What is a stream graph maker?

A stream graph maker lets you create a chart showing how multiple categories change in value over time, layered as smoothed, flowing bands around a central axis. AECharts lets you paste data, customize colors and styling, and export and use in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

What data do I need for a stream graph?

For each category, you need a value at each time period. AECharts stacks and smooths the bands automatically to show relative size at every point.

Can I import data from Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Copy your time series data and paste it directly into the editor, one column per category, one row per period.

What export formats are available?

Every chart exports ready to use in PowerPoint or Google Slides, or as an image for reports.

Can I customize the colors?

Yes. Each category band gets its own color, fully customizable. You can also adjust fonts, background color, and label styles to match your brand.

What is a stream graph used for?

Stream graphs are used to show how the composition of several categories shifts over time, such as market share evolution, budget allocation trends, or web traffic sources over months or years.

What is the difference between a stream graph and a stacked area chart?

Both stack categories over time. A stacked area chart sits on a flat baseline, while a stream graph centers the stack around a shifting middle axis, which makes the overall flow and each band's relative size easier to read when there's no meaningful zero baseline.

Do I need design skills?

No. Templates are professionally designed. Paste your data and adjust colors if needed. Most users create their first stream graph in under a minute.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. AECharts is free to start, exports on the free plan include a watermark. The paid plan removes it, starting at $12/month billed annually. No credit card required to start.

Can I use a stream graph in a presentation?

Yes. Charts export ready to drop directly into PowerPoint and Google Slides. Stream graphs work well in market trend decks, annual reports, and any presentation showing how a mix of categories evolved.

Stream Graph Maker, Create Flowing Area Charts Free Online

Built for market share evolution, budget allocation trends, and any time you need to show how a mix of categories shifted over time. Free to start.

Everything You Need to Create Stream Graphs

Easy Data Input: Paste from Excel or Google Sheets. One column per category, one row per period. AECharts smooths and stacks the bands automatically.
Flowing, Centered Layout: Bands are centered around a shifting middle axis instead of a flat baseline, for an organic, easy-to-scan flow.
Export Straight to PowerPoint: Export and drop it directly into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or reports.
Custom Colors: Each category gets its own color. Match your brand palette or use a built-in color scheme.
Real-time Preview: See every change instantly. What you see in the editor is exactly what exports.
No Design Skills Needed: Templates are professionally designed. Paste your data and export, most users are done in under a minute.

When to Use a Stream Graph

Stream graphs work best when you have several categories changing over time and care about the overall shape of change more than a fixed baseline.

Market Share Evolution: Show how competitor market shares shifted over several years in one flowing view.
Budget Allocation Trends: Show how spend mix across departments or categories shifted over time.
Web Traffic Source Trends: Show how traffic sources changed in relative mix over months or quarters.
Product Mix Evolution: Show how revenue mix across product lines shifted over time.
Workforce Composition Over Time: Show how headcount mix across departments or roles evolved.
Content or Topic Trend Analysis: Show how attention across content categories or topics shifted over time.

Stream Graph vs Stacked Area Chart

Both stack categories over time, on different baselines.

Stream Graph

Best for: Showing overall flow and shape when there's no meaningful zero baseline.
Strength: Centered, smoothed layout reads as an organic flow.
Use when: Market share shifts, traffic mix trends, composition changes.

Stacked Area Chart

Best for: Showing totals and parts against a fixed zero baseline.
Strength: Easier to read exact cumulative values at any point.
Use when: Revenue build-up, cumulative totals matter.

AECharts supports both. Switch between chart types to find the right format for your data.

How to Create a Stream Graph

Choose a Template. Browse stream graph templates and pick one that fits your data.
Paste Your Data. Copy from Excel or Google Sheets. One column per category, one row per period. AECharts builds the flowing bands automatically.
Customize Colors & Style. Assign a color to each category and match your brand. Adjust fonts and background.
Export. Export and drop it directly into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or reports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stream Graphs

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