How to make an alluvial diagram
- Prepare your data with one column per stage (for example Baseline, Month 6, Month 12) and, optionally, a count column.
- Paste it into the data box. You can copy cells straight from Excel or Google Sheets, or upload a CSV file.
- Choose the stages to include and the column that holds counts. Leave the value column as “None” if each row is one participant.
- Set the figure size to your journal's column width and choose the font and size the journal requires.
- Export a vector PDF or SVG for submission, or a 600 dpi PNG for Word and slides.
Data format
Use a “wide” table: one row per combination of categories (with a count) or one row per individual (without a count).
| Baseline | Month 6 | Month 12 | Patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe | Moderate | Mild | 14 |
| Moderate | Mild | Remission | 24 |
| Mild | Remission | Remission | 36 |
Empty cells are shown as “(blank)”. Rows with a missing, zero or negative count are skipped and reported under the data box.
Alluvial vs. Sankey diagram
A Sankey diagram shows flows between any nodes in a network, such as energy moving through a system. An alluvial diagram is a special case in which nodes are grouped into ordered stages, and each flow is the same group of units changing category from one stage to the next. Use an alluvial diagram for repeated measures, patient pathways, cohort transitions, survey responses across questions, or classification changes.
Journal figure sizes
| Layout | Typical width |
|---|---|
| Single column | 80–90 mm |
| 1.5 column | 110–140 mm |
| Double column (full page width) | 170–183 mm |
Always check your journal's author guidelines. Most ask for text between 6 and 9 pt at final size, a sans-serif font such as Arial or Helvetica, and colors that remain readable for colorblind readers. The Okabe–Ito and Paul Tol palettes in this tool are designed for that.
Tips for a clear alluvial diagram
- Keep each stage to about eight categories or fewer; merge small categories into “Other”.
- Color flows by the stage your readers should follow, usually the first stage.
- Use the same category order across stages so readers can compare heights.
- Report the total number of units in the figure legend.
Frequently asked questions
Is the alluvial diagram maker free?
Yes. You can create diagrams and export SVG, PDF and PNG files without an account.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. All parsing, drawing and exporting happens in your browser. Your data is never sent to a server, which makes the tool suitable for unpublished or clinical data.
What is the difference between an alluvial diagram and a Sankey diagram?
Both draw flows with widths proportional to quantity. An alluvial diagram is a Sankey diagram whose nodes are arranged in fixed, ordered stages (such as time points or categorical variables), so it shows how the same units move between categories across stages.
Which file format should I submit to a journal?
Most journals prefer vector files (PDF, EPS or SVG) for charts because they stay sharp at any size. If a raster file is required, export PNG at 600 dpi or more at the final printed width.
Can I edit my diagram later, for example after peer review?
Yes. Click “Save project” to download a small project file with your data, category order, colors and settings. Open it later with “Open project” to continue exactly where you left off. The editor also remembers your last diagram in this browser.
How do I change the order or color of categories?
Use the “Categories: order & colors” panel. Pick a stage, drag categories into the order you want (or use the arrow buttons), and click a color swatch to set a category’s color.
Can I reproduce the figure in R?
Yes. Click “R code” to get a ggplot2 + ggalluvial script that contains your aggregated data, colors, fonts and figure size.
How do I cite CleanFigure?
You can write: “Figures were created with CleanFigure (https://cleanfigure.com).” A DOI-based citation will be available soon.