Getting started with DataDesk
DataDesk is a data and visuals repository for journalists, researchers and businesses. It gives you access to curated datasets and interactive charts. This guide covers everything available to you as a user.
Access levels
DataDesk has three levels of access:
Public access — a limited selection of free charts is available without signing in.
Premium access — available to Enterprise and Publisher members. Includes all charts, plus the ability to customise charts and download data.
The dashboard — /app
When you sign in you land on the dashboard. This is the main view of all available charts.
Browsing charts
Charts are displayed as cards in a grid. Each card shows the chart title, a small chart preview, and any tags associated with the dataset.
Filtering by category
Above the grid you’ll find category filter buttons. Click any category to show only charts in that group. Click All to return to the full list. The number of available charts is shown at the top of the page.
Viewing a chart — /app/chart/[id]
Click any chart card to open the full chart view.
Chart description
If a description is available it appears above the chart. A View metadata link may also appear, pointing to the original data source.
Customising a chart
Enterprise and Publisher members see a Customise panel to the right of the chart. If you have made any changes a small dot appears on the panel header and a “Chart customised” banner is shown at the top of the panel with a Reset to defaults button.
Your customisations are saved automatically in your browser for one hour. If you return to the same chart within that time your settings will be restored.
Date range
For time-series charts, Start date and End date pickers let you zoom into a specific period. Click Reset to restore the full date range.
Data
For charts with multiple lines you can show or hide individual series using the checkboxes under Data.
You can also add a shaded area fill between two lines — enable the checkbox, then choose which two lines to fill between using the From/To dropdowns.
Styles
The Styles section controls visual options:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Show area fill | Shades the area under the line |
| Show closing value | Labels the final data point |
| Show highest value | Labels the maximum data point |
| Show lowest value | Labels the minimum data point |
| Show legend | Toggles the chart legend |
| Show markers | Adds dots at each data point |
| Show hover tooltips | Enables a tooltip when you hover over the chart |
| Show line names at end | Labels each line at its right-hand end |
Text elements
You can override the chart Title and add a Subtitle using the Text Elements section. These changes are reflected live in the chart above.
Downloading data
Enterprise and Publisher members can download the chart using the buttons below the customise panel:
- Download SVG — a vector image, suitable for further editing
- Download PNG — a raster image ready to share or publish
- Download CSV — the underlying data as a spreadsheet
Downloads reflect the current date range and any active filters you have applied.
Searching
Use the search feature to find charts by title or description. Results are filtered to only show charts you have access to.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see all charts? Some charts are premium-only. You need an Enterprise or Publisher membership to access them.
Why is the Customise panel greyed out? Customisation is available to Enterprise and Publisher members. Upgrade your membership to unlock it.
I customised a chart but my changes disappeared. Customisations are stored in your browser for one hour. They will be cleared if you use a different browser, clear your browser data, or return after the hour has elapsed.
Can I share my customised chart with someone else? Not directly — customisations are stored locally in your browser and aren’t saved to a shareable URL. Download the chart as a PNG or SVG to share it.
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