Need to present your latest sales figures, project performance, or survey results? Data is the foundation of good decision-making in a world driven by numbers. But raw data can be overwhelming and uninspiring, leaving your audience disengaged and your message lost in the numbers.
Graphical representations like the column chart can help you with data analysis. Also called a vertical bar chart or bar graph, it presents data as bars, with the height of each bar proportional to the value it represents. Visualizing data in this way makes it easy to compare, spot trends, and learn from them.
And to make things easier, online column chart makers, like Wondershare EdrawMax, simplify creating professional-looking charts. It is a convenient and accessible platform to make charts in minutes. Leverage diagramming tools to transform complex data into clear and compelling visuals.
The following section will provide a step-by-step guide on creating column charts online. But that's not all – we'll also share customizable templates and expert tips to inspire confidence and make you an expert in data visualization.
In this article
Part 1. How To Draw a Column Chart on EdrawMax Online?
The first few minutes of your presentation are crucial for making a good impression. Wondershare EdrawMax can help you make a bar graph that will leave a lasting impact on your audience. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, you can save time and effort so you can focus on more strategic tasks.
Step 1: On the homepage, Go to New > Graphs and Charts. Then, hover your cursor over the Column option.
Step 2: Two options will appear: Create New and Show Templates. Depending on your preference, you can choose one of the following paths:
Step 2a: If you want to start from scratch with a new column chart, click Create New.
Next, drag and drop a column chart from the Symbol Library on the left panel into your drawing area. Select from simple, clustered column chart or stacked column chart styles.
Step 2b: If you want to use a pre-designed template, click General > Graphs and Charts. Then scroll down to the Column section and click Use Now to select a template.
Step 3: Select the column chart, then in the floating toolbar, choose Manage Data from the Manage Data drop-down list. Enter your data into the table in the right panel. Alternatively, select Import Data to upload data from your local storage.
Step 4: Customize the style of the column chart in several ways:
- Click Type from the floating toolbar and select an option to switch from a clustered column chart to a stacked column chart in one click.
- From the right-side navigation pane, click the Theme Then, select a palette from the Color tab to apply a new design to the column chart.
- Right-click the column chart, then choose Chart Analysis > Trends Prediction. Edraw AI will generate business insights based on your data from the right panel.
- Alternatively, click AI in the upper navigation pane. Then, choose Chart Analysis > Data Comparison and let the AI assistant generate a comparative analysis.
Step 5: Go to File > Export in the upper navigation pane after editing. You can save the column chart in different formats, such as graphics, PDF, and PowerPoint.
Part 2. Column Chart Templates
EdrawMax’s Templates Community offers many bar graph examples to inspire impactful visuals. These templates are easy to customize to match your data and branding, saving time and effort. They also ensure consistency with your presentation style. Choose from stacked column charts to clustered column charts to find the style and layout that suits your needs.
Clustered Column Chart Template
below. 
below. The clustered column chart is great for comparing data across categories. It lets you see the relative values of different items within each category. This bar chart example makes it ideal for comparing trends over time or across groups.
Stacked Column Chart Template
This bar chart example shows how different categories contribute to a whole. It segments each bar into smaller sections, representing the proportion of each category. A stacked column chart makes it ideal for understanding how different factors contribute to an outcome.
Single Bar Graph Example
The single-column chart allows you to focus on the individual values for each category. It makes it ideal for comparing trends over time or across different groups. You can also customize the chart by using symbols to represent each category.
Part 3. Why Choose Edrawmax Online?
EdrawMax is an AI-powered diagramming tool that offers several features for creating column charts. It is easy to use and offers several features, making it a good option for users of all skill levels.
Here are some of the key features that make EdrawMax one of the best online column chart makers:
- AI Chart Analysis
EdrawMax AI can automatically analyze your data and identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. This app makes creating informative column charts highlighting your data's most significant insights easy. It can also help you to understand your data and make better decisions.
- Ready-made Templates
Easily start from various column chart templates, whether you are looking for a stacked or clustered column chart. You can change your chart's colors, fonts, symbols, and other elements.
- Data Import
It supports data import from Excel files, making it easy to make a column chart from your existing data.
- Presentation Mode
Present your column charts directly from the app or export them to PowerPoint. EdrawMax makes it easy to share your insights with others.
- Flexible export formats
Export your charts in PDF or graphics for sharing or Excel, Word and PowerPoint for further editing.
Part 4. Tips for Making Column Charts
Column charts, or bar graphs, are a versatile and effective way to visualize data. You can use them to compare different categories of data, track changes over time, and show the relationship between other variables. Here are some tips for creating effective column charts:
Choose the Right Type of Column Chart
There are two main types of column charts: clustered and stacked. You can use clustered column charts to compare different categories of data, while stacked column charts show the composition of each category.
Use a Consistent Style
Your column charts should have the same style. It includes using the same colors, fonts, and layout. Doing so will make your charts look more professional and polished.
Avoid Using Too Many Colors
Too many colors can make your column chart challenging to read and interpret. It is best to use a limited number of colors, such as two or three.
Add Data Labels to Your Chart
Data labels can help to show the exact values for each bar in your column chart. It can be valuable for comparing the different categories of data more closely.
Add a Legend to Your Chart
A legend can help identify the different data categories in your column chart. It is vital if you are using multiple colors or patterns in your chart.
Avoid Using Too Many Categories
If you have too many categories in your column chart, it will be difficult for viewers to see the data. Consider grouping similar categories or using a different type of chart, such as a line or pie chart.
Highlight Important Data Points
You can use different colors or formatting to highlight important data points in your column chart. It can help to draw viewers' attention to the most vital information.
Part 5. Conclusion
Now that you know how to draw a column chart online, what type of data would you like to visualize? You can use it to present your sales revenue, social media engagement, and product inventory, among other things.
Creating a column chart is relatively straightforward, whether using a spreadsheet program, presentation software, or a dedicated charting tool like EdrawMax. Following the tips in this article, you can easily make column charts to help you effectively communicate your data.
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