When to use

At a glance

ComfortableCompact

Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.

Clarity76

Persuasion48

Density80

Craft cost62

School fit70

Work fit78

LessMore

Vega-Lite grammar encodes values as unit specifications of mark + encoding channels. Vega-Lite from the University of Washington Interactive Data Lab.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits reproducible analysis figures, teaching encodings, notebooks. Skip it when you only need one disposable bar for a meeting invite.

Use when

• Use when 1 — Use Vega-Lite grammar when the story is reproducible analysis figures, teaching encodings, notebooks.
• Use when 2 — Build the first draft in Excel or Google Sheets, then restyle — do not screenshot.
• Use when 3 — In PowerPoint, one Vega-Lite grammar per slide, claim in the title.
• Use when 4 — For lab reports and poster boards, this form works when the question is comparison or process.
• Use when 5 — In Meta, Google and retail print, keep one number visible at thumbnail size.

Avoid when

• Avoid when 1 — Skip Vega-Lite grammar in cases like: you only need one disposable bar for a meeting invite.
• Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
• Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
• Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide

Audiences

• Work — PowerPoint
• Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
• School — lab reports and poster boards

Vega-Lite grammar: honour unit specifications of mark + encoding channels, and switch when you only need one disposable bar for a meeting invite.

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