Create and format trellis charts
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Trellis charts (also known as small multiples or panel charts) allow you to compare and analyse multiple subsets of data within a single chart element. The subsets are represented by smaller charts (or panels) arranged in rows and columns based on specific data dimensions. The division of data and resulting grid-like structure make it easier to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that can help you uncover valuable insights within large, complex datasets.
This document introduces the concept and structure of trellis charts and explains how to use them to add clarity and value to your charts.
The following chart types support trellising:
Trellis charts enable you to quickly and effectively visualise multidimensional data subsets and explore them from different angles. Although you could build an individual chart element for each data subset, you can quickly create a trellis chart that offers several advantages that contribute to data coherence and ease of use, including the following:
Organisation: Data subsets are presented in a logical, organised structure that facilitates systematic comparison and exploration.
Scalability: Data updates, including new attributes introduced to the dataset, are seamlessly incorporated into the chart’s dimensions.
Consistency: The shared underlying data ensures consistent application of filters and aggregations, while the use of a single chart provides uniformity in scale, format, and styling.
In a trellis chart, rows (vertical divisions) represent one dimension, while columns (horizontal divisions) represent another. The individual panels represent the intersections of specific row and column attributes, which visualise data subsets that are more digestible and easily compared in the context of the dimensions and corresponding attributes.
The following charts demonstrate how trellising can enhance data chart.
No trellising: This initial chart shows a basic view that compares total revenue per fiscal year from 2019 to 2023. The stacked bars differentiate revenue for each product family, providing an additional dimension to explore within and across each year.
Trellis columns: This second chart incorporates trellis columns to deepen the analysis. You can still analyse total revenue by fiscal year and product family, but the additional dimension allows you to compare these data points within and across smaller data subsets based on store region.
Trellis rows and columns: This final chart incorporates trellis rows and columns for even more granular data subsets. As with the previous chart, you can still analyse total revenue by fiscal year and product family, but the two additional dimensions allow you to compare data points within and across data subsets based on the intersections of store regions and product types.
While the grid structure makes it easy to compare revenue between data subsets that share a common store region or product type (shared attributes across the same row or column), you can also obtain meaningful insights by exploring data points across the complete grid.
Open a workbook in Explore or Edit mode and build a basic chart.
To derive dimensions from an existing column in the data source, search or scroll the Select column list and select the preferred option.
To create dimensions based on a new column, select Add new column, then enter a function or value in the formula bar.
To derive dimensions from an existing column in the data source, search or scroll the Select column list and select the preferred option.
To create dimensions based on a new column, select Add new column, then enter a function or value in the formula bar.
If your chart is a bar, line, area, or scatter chart containing multiple series, such as both Revenue and Cost, you can create a trellis chart split by the series:
Open a workbook in Explore or Edit mode and build a chart with at least two data series.
For Trellis by, select Series.
For Direction, select Row (default) or Column.
You can change the visibility of trellis titles and labels, customise the chart title, font size, and font colour as needed.
Open a workbook in Explore or Edit mode and select the chart element you want to modify.
Modify the available options for the trellis:
To modify the size of the trellis tiles within the chart, modify the Tile size. You can choose Auto or Compact.
For a trellis chart with rows or columns, you can choose to show or hide a border between rows and columns. To show the border, select the checkbox for Show row border or Show column border. To hide the border, clear the checkbox.
Configure the title and label for the trellis rows or columns in the chart:
To show the title, select the checkbox for Show title. To hide the title, clear the checkbox.
To show the label, select the checkbox for Show label. To hide the label, clear the checkbox.
If you show a title or label, enter the title or label in the relevant text field.
To change the font size and colour of trellis titles and labels, use the formatting tools:
Font size
Select a font size (10-48px).
Font colour
Enter a hex value or select an option from the colour palette or picker.
By default, Analytics Pro displays shared x-axis labels for each column (cartesian charts only), shared y-axis labels for each row (cartesian charts only), and a shared legend for the entire grid. You can customise the trellis format to use shared components or display separate labels and legends for each panel.
Open a workbook in Explore or Edit mode and select the chart element you want to modify.
To change the shared components, configure the X-axis, Y-axis, and Colour legends fields:
To share the axis values or legend, select the checkbox.
To display the axis values or legend in each panel, clear the checkbox.
In the Element properties panel, select the Marks > Trellis tab.
To create a vertical comparison of data subsets, click Add column in the Trellis row property, then use one of the following methods to define the row dimensions:
To create a horizontal comparison of data subsets, click Add column in the Trellis column property, then use one of the following methods to define the column dimensions:
In the Element properties panel, select the Marks > Trellis tab.
Select Element format in the side navigation, then click Trellis to expand the section.
Select Element format in the side navigation, then click Trellis to expand the section.
