How to Use Entry-level Data Visualization Tools? A Beginner’s Guide  

Data visualization is a beneficial strategy until someone implements it in the wrong way. Several companies fail to integrate this tactic due to limited knowledge. Data visualization tools can also seem complicated to users if they do not learn and process their features properly. To address this issue, we have created a complete guide for entry-level data visualization tools that are best for beginners.   

While learning data visualization from scratch, newcomers must use the best tools and software for thorough learning. Additionally, there are multiple challenges to data visualization, such as inappropriate visuals, misinterpretation of data, and the use of confusing data. All these challenges can negatively impact the data visualization results.   

To wipe out the possibilities of these risks, gaining relevant knowledge is crucial. Wondering how to start a solid career in data visualization with the best tools and applications? Here is an all-in-one guide for everyone who needs guidance in using entry-level data visualization tools.  

How to Use the Entry-level Data Visualization Tools:  

Tableau Public: 

Tableau Public is an open-source platform to assist beginners in receiving expert-level guidance while learning data visualization from scratch. This entry-level data visualization tool allows people to follow designs or visuals of renowned people and organizations. Here are the steps to follow to use Tableau Public:  

• Create an account and sign in to your account to use it. Ensure to create a solid account with every detail.  
• The next step is adding or importing data you want to create visuals on.  
• Users can drag and drop datasets and add the data source by clicking OK in the dialog box.   
• Create the first design, choosing the appropriate visual according to your datasets. Once an appropriate design is selected, Tableau Public can load data and add data to the visuals automatically.   
• Users can create other visuals and compare them to the previous design to select the best design.   
• Lastly, users can go to the ‘Size’ tab and change the size of the visual by clicking the ‘Edit’ key before saving it by tapping “Save to Web.” 

Datawrapper  

It is one of the best tools for beginners with greater exposure to data visualization functionalities. Datawrapper is an easy-to-use and entry-level data visualization tool with an intuitive interface. Its operations can be assessed in three easy steps:  

• Understand your data:  

Ensure to have enough idea of the insights you are aiming to create visuals on. If users do not know what the data is about, they may fail to use the tool efficiently. Moreover, it will assist in choosing the right visuals to illustrate data.   

• Adding data:  

Importing or adding data in Datawrapper is easy. People can directly copy and paste it, import Excel or CVS files, and add links to Google spreadsheets as well as other web files to import data in this tool.   

• Determining visuals:  

Before any steps, designers or analysts need to determine what they want to show through their designs. They need to choose visuals or designs based on the type of data. Suppose if the data is location or region-centric, adding a table cannot be beneficial, instead depicting it with maps will be effective. Therefore, deciding on the type of visuals is the first step.   

Flourish:  

Flourish is an impressive platform with many features to create top-notch visuals. It is one of the best entry-level data visualization tools that can guide newcomers in gaining valuable knowledge in this field. Let us understand how this tool works with a step-by-step checklist:  

• Initially, users need to sign up for the tool and then take the following steps.  
• Go to the “Project Page” and click on the “New visualization” tab to get started with data visualization.  
• In the following part users will get the option to choose templates including several visual types such as bar, pie, chart, map, etc.   
• Selecting any template will redirect users to the “Visualization Editor” section, where they can add their data to initiate visualizations. This section has four chief segments:  

1. Preview tab, where users can preview their designs before exporting.  
2. Data tab, where users can add their data to interchange the sample data.   
3. Column bindings allow users to choose the data depending on which they need to create a visual.   
4. Preview setting panel, which allows users to make changes to the look and feel of a visual.   

• Users can then preview and make changes accordingly to publish and export the design.  

Summing Up!  

Data visualization can be challenging if not employed correctly. Choosing the right design, visual, and form is essential in this strategy to depict complex data in a simple way. Therefore, individuals who want to become data visualization specialists must master entry-level data visualization tools. Follow our checklist to learn to use tools such as Datawrapper, Flourish, and Tableau Public. Read our blogs to elevate your understanding of the latest tech practices.   

Read More:
Best Data Visualization Tools for Beginners In 2024