Why use bar charts in Miro?

Bar charts convert comparisons into clear, shareable visuals right on your Miro board. Teams can co-edit live, add notes around the chart, and present in meetings without leaving the canvas. Miro’s built-in Charts app ensures this process is quick and uniform.

Quick start: create a bar chart in less than a minute

1. Open your board → Charts (left toolbar).

2. Select Bar (vertical or horizontal).

3. Click or drag onto the canvas.

4. Double-click the chart to edit values, labels, and series.

5. Toggle Title/Legend for clarity.

Important limits to note (avoid headaches)

• Positive numbers only: charts don’t accept negative numbers.

• Colours are automatic: you can’t manually select chart colours.

Customize for impact

• Orientation: vertical for comparisons with many categories; horizontal for long labels.

• Series: add multiple series to show side-by-side comparisons (e.g., FY25 vs FY26).

• Labels & legend: keep category names concise; use Title/Legend toggles to minimize clutter.

• Layout: frame the chart, add sticky notes for insights, and group related items (tables, screenshots).

Present and export

Present directly on the board or export the board when you need a static asset for slides or emails (image/PDF).

Templates if you’re short on time

Start from a Bar Graph or Graphs & Charts template, then insert your data and refine. Templates help speed up layout and ensure consistency across boards.

Collaboration tips

• Comment mode: capture questions next to bars; resolve as you iterate.

• Versions: duplicate frames before major changes to keep a record.

• Embed external dashboards: add reference dashboards (e.g., BI tools) alongside your chart for context.

Troubleshooting

• “My negatives won’t plot.” Charts only accept positive values—convert to absolute values and annotate changes in notes if necessary.

• “I can’t change colours.” Colours are auto-assigned; use Title/Legend and concise labels to enhance clarity.

• “Where are chart options?” Select the chart and use the context menu (three dots) or double-click to edit.

Summary

Creating bar charts in Miro is simple: Charts → Bar → Edit → Present/Export. Use series for comparisons, keep labels concise, and add a brief insight note so your chart tells a story at a glance. When you’re ready to implement this across teams, consult Generation Digital for training, templates, and governance.

Next Steps

Book a quick working session with Generation Digital to standardize chart usage and enhance data storytelling across your Miro spaces.

FAQs

How do I start a bar chart in Miro?
Open your board, select Charts on the left toolbar, choose Bar, place it on the canvas, then double-click to edit.

Can I customize colours or use negative values?
Manual colour selection isn’t available and charts only accept positive numbers. Use labels, title, and legend for clarity.

Can I add multiple series?
Yes—add series to compare categories side by side (e.g., regions or time periods).

How do I export my chart?
Present on the board or export the board as an image/PDF using Miro’s export options.