The Top Engaging Design Ideas Using a Graph Creator

Posted on March 9, 2024 | Updated on June 11, 2024


Using a graph creator is an excellent way to reveal data in a visually appealing aspect. While there are many types of charts, businesses use them to convey detailed information on social media and websites. While graphs can stimulate engagement, you can compel your audience to look deeper into the analysis by getting creative with them. To create visually stimulating charts, you must explore all the methods that enable you to use your eye for design. 

1. Choose a Graph Creator That Facilitates Customization

Before you use a graph creator, it’s important that you choose the right one. A graph maker you select should offer enough room for customization. That way, you can create various changes that meet your project’s needs. 

There are various types of graph creators that enable you to present compelling data. One that may come to mind is Canva. While many Canva users use it to design social media posts and infographics, the platform allows you to create graphs. However, your graphs are more than just a simple chart — you can make stunning designs using its templates. Once you get started, you can fill in your own data and customize the design to your liking. 

Another graph creator with extensive customization options is Visme. This chart maker lets you create good-looking graphs for various purposes. You can start with a fun template design and produce stylized, informative graphs by adjusting the colors, fonts and data points. 

2. Experiment With Different Charts

Depending on the data you must represent, choosing the right graph type is essential for accurate presentation and audience engagement. The key is to match the chart type with the data’s nature and the message you want to spread. 

For instance, pie charts are ideal for showing parts of a whole, whereas bar charts are better for comparing numbers across different categories. Then, there are line graphs that depict trends over time.

Other graph types include scatter plots, which are great for showing correlations between two variables. Area charts are similar to line graphs, but they show cumulative totals. 

Consider playing with different types of graphs, as they can reveal new insights and make your data more appealing. Each graph type has its strengths. However, the choice depends on the story you want to tell with your data. 

3. Make Strategic Use of Color

Color is a great way to capture the audience’s attention and enhance visual appeal. Approximately 90% of the time, viewers use color to make their first impression of something. However, color is essential for differentiating data sets. It guides the viewer’s eye to the most important parts of the graph. Yet, the colors you use can also make your chart designs look beautiful. 

For example, a timeline diagram can present data with colors going from light to dark shades. Wildly bold, contrasting colors also differentiate data sets to make them look more distinct. In a line graph, you can employ a bright, standout color for the main trend line to draw attention. Meanwhile, pie charts can use a balanced color palette to distinguish segments while maintaining a cohesive look.

Yet, are you creating a graph design for a company? If so, choosing colors that align with its brand is important. This is especially crucial since it may use it to post on social media or its website. Keep in mind that color is more purposeful than just for aesthetics. It also plays a large role in making graphs accessible and understandable. So, ensure the chart is readable for all audiences.

4. Incorporate Icons and Illustrations

A standard chart can be boring to look at, but you can enhance its design with a graph creator using icons and illustrations. These elements are useful for transforming data into a visual story. This makes the information more relatable and easier to understand. 

One example includes using a large illustration of a winding road to present a timeline. You could also use lines or arrows to suggest the most important areas of the graph. Or, there could be a light bulb or cog to present a chart with new ideas. Either way, the icons or illustrations you choose should be fitting. Select icons that directly relate to the data of the recurring theme. 

Ensure they fit appropriately at the same time. Icons that are too large can be distracting, while too small of a size may become insignificant. Consider the additional elements of your graph as a way to enhance your data. When making your choices, it should support your data points without overshadowing them. 

Being thoughtful about how you incorporate these parts of your design creates more meaningful and highly engaging graphs.

5. Experiment With Typography

If you want to make your charts clear and more impactful, typography can help you achieve this. Font can greatly improve the design and readability of a graph. From the style you choose to the size and formatting, you can make your charts more engaging when used effectively.

When selecting a font, ensure it complements the tone and other text of your chart. For instance, an academic presentation typically uses clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Helvetica. Yet, if you’re going after a creative project, you could opt for something more distinctive, like a Sans Serif, to present a creative process in a flowchart.

Be sure to use different font sizes and weights to create a hierarchy of information. For instance, larger, bolder fonts work well for titles and key data points. On the other hand, smaller fonts are great for axis labels and footnotes. 

However, it’s important to be consistent with typography. Ensure you use the same font throughout your graph and accompanying test. Doing so lets you create a diagram for a more professional and seamless look. 

6. Add Data Labels and Annotations

When using a graph creator, it’s essential to use data labels and annotations for the charts. Doing so is crucial for providing more meaning to the information presented. Data labels indicate the values of data points through text, while annotations are additional notes that explain specific aspects of the information. 

When inputting data into a chart, depict them with labels incorporating the exact value. For instance, the bars should indicate the numerical value in a bar chart. The same goes for segments in a pie chart or points in a line graph. This part is especially crucial if you’re creating a complex diagram. Otherwise, relying on the axis for the meaning of information may be confusing. 

When adding annotations, use them to highlight trends or explain sudden spikes or drops in the data. These are useful for audiences who may not have time to analyze the graph in detail. However, ensure you’re placing these graphical elements into a strategic position. You can do so by placing them next to relevant data points without overlapping them. That way, it makes the chart easier to read.

Incorporating Design Ideas Using a Graph Creator

Discover all you can do with a graph creator. While making charts may not be everyone’s cup of tea, you can use this opportunity to tell a story and get creative. Whoever you present your information to will certainly be impressed, especially when using a graph creator’s templates. You’ll have a good foundation to start with, making your graphs look professionally stunning in a visual format. 

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About The Author

Eleanor Hecks is the Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine, an online publication dedicated to providing in-depth content from the design and marketing industries. When she's not designing or writing code, you can find her exploring the outdoors with her husband and dog in their RV, burning calories at a local Zumba class, or curled up with a good book with her cats Gem and Cali.

You can find more of Eleanor's work at www.eleanorhecks.com.

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