We have updated our charts experience for Google Slides/ Sheets. Although, we recommend using the new experience for ease of use, the old method of creating and tagging charts is still supported.
Matik makes it easy to add data driven charts to your presentations. Our updated chart experience allows you to power multiple Dynamic Content and linked charts from a single Google Sheet. The end result is less linked files, an easier tagging experience, and more flexibility in any calculations or data transformations done in the spreadsheet powering the chart.
Working with Google Sheets Charts
Creating charts in your Matik templates is simple. The new process offers greater flexibility and works similarly to Google Sheets templates.
The easiest way to set up charts is by using Dynamic Content that outputs data in the same format as your chart. This content is tagged in your Google Sheet and automatically updates the chart when Matik generates a presentation.
You can also combine one or more pieces of Dynamic Content—such as text or tables—and apply transformations to shape the data for your chart. Dynamic content can be placed anywhere in the sheet, and you can use spreadsheet formulas to manipulate the data as needed.
Once your chart's data range is updated, Matik will insert the latest version of the chart into your generated presentation.
To get started:
Create a Chart Linked to a Google Sheet
The charts in your templates should be linked to a Google sheet. You can add one from the Slides Insert Menu or create one in a Google Sheets and copy the chart item to your presentation. If copy pasting an existing chart, be sure to "Link to spreadsheet".
You can add any formatting desired to your chart and Matik will maintain that formatting when updating the presentation.
Create your Dynamic Content
Create the Dynamic Content needed for your chart. If you are new to creating Dynamic Content see our Dynamic Content Overview article.
When creating your Dynamic Content for the new charts experience it must be Table or Text type!
Tag your Dynamic Content in the Chart Spreadsheet
The Dynamic Content powering your chart will be tagged directly into the linked spreadsheet. Do not tag the alt-text in the presentation, use in app tagging, or use the Matik Google Slides add-on to tag a chart using this method. The tag(s) in the linked Google Sheet are all that is needed.
If your Dynamic Content, returns data ready for your chart, you can tag directly in the chart data range. E.g. If my chart data range is: A1:B5
And my Dynamic Content returns
I can tag directly in to A1:B5.
If your Dynamic Content output requires data transformation, tag outside the chart area and use formulas to manipulate the data in the chart area into its final form. See the complex Dynamic Content example below.
To tag within a Google Sheet:
- Select the top left most cell in the range of cells you want to tag. Right-click the cell and select Insert Note. If your Dynamic Content will return multiple rows and/or columns still only select the one top-left most cell.
- Inside the notes window, type the name of the Dynamic Content you want to tag, using the double curly braces notation e.g.,
{{Dynamic_Content_Name}} - Tag formatting and sub-content are supported using the standard notation. e.g.,
{{Dynamic_Content_Name|numberformat(2)}} - Each cell can only be tagged with one piece of Dynamic Content
-
If the return tables or cell of two pieces of Dynamic Content overlap, the value will be chosen at random. Pay close attention to the maximum size of the tables returned from your Dynamic Content to ensure your Dynamic Content doesn't overlap or overwrite existing formulas, data, or other undesirable behavior.
Update the Chart, Sync the Template, Test
When done tagging, update the chart within the Slides template. Click on the update icon displayed on the chart on the Slides template.
Next sync the Template from within Matik and test your presentation.
Share the Linked Chart Sheet
Anyone editing the chart will need Edit access in Google Drive and anyone generating a presentation will need read access to the chart. Be sure to share the linked chart out appropriately. As a best practice, we recommend putting all of your Matik assets (slides templates, spreadsheets, etc. in a Shared Google Drive to make it easy to share out all assets at once.
Complex Chart Example
The chart on the spreadsheet below is powered by multiple pieces of Dynamic Content and formulas. Dynamic Content producing the ARR, Old Resolution Time, New ticket resolution time, and table of purchased licensees by Month are all used to calculate Dollars saved and Time Saved for each month.
It was built by first setting up the spreadsheets formulas and calculations and creating the chart from the result. The input cells were then tagged with the relevant dynamic content. Finally, the chart was copied to the Google Slide and everything was synced.
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