Extracting data from jpeg/png charts¶

If you have an image-based graphic, I recommend using PlotDigitizer to (roughly) convert it into a CSV file.

Step 1: Find a graphic¶

Stacked bar graphs are tough, but you can do them.

The graphic we are going to work on

You'll want to load up PlotDigitizer and drag it on in.

Our empty canvas

Step 2: Set the graphic type¶

While our graphic is a bar chart, I've found using 2D XY is best as it allows us to capture both the X and Y axes.

Select type

Step 3: Set our boundaries¶

Y1/Y2 and X1/X2 marks will appear on the uploaded graphic. Drag the circles to labeled tick marks of your axis. Once you have done that, enter the values in the bottom right-hand corner.

Set axis marks

Notice in this case I've marked January as 1 and August as 8. In theory there is a "Date/Time" option but I've never gotten it to work.

Step 4: Marking our data points¶

Mark the top of each of your bars (or lines, or whatever!).

Mark data points

Notice how each mark fills in a row on the left-hand side. Be sure to take advantage of the top right-hand area that shows a zoomed-in view of where you are clicking!

Step 5: Exporting¶

At the top of the data panel on the left-hand side you have the ability to export in various formats. Click the CSV button and you'll get a CSV!

Exporting

Step 6: Cleaning up¶

You might be fine with your CSV as it stands, but I wanted to rename the axes, round the x values to the actual month numbers, and add the "food at home" vs "food away from home" category column.

Excel cleanup

All set and ready for transport to Python, R, or DataWrapper!