Templates / Bar Chart
Bar Chart Template
Publication-quality bar charts for comparing means, counts, and proportions across conditions. Grouped, stacked, and error bar options with journal-ready formatting.
Use this template →Template specifications
Chart type
Bar chart (grouped, stacked, simple)
X-axis
Categorical groups or conditions
Y-axis
Mean, count, or proportion
Error bars
SD, SEM, or CI (optional)
Groups
Up to 12 comparison groups
Replicates
Individual data points overlay
Color palette
Colorblind-friendly default
Export
TIFF 300–1200 DPI / PDF / SVG
Input data format
Your CSV needs two or three columns:
# bar_chart_data.csv
group, value, condition
Control, 12.5, A
Control, 13.2, A
Treatment, 18.7, B
Treatment, 19.1, B
- group — category or condition label
- value — numeric measurement
- condition — (optional) second grouping variable
FAQ
Should I use a bar chart or a box plot?
Use a bar chart for comparing a single summary statistic (mean, median, count) across groups. Use a box plot when you want to show the full data distribution. Many journals now prefer box plots for continuous data.
What error bars should I use?
SEM (standard error of the mean) is common for inferential statistics. SD (standard deviation) is better for showing data spread. CI (confidence interval) is preferred for precise statistical reporting.
Can I overlay individual data points?
Yes. FigureGuild supports overlaying individual data points as dots or jittered points on top of bars. This is recommended for small sample sizes and is preferred by many journals.