When to use

At a glance

ComfortableCompact

Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.

Clarity92

Persuasion58

Density40

Craft cost25

School fit94

Work fit93

LessMore

Data-to-chart decision encodes values as task type mapped to mark and channel (length, position, angle, color). Bertin semiology; modern chooser guides and grammar-of-graphics tools.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits first 60 seconds of any report, ad claim or assignment figure. Skip it when picking a chart because it looks fancy in the template gallery.

Use when

• Use when 1 — Use Data-to-chart decision when the story is first 60 seconds of any report, ad claim or assignment figure.
• Use when 2 — Build the first draft in Excel or Google Sheets, then restyle — do not screenshot.
• Use when 3 — In PowerPoint, one Data-to-chart decision per slide, claim in the title.
• Use when 4 — For lab reports and poster boards, this form works when the question is comparison or process.
• Use when 5 — In Meta, Google and retail print, keep one number visible at thumbnail size.

Avoid when

• Avoid when 1 — Skip Data-to-chart decision in cases like: picking a chart because it looks fancy in the template gallery.
• Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
• Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
• Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide

Audiences

• Work — PowerPoint
• Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
• School — lab reports and poster boards

Data-to-chart decision: honour task type mapped to mark and channel (length, position, angle, color), and switch when picking a chart because it looks fancy in the template gallery.

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