Using the Diagram Slide

Using the Diagram Slide

The Diagram slide lets you build and display structured visual diagrams: flowcharts, hierarchies, charts, timelines, comparisons, and more, directly inside AhaSlides. Instead of pasting a static screenshot, you define your content in a structured form in the right panel, and the diagram renders automatically. No external tool is required, and you can update the content at any time before presenting.

What the diagram slide is for

Use a Diagram slide any time you need to show relationships, processes, data, or structure rather than a list of words or a poll result. The slide supports seven diagram types covering a wide range of visual needs:
  • Process flows and network diagrams: show how steps or systems connect.
  • Org charts and decision trees: build hierarchies with nested levels.
  • Bar, column, line, pie, and doughnut charts: display labelled numerical data.
  • Timelines, roadmaps, and pyramids: lay out sequential or layered items.
  • Comparisons: SWOT analyses, quadrants, binary comparisons.
  • Word clouds: visualise terms sized by weight.
  • Custom infographics: write raw AntV syntax for full control.
Unlike a Content slide with a static image, the Diagram slide is data-driven: you enter labels and values in the panel, and the visual updates live.

Diagram types

When you add a Diagram slide, the right panel shows a Diagram type dropdown. There are seven types, each with its own variants and data fields.

1. Relation

You define Nodes (labelled boxes) and Connections between them (arrows from one node to another, with an optional edge label). Use this for flowcharts, process flows, system architectures, or any diagram where the links between items matter.
Variants: Flow (left → right), Flow (top → bottom), Flow LR (animated), Flow TB (animated), Circle (progress), Circle (icons), Network

2. Hierarchy

You define a root node and nest children and grandchildren beneath it. Use this for org charts, decision trees, or any parent-child structure.
Variants: Radial tree, Tree (top → bottom), Tree (left → right), Tree (right → left), Tree (bottom → top), Tech-style tree

3. Items

You define a list of items, each with a label and an optional description. The variant controls how those items are arranged visually. Use this for step-by-step processes, sequential milestones, or any list where the visual layout carries meaning.
Variants: Pyramid, Horizontal arrows, Row (icon arrows), Vertical arrows, Grid, Grid (progress), Zigzag (down), Zigzag (up), Sector, Sector (half), Stairs, Timeline, Roadmap, Funnel, Circular, Steps, Snake steps, Pyramid (sequence)

4. Chart

You define items with a Label and a numeric Value. Use this for showing data distributions, comparisons, or trends without leaving AhaSlides.
Variants: Bar, Column, Line, Pie, Doughnut

5. Word Cloud

You define a list of words, each with a numeric Weight (minimum 1). Higher-weight words appear larger. Use this for static word clouds that illustrate theme importance — distinct from the interactive Word Cloud slide where participants submit live responses.
Variants: Standard

6. Compare

You define groups of items (each group has a label and optional items with labels and descriptions). The default template starts you with a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Use this for any structured side-by-side comparison.
Variants: Quadrant (cards), and additional binary and hierarchy variants

7. Advanced

You type raw AntV Infographic markup in a text area. There is no Variant dropdown for this type. Use this when none of the structured types covers your use case and you need full control. A link to the AntV Infographic gallery is provided in the panel for syntax reference: infographic.antv.vision/gallery

Setting up your diagram slide

  1. Add the slide
     In the editor, click New slide and select Diagram from the Content section of the slide type picker. The slide is labelled New in the picker.
  2. Choose a diagram type
     In the right panel, open the Diagram type dropdown and choose the type that fits your content. The canvas previews the diagram as you switch types.
  3. Choose a variant
     With the type selected, open the Variant dropdown to choose how the diagram is laid out visually. Visual previews appear in the dropdown to help you pick the best layout for your content.
  4. Fill in your content
     Depending on the type, the panel shows different data fields:
    • Relation: add nodes via the Add node button, then add connections via Add connection, selecting source and target nodes from dropdowns. Optionally add an edge label to each connection.
    • Hierarchy: add child nodes under a root using the + button next to any node.
    • Items: add items via Add item; each item has a label and an optional description.
    • Chart: add data points via Add slice; each has a label and a numeric value.
    • Word Cloud: add words via Add word, specifying each word and its weight (minimum 1).
    • Compare: add groups via Add group, then add items within each group.
    • Advanced: type your AntV infographic syntax directly into the text area.
  1. Set streaming animation (optional)
     Use the Streaming animation control to animate the diagram when the slide first appears during a presentation. Options: Off (default), Slow, Medium, Fast.
  2. Add a title (optional)
     Type a title in the Title field at the top of the right panel. You can also add a short description below the title field.

Presenting the diagram slide

When you reach a Diagram slide during a presentation, the diagram fills the slide area on the presenter screen. Participants viewing on their devices see the same visual in a read-only format. No response or interaction is required from the audience on a Diagram slide. If streaming animation is enabled, the diagram animates in when the slide first appears.

Tips for effective diagram slides

  1. Use the AI agent. The AhaSlides AI agent can generate a Diagram slide from a natural-language description: describe the flow or structure you want and let AI build the initial data, then refine it in the panel.
  2. Start with the right type. The Diagram type you choose determines the data model; switching types later resets the content, so pick the right one before filling in items.
  3. Use Relation for connected flows; use Hierarchy for trees. If items have a strict parent-child nesting with no cross-links, Hierarchy is simpler to manage. If items connect in multiple directions, use Relation.
  4. Preview before presenting. Click Preview in the editor header to check how the diagram renders at full screen.
  5. Use animation sparingly. Streaming animation works best on Relation and Hierarchy types to reveal connections step by step. On dense Charts or Word clouds, Off is usually cleaner.

When to use a Diagram slide vs. a Content slide

Diagram slideContent slide
SourceData entered in the right panelStatic image upload
Editable in the editorYes — change labels and valuesNo (re-upload to change)
Best forFlows, trees, charts, timelines, SWOTPhoto, screenshot, infographic
Auto-layoutYes, variant controls layout automaticallyNo
Participant interactionNone (display only)None (display only)



    • Related Articles

    • Using the Content Slide

      The content slide lets you create and customise text and images. This slide type lets you edit directly on the canvas, so you have full control over the layout. How does the Content Slide work? The content slide is a non-interactive slide, meaning ...

    • Slide Audio, Presentation Audio and Sound Effects

      Enhance your presentations on AhaSlides with slide or presentation-level audio, along with sound effects for greater control over the experience. Note: Slide and Presentation Audio are available only on paid plans. Sound effects are available on all ...

    • Using the Categorise Slide

      The Categorize slide is a slide type that allows you to create interactive quizzes where participants must categorize items into predefined groups. It's a great way to test your audience's knowledge and engagement. How does the Categorise Slide work? ...

    • Using the Embed slide

      With the Embed slide, you can now embed many tools or websites into your AhaSlides presentation using HTML code or an embeddable URL. Some content cannot be embedded due to copyright restrictions. They can only be viewed directly on their original ...

    • Using the Pin on Image slide

      The Pin on Image slide lets participants interact with an image by placing pins on specific locations. This slide type is useful when you want your audience to identify or mark an area directly on an image, and is commonly used in interactive ...