Charts and tables are a great way to display information in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. Unfortunately, the traditional method of inserting a chart into a website is to write lines of code. But what about those who do not know how to code?
The most convenient way to embed a chart on a website is with a plugin. wpDataTables is a plugin that helps users create, manage, and display interactive charts and tables.
wpDataTables is a user-friendly and flexible plugin. It makes it easy to import data from external sources, style tables according to your needs, and embed a chart anywhere on the website. And users can do all this without any coding knowledge.
This article will discuss the wpDataTables plugin in detail and explain how to embed a chart on a website.
This article will show how to embed a chart on a website with the help of wpDataTables.
First things, first: let’s look at wpDataTables
There’s a good reason why wpDataTables is the #1 WordPress plugin for creating responsive tables and charts.
And it’s really easy to do something like this:
- You provide the table data
- Configure and customize it
- Publish it in a post or page
And it’s not just pretty, but also practical. You can make large tables with up to millions of rows, or you can use advanced filters and search, or you can go wild and make it editable.
“Yeah, but I just like Excel too much and there’s nothing like that on websites”. Yeah, there is. You can use conditional formatting like in Excel or Google Sheets.
Did I tell you you can create charts too with your data? And that’s only a small part. There are lots of other features for you.
Steps for Embedding Charts and Tables
Step 1: Define the basic settings for the chart
To open the wizard, go to the WordPress admin panel and click on the wpDataTables plugin. Click on Create Chart Wizard.
The Chart Creation Wizard tool only asks for necessary information. It just takes four steps to create and customize a chart and five steps to embed it.
The first step is to define the chart’s settings by naming it and choosing its type. Give the chart a unique name so that you can find it quicker among all your other charts later.
Next, select a render engine. You have a choice between three different render engines:
After you choose the render engine, select the chart type. The chart type options will be different depending on what render engine you choose.
Step 2: Choose the data source
Next, users need to choose the data they want to insert into the chart. This data comes from a data table that users have already created in wpDataTables. Select an existing data source from a simple select box.
If users have already created a data table, they can use it for their chart. If not, they need to create a data table first.
Click on the add a chart menu link, import data, and create a table. Now you can choose this table as your data source.
Step 3: Define the data range
After selecting the data source, the wizard takes you to the data range page. Here users can select column ranges, row ranges, and filter data if they want.
Column Range
The first section allows users to define the column range—the block on the left displays the columns from the data source table.
The block on the right displays the columns to be used in the chart. It also provides helpful tips, like the minimum and the maximum number of columns you are allowed according to the chart type you chose.
On the left side block, users can click on the names of the columns. Then they can press Add to select them to appear in the chart. After adding the columns, they will appear in the right-side block.
Users can use the “all” or “none” shortcuts at the top of the box when selecting and deselecting. After selecting the columns, users can reorder them by dragging and dropping them in the right-side block.
Row Range
Next, users need to define the row range. The default setting shows all the rows, but users can choose individual rows and row ranges.
To select a row range, click on the drop-down menu. Select Pick Range, then click on the Range Picker button.
The wizard will show the table. Now users can click and drag to highlight the rows and columns they want. Or they can use the checkboxes at the beginning of each row and column to select the data range.
One last feature on this page is a Follow table filtering option. This option is only available to those who are using all the rows.
Step 4: Formatting and Previewing
Now users will be directed to the editing and previewing page. The chart is visible on the right side of the page, so users can instantly view the changes they make.
The formatting step is divided into categories according to different chart elements. Users can edit and customize everything from the font to the table size, color, and much more.
The first category allows users to change the chart’s appearance. Users can edit the width, background colors, panning, and more.
The second category is the series category, where users can change labels, the vertical axis, curve type, etc.
Next, the axes category gives options for the chart axes. You can choose the following options:
- Gridline style
- Horizontal axis label
- Horizontal crosshair
- Horizontal axis direction
- Vertical axis label
- Vertical crosshair
- Vertical axis direction
- Vertical axis min value
- Vertical axis max value
- Invert
The category after that gives design options for the chart’s title. Following that are tooltip options that appear when viewers hover over a point.
