts and graphs ready to download and share with your audience. Whether it’s for work, school, or personal use, there’s no limit to what you can do with Adobe Express. Take advantage of one-tap tools to instantly resize images, remove backgrounds, and more.

Use these tools from Adobe Express to create data visualizations that help you tell a compelling story.

Frequently asked questions.