Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When should I pick Chart.js quick charts?
When the story is: internal tools, student web projects, lightweight marketing pages.
When should I avoid Chart.js quick charts?
Skip it in cases like: you need maps, sankeys or publication-grade vector exports only.
Who invented or popularised it?
Chart.js became the default MIT starter chart for the web
What does it encode?
canvas-drawn marks from a small config object
Is it OK in ads?
Yes if one claim is visible at a glance in Meta, Google and retail print; otherwise link to a full figure.
Will a teacher accept it?
Yes for lab reports and poster boards if axes, units and a source line are present.
Chart.js quick charts encodes values as canvas-drawn marks from a small config object. Chart.js became the default MIT starter chart for the web.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits internal tools, student web projects, lightweight marketing pages. Skip it when you need maps, sankeys or publication-grade vector exports only.
Rules
- Rules 1 — Use canvas-drawn marks from a small config object as one channel, not two.
- Rules 2 — Direct labels beat a distant legend.
- Rules 3 — Do not hide zero. If you break the axis, say so.
- Rules 4 — Colour encodes category or magnitude, not both.
- Rules 5 — Put the claim in the title, not just "Chart.js quick charts".
- Rules 6 — Source and period, even in small type.
Palette
- Palette 1 — Categories: distinct hues. Sequences: one hue, changing value.
- Palette 2 — Diverging: a neutral centre, emphasis at both ends.
- Palette 3 — One brand colour plus greys beats a rainbow.
- Palette 4 — Check contrast on a projector and in greyscale print.
Type
- Type 1 — Tabular figures for numbers. Do not pour body copy into the chart.
- Type 2 — Titles as sentences; axes as short nouns.
- Type 3 — For CJK, drop weight one step and leave tracking.
Chart.js quick charts: honour canvas-drawn marks from a small config object, and switch when you need maps, sankeys or publication-grade vector exports only.