Users can also enable a legend, export the chart data, and include a credit line. There are dozens of individual settings that you can change to create a perfectly customized chart.
Step 5: Save the chart and get the shortcode
Those are the four steps it takes to create and customize a chart. The fifth step is to simply copy the shortcode and embed it into a website.
After formatting and previewing the chart, click next to save it. Highlight and copy the shortcode, and then paste it into any post or webpage.
Now you have an embedded chart.
FAQ about embedding a chart on a website
What is embedding a chart on a website?
Embedding a chart is the process of adding a data visualization, like a graph or a pie chart, directly onto a web page.
This makes it easier for users to understand and interact with data presented on the site. You can create charts using various tools, then copy and paste the HTML, JavaScript, or iframe code into your website’s source code.
How do I choose the right chart type?
Picking the right chart type depends on the data you want to display and the message you want to convey.
Line charts are great for showing trends over time, bar charts for comparing categories, and pie charts for displaying proportions.
Take into consideration your audience, the data’s complexity, and the visual appeal when choosing a chart type.
Are there any free tools for creating charts?
Absolutely! There are several free tools to create charts for your website. Some popular options include Google Charts, Chart.js, and Highcharts.
These tools provide a range of chart types and customization options, making it easy to create professional-looking charts even without extensive coding knowledge.
Can I customize the appearance of my chart?
Yes, you can customize the appearance of your chart to match your website’s design and branding.
Most chart creation tools allow you to modify colors, fonts, labels, and other visual elements. Some tools even offer pre-built themes and templates to make the process easier.
How do I embed a chart using HTML and JavaScript?
To embed a chart using HTML and JavaScript, you’ll first need to create the chart using a tool that supports this method, such as Google Charts or Chart.js.
Once you have your chart, copy the provided HTML and JavaScript code snippets and paste them into your website’s source code. Make sure the code is placed within the appropriate tags and sections of your site.
Is it possible to make my chart interactive?
Yes, many chart creation tools offer the option to make your charts interactive.
This can include features like tooltips, hover effects, and clickable elements. Interactive charts can improve user engagement and provide a richer browsing experience for your website visitors.
How can I make my chart responsive?
To make your chart responsive, meaning it automatically adjusts to different screen sizes and devices, you’ll need to use a chart tool that supports this feature.
Many modern chart libraries, such as Chart.js and Highcharts, offer built-in responsive options. Just follow the tool’s documentation to configure the responsiveness settings.
Can I update my chart data dynamically?
Yes, you can update your chart data dynamically by connecting it to a data source, such as a database, API, or spreadsheet. This enables your chart to automatically update when new data is available. Each chart tool has its own method for connecting to data sources, so refer to the tool’s documentation for detailed instructions.
Are there any limitations to embedding charts on my website?
Some limitations to embedding charts on your website may include browser compatibility, performance issues, or limitations within the chart tool itself.
It’s essential to test your chart across multiple browsers and devices to ensure a consistent user experience. Additionally, using too many charts on a single page can slow down your website’s loading time.
How can I make my chart accessible for all users?
To make your chart accessible, follow web accessibility guidelines and best practices. This includes using proper semantic markup, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and ensuring your chart is keyboard navigable.
Some chart tools offer built-in accessibility features, making it easier to create charts that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Conclusion on using wpDataTables to embed a chart
One of the many advantages of wpDataTables is that users can import data from multiple external sources. They can configure a table, making it responsive and interactive with a few clicks of the mouse.
After that, embedding the chart into a website with a shortcode couldn’t be easier. An added bonus is that users can keep their tables even if they delete the plugin.
wpDataTables is an outstanding and efficient tool for embedding charts into websites. It is the perfect solution for those who do not have the technical ability to display and manage a chart online.
But it is also the perfect solution for those with that technical ability because, with this plugin, users can save time by embedding a chart in five simple steps.
If you enjoyed reading this article on embed a chart, you should check out this one on creating a Google Forms results graph.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like how to merge cells in HTML, how to create a survey table with wpDataTables and Forminator, how to design a table, how to create a heatmap table with wpDataTables, DataTables alternatives, JavaScript table libraries, and WordPress pricing table plugins.
