Area Story
trend
Area Story
A soft gradient area rises behind a drawn line for editorial data storytelling.
Use this template●Guide 05
Export animated charts as video, GIF, or PNG
step by step.
The right export depends on where the chart will appear. Choose the destination first, then select the file format, aspect ratio, resolution, and quality that preserve readability without unnecessary file size.
Area Story
At a glance What you will learn
From clean data to a chart ready to publish.
- Use MP4 for broad video compatibility
- Use WebM for efficient web delivery
- Use GIF only for short silent loops
- Export PNG as a final-frame fallback
01 Tutorial
Follow the workflow
Work through the steps in order for a new chart, or use them as a review checklist for an existing animation.
- 01
Choose the destination
Identify whether the chart is for a presentation, editor timeline, website, social platform, email, or static report. This determines the practical format constraints.
- 02
Select a file format
Use MP4 for broad playback, WebM for modern web delivery, GIF for lightweight silent loops, and PNG for a crisp still image.
- 03
Set the aspect ratio
Match the final canvas: 16:9 for presentations and standard video, 9:16 for vertical social video, and 1:1 for square placements.
- 04
Choose resolution and quality
Export at the actual display size or higher when the file will be edited. Test labels at the final rendered size before increasing bitrate or resolution.
- 05
Check the complete playback
Watch the exported file outside the browser. Confirm the first frame, transition timing, final hold, color, and any looping behavior.
- 06
Keep a static fallback
Export the final frame as PNG for PDF decks, reduced-motion users, email, print, and publishing contexts where video may not load.
02 Visual examples
Try these chart templates
Compare the motion and reading pattern before committing to a format. Each example opens as an editable, data-driven chart.
Leaderboard Flow
Week 1
04691
03MMira72
01NNoah91
04IIris66
02LLeon84
06AAva58
05KKai63
ranking
Leaderboard Flow
A compact leaderboard with animated positions, values, and a progress trace.
Use this templateshare
Share Donut
Donut segments sweep into place with a ranked legend and total callout.
Use this template03 Apply it
Related use cases
04 FAQ
Common questions
Is MP4 or GIF better for an animated chart?
MP4 usually provides better quality at a smaller file size and is the better choice for social media, presentations, and video editing. Use GIF when you need a short, silent loop in a context without video playback.
What resolution should I use for a presentation?
1920 × 1080 is a strong default for 16:9 presentations. Use a higher resolution only when the chart will be cropped, displayed on a large screen, or integrated into a 4K production.
Why should I export a PNG too?
A static final frame works in PDFs, print, email, search previews, and reduced-motion contexts. It also provides a fallback if video playback fails during a presentation.