10 Best Tools for Data Journalism and Research

What are the top tools for data journalism? Discover the best tools to assist you with data journalism projects.

Many data journalists are looking for tools that can help them streamline their workflow. In the past, a lot of data journalism was done by hand. Now, plenty of advanced software programs can make it easier. As a data journalist, your time is valuable, and you must ensure that you get as much out of it as possible. What are a few examples of the top tools that data journalists use? Keep reading to find our top recommended tools for data journalism.

One of the best tools for data journalists is Google Sheets. Many people are familiar with Google Drive, which makes it easier to share information with others. Google Drive provides users access to Google Sheets, a collaborative spreadsheet program. With Google Sheets, multiple people can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously. That means that users do not have to worry about moving back and forth from spreadsheet to spreadsheet, wondering which is the most updated version. 

Another till you might want to consider called Tableau Public. This is a comprehensive tool that contains numerous graphs. This includes area charts, scatter plots, bubbles, maps, and pie charts. It has an unparalleled ability for you to take your information and visualize it in whatever format you would like. Even though it does require you to install the program on your desktop, it is effortless to use.

If you want to turn your data into a story, you should consider using Flourish. This program will help you create an interactive, beautiful story out of your information. There are lots of drop-down menus that make it easier for you to segment the chart, and there are plenty of tools that can help you edit your graph. You can easily change the access, the legend, the chart style, and the animation. Then, you can tell your story the way you want.

If you want to add interactive elements to your data, Datamatic can help you do that. For example, perhaps you want to create a video showing how your information changes over time. This tool makes it easier for you to highlight the most important parts of your information. You don’t need to have any prior coding knowledge. You can take your information from Excel, upload it, and let the program go to work for you. 

If you are looking for a program that allows you to publish charts to social media efficiently, then you should consider Infogram. This program has dozens of interactive charts from which to choose, which can significantly enhance your articles. A basic option is perfect for someone starting in data journalism. It will give you approximately a dozen projects for free. The charts are designed to be quickly and easily published to social media, helping you get the word out as fast as possible. 

If you need a tool that can quickly help you visualize your data, then you should consider Datawrapper. The program is straightforward to use. You must copy your data, paste it into a table, and let Datawrapper go to work for you. You can change the color, visualize your data on different devices, and make sure it looks well on mobile devices and computers before you publish it. In addition, you don’t have to worry about creating an account before publishing your information. 

Before publishing your information, you must ensure it is ready for analysis. OpenRefine makes it easier for your team to take data points, check them for inconsistencies, and ensure the data set is accurate. You do not necessarily need coding knowledge, but it makes it easier. With this tool, you can compile all of your information in a few minutes, making it easier for you to get accurate information published quickly. 

If you are looking for a basic spreadsheet program, you may want to consider Microsoft Excel. This tool is free with most Microsoft devices and is free to use online. If you need to pay for it yourself, the price can vary. Because many people grow up using Microsoft Excel, it is still one of the most straightforward tools for data journalists. You can change the size of the cells, customize the font, and use formulas to automate the process.

If you need to talk to your teammates, Zoom is one of the best options available. This is a valuable tool for data journalists as you can conduct interviews to gather research data for your articles. You can also meet with large teams, host meetings, and conduct interviews worldwide. You can share files easily for teammates or interviewees to view live as you meet. That way, you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks. 

If you need to manage projects, Trello can help you. This tool is designed to help people keep track of various deadlines and deliverables. You can also use this task to divide project tasks among your teammates. This is perfect for data journalists working as part of a team. 

Selection Criteria

Some of the criteria that are considered include:

• How easy the tool is to use.
• Availability of customizable features provided with the program.
• The price of the program against what the users received.

Then, we included all of that information to build the list above.

Why You Can Trust Me

Some of the reasons why you can trust me include:

• I have personally tried all of the products above.
• I talked to multiple other journalists to figure out what tools they liked.
• I considered the third-party reviews listed on various websites for these programs.

To learn more about this topic, check out our article “Is Journalism a Good Career?”

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