Heatmap Charts

Heatmap charts are commonly used to show relationships between two variables is a highly visual way. A Heatmap displays a two-dimensional tabular view of data, with each cell colored depending on the magnitude of the measure displayed. For example, Heatmaps allow users to visualize hot spots within data sets, and to show patterns and correlations.

Setting up a Heatmap chart

To set up a Heatmap chart, click on Insert in the Designer and then click on the charts .

Choose Heatmap charts in the pop-up menu.

For more information on how to fill the Insert Chart menu, check the article Inserting a Chart.

Color Scaling the Heatmap chart

You can change the Heatmap colors and fine tune the color scale. To do this, right-click on the chart, select the Format Chart Properties, and then choose the Color Scale option.

By default the Heatmap will have two colors defined, one for the smallest number (Color stop position = 0%) and one for the largest number (Color stop position = 100%) You can modify the colors and add additional color stop positions to refine the color scale and visually enhance your Heatmap chart.

To add a new stop position, click on the icon and to delete a stop position select the position and then click on the icon.

In the Color scale position section, you can change the position of the color scale guide on your chart. For example, you can select the "top" position.

Adding a scrollbar to a Heatmap chart

When you have a larger data set, you can add horizontal or vertical scrollbars to your Heatmap. This way, you can still see the details and values within each square of the Heatmap. To add scrollbars to your chart, right-click on the horizontal or vertical axis and select the Format axis. You can also configure your scrollbar in the Format axis menu.

Heatmap charts examples

Standard Heatmap

The standard Heatmap chart can be used when you have a moderate amount of data.

Large Heatmap

The large Heatmap chart can be used when you have a lot of points and you want to show them all within one picture.

You can also modify the data type on the axes of a large Heatmap chart, changing the date/time format. To do this, right-click on any axis and select the Format axis…

Updated September 25, 2024