Creating charts in WordPress is a great way to visually present data on your website. Fortunately, there are several free plugins that allow you to generate beautiful charts without needing any coding skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create charts in WordPress using a free plugin.
Best Free Plugins for Creating Charts in WordPress
- WPCharts
- Visualizer: Charts and Graphs
- Chart.js (via a plugin like “WP Chart.js”)
- Data Tables Generator by Supsystic
1. Using WPCharts to Create Charts in WordPress
WPCharts is a lightweight and user-friendly plugin designed specifically for creating charts in WordPress.
Steps to Create Charts Using WPCharts:
- Install the WPCharts Plugin:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for WPCharts and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin.
- Create a New Chart:
- After activation, you’ll see a new menu item called WPCharts in the WordPress admin panel.
- Click on WPCharts > Add New Chart.
- Enter Data:
- Select the chart type (e.g., Line, Bar, Pie, etc.).
- Enter your data in the fields provided (you can manually input the data or upload it in CSV format).
- Customize the Chart:
- Customize the chart by adjusting colors, labels, and axes.
- You can also choose chart options like showing grid lines, legends, and tooltips.
- Publish and Embed the Chart:
- After creating your chart, click on Publish.
- Copy the shortcode generated for the chart.
- Paste the shortcode wherever you want the chart to appear (in a page, post, or widget).
2. Using Visualizer: Charts and Graphs
Visualizer is one of the most popular and feature-rich free plugins for creating charts and graphs in WordPress. It supports a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, line charts, and more.
Steps to Create Charts Using Visualizer:
- Install the Visualizer Plugin:
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Visualizer: Charts and Graphs.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
- Create a New Chart:
- Once activated, go to Visualizer > Charts in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on Add New.
- Choose the chart type (Bar Chart, Line Chart, Pie Chart, etc.).
- Add Data to Your Chart:
- A popup will appear asking you to add data. You can either enter your data manually or import it from a CSV file.
- The plugin allows you to customize your chart by adding titles, legends, and data labels.
- Customize Your Chart’s Appearance:
- You can change colors, fonts, axis labels, and more in the chart editor.
- Visualizer provides various customization options to help you create a chart that suits your site’s design.
- Insert the Chart into Your Post/Page:
- After creating your chart, click on Save.
- Copy the chart’s shortcode.
- Paste the shortcode into the page or post where you want the chart to appear.
3. Using WP Chart.js to Create Charts
Chart.js is a popular JavaScript library used for creating responsive, animated charts. You can integrate Chart.js into WordPress via a plugin like WP Chart.js.
Steps to Create Charts Using WP Chart.js:
- Install the WP Chart.js Plugin:
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for WP Chart.js and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin.
- Create a New Chart:
- After activation, you will find a new option called Chart.js in your admin panel.
- Click Chart.js > Add New Chart.
- Enter Chart Data:
- Choose the chart type (Bar, Line, Pie, etc.).
- Enter your chart data (you can enter this manually or via a CSV file).
- Customize the Chart:
- Adjust colors, labels, and settings such as tooltips and legends.
- Chart.js also offers advanced customization features like animations.
- Embed the Chart in Your Page/Post:
- Once your chart is ready, you will get a shortcode.
- Paste the shortcode into your WordPress post, page, or widget.
4. Using Data Tables Generator by Supsystic
The Data Tables Generator by Supsystic plugin is great for creating both data tables and charts from your data. It supports a variety of chart types and provides powerful customization options.
Steps to Create Charts Using Data Tables Generator by Supsystic:
- Install the Data Tables Generator Plugin:
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Data Tables Generator by Supsystic.
- Click Install Now and activate it.
- Create a New Table:
- After activation, go to Supsystic > Data Tables.
- Click on Add New Table and add your data manually or import it from a CSV file.
- Generate a Chart from the Table:
- Once your table is ready, you can generate a chart by going to the Chart tab in the table editor.
- Select your preferred chart type and customize it.
- Insert the Chart in Your Content:
- After generating your chart, you’ll get a shortcode.
- Copy and paste the shortcode into a WordPress post, page, or widget.
Tips for Creating Effective Charts in WordPress:
- Use the Right Chart Type: Choose the right chart for your data. For instance, use a pie chart for parts of a whole, line charts for trends over time, and bar charts for comparing categories.
- Keep It Simple: Avoid overloading your charts with too much data or too many colors. A clean, simple chart is usually more effective.
- Optimize for Mobile: Make sure your charts are responsive, especially since many users will access your site on mobile devices.
- Use Legends and Labels: Ensure your charts are easy to understand by using clear labels and a legend (if necessary).
Conclusion
Creating charts in WordPress with a free plugin is an easy process, thanks to plugins like Visualizer, WPCharts, WP Chart.js, and Data Tables Generator by Supsystic. These tools offer different levels of customization, from simple chart creation to advanced features, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
By following the steps outlined above, you can start adding dynamic and informative charts to your WordPress site in just a few clicks. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced user, these plugins make data visualization simple and effective!
