The blue icon represents a streamgraph

Stream graph

DATYLON > CHART LIBRARY > STREAM GRAPH

What is a stream graph?

A stream graph is a beautiful variation of a stacked area chart. The difference is in the placement of the areas – they are not fixed to the traditional axis line. Instead, they are placed around the central axis. This creates a visualization that resembles a river-like stream.

The stream's shape, made up of peaks and troughs representing varying values over time, can also indicate seasonal patterns. However, the primary purpose of this chart is to show an overall view of the part-to-whole proportions and relations between values in dynamic, without focusing on a detailed representation of the values.

Streamgraph was developed recently by Lee Byron and made popular by the New York Times publication of the history of movies’ box office revenues  “Ebb and Flow of Movies” by Mathew Bloch, Lee Byron, Shan Carter, and Amanda Cox.

An example of a streamgraph chart, which visualizes the evolution of baby girl names in the US between 1880 and 2020

Variations of a stream graph

The charts below are variations of a stream graph. To learn how to make them with Datylon, check out the area chart user documentation in the Help Center.
A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stacked area chart

Stacked area charts use a more traditional way of visualizing data over time utilizing the X- and Y- axes. The key difference is that a stacked area chart allows one to see the totals of the whole stack in a more precise way.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a percentage stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a percentage stacked area chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Percentage stacked area chart

Such a chart can be created by adding percentages instead of absolute values to a stream graph. It shows the approximate proportion of an area relative to other areas without focusing on the absolute values.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a stepped streamgraph with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a stepped streamgraph with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stepped streamgraph

In contrast to traditional stream graphs where area borders are smoothed, stepped streamgraphs present each area range as a rectangle, similar to a stacked bar chart. This format provides a more precise view of each entry.

Alternatives to a stream graph

Substitute your stream graph with the charts below when you want an alternative representation of the data distribution or data over time.
A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a stacked column chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a stacked column chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Stacked column chart

A stacked column chart can be an alternative for a stepped streamgraph as it has the same visual elements – stacked rectangles. However, the main difference lies in the positioning of the axes. A stacked bar chart uses the standard X and Y axes, whereas a stream graph centers around a central axis.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a line chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a line chart with a Datylon icon next to it indicating you can make it with Datylon.

Line chart

A good chart to use if a stream graph appears too complicated. Line charts allow for a simpler presentation of the data, making them more easily comprehensible for a broader audience. Compared to stream graphs, line charts are more conventional and are used more frequently in data visualization.

A yellow icon shows a simplified example of a violin plot.
A pale icon (only visible when you hover on the yellow icon) shows a simplified example of a violin plot.

Violin plot

This chart can serve as an alternative to stream graphs for displaying percentage distribution. One key difference between them is their orientation - the violin plot is vertical while the stream graph is horizontal. The violin plot is suited for showing one series, whereas the streamgraph is used for visualizing multiple series.

Pro tips for designing a stream graph

Learn how to improve the readability and visual appeal of your stream graph.
An image supporting the paragraph about

Labeling & legends

A stream graph is commonly used for visualizing multiple series and its unique characteristics may not always allow for the use of direct labels. In situations where adding all of the series names to the chart is not feasible, using a legend can be a suitable alternative.

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An image supporting the paragraph about coloring streamgraphs shows two different approaches to coloring these charts, explained in the paragraph next to it.

Coloring

When it comes to coloring stream graphs, there are typically two main approaches. The first is by using color to distinguish categories, assigning each one a distinct hue. This method works well as long as the number of categories is relatively small (typically around 6 to 10, depending on the specific case). The second option is to color groups with the same hue, but vary the saturation and lightness for each individual category within those groups. This technique is particularly useful when comparing two or more big categories.

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Image supporting the paragraph about highlighting streamgraphs.

Highlighting

To draw attention to certain categories in a stream graph, one effective technique is to highlight these areas while using a neutral color for the rest. Our brain is wired to notice deviations instantly. This can be done, for example, by applying changes in size, movement, or color. This way, highlighting a specific area will help catch the reader’s eye immediately.

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Image supporting the paragraph about sorting data in ascending or descending order in streamgraphs.

Sorting

Sorting the areas of a chart in ascending or descending order can significantly improve readability and help users better understand the chart. Sorting also allows the viewer to reduce the time needed to figure out the scope of the chart and focus on certain details.

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Create your own stream graph

Join Datylon for free and get started online or download our Datylon for Illustrator plug-in with a 14-day trial. Connect with a Datylon expert for a demo session.

Discover more charts in our Chart Library

Learn more about the different types of charts and graphs you can design with Datylon. Discover other resource pages in our Datylon Chart Library.