Categorical Scatter Plot Maker
Visualize data distributions across categories. Add multiple groups, toggle mean lines, customize jitter, and export publication-ready SVG or PNG charts — all free, no signup required.
Multiple Categories
Add unlimited categories on the X-axis to compare data distributions side by side.
Color-Coded Groups
Overlay multiple experimental groups with distinct colors for instant visual comparison.
SVG & PNG Export
Download your chart as an infinitely scalable SVG vector or high-resolution PNG image.
What is a Categorical Scatter Plot?
A categorical scatter plot (also called a strip plot or dot plot for categorical data) displays individual data points across distinct categories on one axis. Unlike a standard scatter plot that plots two continuous variables against each other, a categorical scatter plot maps one axis to discrete categories (such as treatment groups, experimental conditions, or time periods) and the other to numerical values.
This makes it ideal for comparing distributions across groups. You can quickly see where each group's values cluster, identify outliers, and spot differences in spread and central tendency. When multiple groups are overlaid with different colors, the chart becomes a powerful tool for visual hypothesis testing.
Our tool adds jitter (random horizontal displacement) to prevent overlapping dots from hiding each other, and optionally displays mean lines for each group within each category. All processing happens in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add data to the categorical scatter plot?
Enter your category names separated by commas in the "Category" field, then enter values for each category on separate lines in the "Values" field. Click "Add Group" to add the data to the chart. You can add multiple groups for comparison.
Can I import data from a CSV file?
Yes! Switch to the "CSV" tab and either drag and drop a .csv file or click to browse. The file should have two columns: category name and value. The first row (header) is automatically detected and skipped.
What does the jitter control do?
Jitter adds random horizontal displacement to dots within each category. This prevents overlapping dots from hiding each other, making it easier to see the density of data points. Set jitter to 0 for perfectly aligned dots.
What is the dashed line in each category?
The dashed horizontal line within each category represents the mean value for that group. You can toggle the mean line display on or off using the "Show Mean Line" switch in the style controls.
Is my data secure?
Yes. All data processing happens entirely in your web browser using client-side JavaScript. Your data is never uploaded to any server, stored in any database, or shared with any third party.