Charts with Observable Plot
Observable Plot is a concise JavaScript library for exploratory data visualization. It is available globally in Observable Framework - no import needed.
Display rule: Observable Framework displays the return value of a cell only when the cell is a single expression. For charts, keep data definitions in a separate cell above, and put only Plot.plot(...) in the chart cell.
Bar Chart
Line Chart
Scatter Plot
Histogram
Reactive Chart with Inputs
The power of Observable Framework: charts update automatically when inputs change.
When the chart cell is a single Plot.plot(...) expression, Observable Framework can display it and react to dependency changes correctly:
Using Real Data from a File
Apply the same patterns to data from a CSV file:
Plot Quick Reference
| Mark | Use for |
|---|---|
Plot.barX / barY |
Bar chart |
Plot.lineY |
Line chart |
Plot.dot |
Scatter plot |
Plot.rectY + binX |
Histogram |
Plot.areaY |
Area chart |
Plot.text |
Text annotations |
Plot.ruleX / ruleY |
Reference lines |
Plot.geo |
Geographic polygons |
Full documentation: observablehq.com/plot