# Data Visualization For Documents

> Choose and design effective charts and visual representations of data for reports, slides, and spreadsheets. Use when presenting quantitative information and you need the visual to be clear, honest, and insightful.

- Skill: `itsual/data-visualization-for-documents` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itsual/data-visualization-for-documents`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itsual/data-visualization-for-documents/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- Author: itsual (https://skillmd.com/u/itsual)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itsual/data-visualization-for-documents

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# Data Visualization for Documents

## Overview

The goal of a chart is insight, not decoration. Choose the right form for the relationship you want to show and design it so the message is immediate.

## When to Use

- Adding charts to reports, decks, or dashboards
- Deciding between chart types
- Improving existing visualizations that are confusing or misleading

## Chart Selection Guidance

- **Comparison** → bar / column
- **Trend over time** → line
- **Part-to-whole** → carefully used stacked bar or limited pie/donut
- **Distribution** → histogram or box plot
- **Relationship** → scatter
- **Geographic** → map (when location is essential)

## Design Principles

- Start with the question the chart should answer
- Remove non-essential ink (heavy gridlines, unnecessary 3D, chartjunk)
- Label directly when possible instead of relying only on legends
- Use color with purpose (and check accessibility)
- Keep scales honest — avoid truncated axes that mislead unless clearly called out
- Prefer clarity over novelty

## Verification

- [ ] The main insight is visible within a few seconds
- [ ] Chart type matches the data relationship
- [ ] Labels, units, and sources are present
- [ ] The visual does not distort the data