Heatmap Chart

A heatmap is a data visualization that represents the magnitude of a phenomenon in a two-dimensional space using a color-coded system.

A Heat Map Chart (or Heatmap) is a two-dimensional visualization where values are encoded in colors, providing a quick and intuitive view of data patterns. It functions like a data table with rows and columns representing different categories. Each cell’s color intensity is determined by its corresponding numerical or logical value, making it easy to identify trends, patterns, anomalies, or concentrations in large datasets.

When to Use a Heat Map Chart

Use a Heat Map Chart when you want to:

• Compare values across two categorical dimensions.

• Identify patterns, clusters, or anomalies at a glance.

• Highlight intensity or frequency in large datasets.

• Replace a standard data table with a more visual, color-coded representation.

Examples:

• Evaluating the success of a promotional campaign by region vs. product.

• Analyzing the recruitment funnel by department vs. stage.

• Displaying attendance or engagement patterns by day and time.

Chart Properties

General Settings

• Exclude Global Filter – Exclude the chart from report-level global filters.

• Animation – Enable chart animations for enhanced visual appeal.

• Base Type – Choose a cell color style:

  • Plain

  • Gradient 1

  • Gradient 2

  • Gradient 3

• Opacity – Set transparency level (0 = fully transparent, 1 = fully opaque).

• Show Text on Cell – Display data labels inside cells.

• Text Color – Select the font color for cell values.

• Text Font Size – Adjust the font size of text in cells.

• Show Legend – Display a legend to interpret color intensity.

• Frequency Bar – Display a frequency bar on the right side of the chart.

Frequency Range

• Add Range – Insert custom value ranges for cells.

• Pre-selected Limits – Default upper and lower limits are added automatically to each range.

View Filter

• Filter – Apply filter conditions to restrict the dataset displayed in the chart.

Category Axis (X-Axis)

• Title – Provide a descriptive title.

• Axis Label – Enable/disable labels for categories.

• Label Angle – Set angle for axis labels for better readability.

Value Axis (Y-Axis)

• Title – Provide a descriptive title.

• Axis Label – Enable/disable labels for numeric values.

• Format Type – Choose number format: None, Auto, Percent, Thousand, Lacs, Crore, Million, Billion, Trillion, Quadrillion.

• Currency Type – Select currency symbol: None, Rupees, Euro, Pound, USD, Yen, Cent.

• Precision – Set decimal precision (up to 5 places).

Insights

Use Insights to annotate and emphasize observations.

• Text – Add commentary; highlight key terms or metrics with asterisks (e.g., 70%, High Value).

• Font Size – Adjust the size of the insight text.

• Font Color – Choose text color.

• Text Align – Left, Right, or Center.

• Position – Place annotations at the Bottom or Right.

Best Practices

• Use gradients to highlight subtle differences between values.

• Keep opacity above 0.6 for clarity while retaining background contrast.

• Avoid too many categories—limit rows/columns for readability.

• Enable text on cells for exact values when precision is needed.

• Use frequency bars and legends to make the chart easier to interpret.