A Sankey Diagram, or an Energy Flow Diagram is a visualization used to depict a flow from one set of values to another. The things being connected are called nodes and the connections are called links. It is one of the most useful and difficult to create visualization in Tableau (I have written about how to create Sankey Diagrams in Tableau). The reason being, it takes a lot of effort to create the data in Tableau because we can even start creating the visualization.
However, if you can forgo Tableau, there are a number of tools available which lets you very easily create a Sankey Diagram online.
1. The Sankey Diagram Generator
A simple, easy to use web application to help you create a Sankey Diagram by simply uploading your own data. With the Sankey Diagram Generator you can download the image or share it via email from the website itself.
2. RAWGraphs
RAWGraphs is a free tool to create a Sankey Diagram by simply drag-and-dropping your data on their website. You can even import the data from an URL.
3. Google Charts
Google chart tools are powerful, simple to use, and free. You can try out their rich gallery of interactive charts and data tools. The whole process of creating a Sankey Diagram with Google Charts is highly customizable.
4. SankeyMATIC
With SankeyMATIC, you simply upload your data, customize the Sankey Diagram, and then you can download your finished product as a high resolution graphic, and use it on a website, in a slide deck, or in print.
5. Highcharts
Created by Highsoft, located in Vik i Sogn, Norway, Highcharts lets you easily create Sankey Diagrams online. You even have the option to edit your code in JSFiddle or Codepend from their website.
6. DisplayR
Another online tool to create a Sankey Diagram with a range of customization options. However, the free version of DisplayR comes with certain restrictions, the major restriction being not able to download the output.
Do let me know of any other tools you have come across to create difficult visualizations with ease. And don't forget to share this post on Facebook, or upvote it on Reddit.
[Pic Courtesy: Rodrigo Calloni and Ken Flerlage]
