Trellis
A Trellis Chart (also called a small multiples chart) is a grid-based visualization that splits a dataset into multiple smaller charts using a shared scale and structure. Each panel (or facet) represents a subset of data based on defined categories, making it easy to compare trends and relationships across dimensions.
This approach allows analysts to quickly detect patterns, differences, and anomalies across categories while maintaining a consistent layout.
Best Situations to Use
Use a Trellis Chart when you want to:
Compare multiple categories or groups side by side with the same visual format.
Display time series trends across different dimensions (e.g., sales by region and product line).
Analyze part-to-whole and distribution patterns across multiple categories.
Present a dashboard-friendly breakdown of metrics into comparable sub-views.
Example: A Trellis chart can show student performance across different subjects (Math, Science, English) by year, allowing quick comparison of patterns between subjects.
Properties of the Trellis Chart
Background
Gradient Rotation: Adjust background gradient angle.
Opacity: Set background transparency.
Gradient: Choose gradient colors; add multiple via the gradient dialog.
Border / Border Color / Border Radius: Customize chart border style and curvature.
Shadow / Shadow Color / Shadow Transparency: Add depth with shadows.
Title
Title Box Color: Set title container background color.
Show Title Box / Show Title: Toggle title box and text visibility.
Title Bar Height: Adjust height of title area.
Description: Add supporting text under title.
Font Properties: Customize font color, size, style, weight, family, alignment, decoration.
Dataset Description: Enable dynamic titles from dataset mappings.
Subtitle
Show Subtitle: Toggle subtitle display.
Description: Add descriptive subtitle text.
Font Properties: Customize font color, size, style, weight, family, alignment, decoration.
Formatter
Unit: Define measurement unit (e.g., %, $, #).
Precision: Set decimal places.
Currency: Format values with currency symbols.
Position: Place unit/currency before or after numbers.
Number Formatter: Choose Indian or International format.
Export Options
Context Menu: Enable right-click export in preview.
Supported Formats: Excel (.xlsx), CSV (.csv), JPEG (.jpg), PNG (.png), PPTX (.pptx), PDF (.pdf).
Print Option: Direct print functionality.
Export Metadata: Add heading, subheading, filename.
Global Export Type: Choose default export mode (Screenshot or Tabular).
Styles
Horizontal Grid Lines: Show/hide horizontal grid lines.
Horizontal / Vertical Line Color: Set grid line colors.
Header BG Color: Define header background.
Font Properties: Customize chart text (color, size, style, weight, family, alignment, decoration).
Chart Variants
Base Variations
Plain Base with Horizontal Drawing Mode
Rectangle Base with Horizontal Drawing Mode
Gradient1–3 Base with Horizontal Drawing Mode
Merged Variations
Line Chart
Bar Chart (Stacked, Clustered, Overlaid, 100% column)
Column Chart (Stacked, Clustered, Overlaid, 100% column)
Shape Chart
Dataset Mapping
To configure a Trellis Chart:
Row: e.g., Year
Column: e.g., Subject
Series: e.g., t1, t3 (metrics to visualize)
Category: e.g., Category dimension
This setup creates a grid of charts, each cell representing a combination of Year and Subject, plotting metrics t1 and t3.
Example
Using the sample dataset:
Row: Year
Column: Subject
Series: t1, t3 (scores)
Category: Category
The Trellis chart displays student performance across subjects over years, enabling direct comparison across subjects and categories in a compact grid.