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Michigan State University

Data Visualization Guide: Visualization Tools

Resources to support MSU students, faculty, staff, and community members in effectively communicating through data visualizations.

Tools Overview

Listed below are tools available for creating data visualizations. This is not a complete list, but it offers a starting place for your search.

If you need help finding the right data visualization tool for your class or project, contact the Data Visualization Librarian for a consult.

Browser-Based Tools

Flourish

  • Beginner-friendly data visualization tool with numerous possible visualization types
  • Requires creating a free account

Voyant 

  • Beginner-friendly textual analysis tool with word clouds and other possible visualization types

Datawrapper

  • Beginner-friendly interactive data visualization tool with numerous possible visualization types
  • Provides embed code so you can display your visualization on a website

RAWGraphs

  • Beginner-friendly data visualization tool with numerous possible visualization types
  • Creates semi-finished visualizations that can be edited using vector graphics editors

Palladio

  • Beginner-friendly data visualization tool geared towards complex historical data
  • Has limited export capabilities

Desktop-Based Tools

Tableau Public

  • Platform for visualizing public data and sharing with the Tableau Community
  • Requires creating a free account
  • Has a browser-based version with fewer features

Excel

  • Spreadsheet application for data manipulation and visualization
  • Requires signing into your MSU Microsoft account
  • Has a browser-based version with fewer features

PowerBI

  • Platform for creating interactive data visualization dashboards
  • Requires signing into your MSU Microsoft account
  • Has a browser-based version with fewer features

Coding Packages

ggplot2

  • R package for creating graphics

Matplotlib

  • Python package for creating static, animated, or interactive visualizations