What is GetBulb?
GetBulb is the copy-and-paste data visualization tool you've been waiting for. You can use it to create individual visualizations or lay out complex infographics without needing to export to a program like Illustrator.
How much do I need to know about data to use GetBulb?
If you're looking for a nicer-than-average pie chart to show a simple set of data, GetBulb is easy and quick, even if you have embarrassingly poor analysis skills. The main issue is that your data has to be in a ready-to-go format in order to create your graphic, which means it doesn't matter what graphic you're making, as long as your data is formatted correctly. Our happiest customers tend to be people who are already pretty good with Excel or other spreadsheet tools, but who find the native charts a bit lacking.
Can GetBulb help me clean up my data?
We wish! Like most visualization tools, you've got to bring us clean data. As data scientists ourselves, we know that dirty, messy, unwrangled data is the biggest headache and the second-most tedious timesink (after visualization). For now, we just solve the visualization problem, but in the meantime, for help making your data tidy, we recommend https://www.trifacta.com/, which came out of Stanford's Data Wrangler project.
Help! I can’t figure out if my data is in the right format! What do I do?
Simple! Shine a pie-chart-shaped beacon into the sky! Or, you could check out our formatting guide, where you'll find examples of how the data should look for each type of chart.
Do I need to know how to code?
Not to use GetBulb, you don't. We built it so you don't need programming skills to access rich visualization libraries. You've got enough to worry about, even if you're already a great programmer.
Can I customize themes and colors?
Not yet, but we're working on it. For now, if you want to customize your graphics, export your GetBulb file as an SVG to Illustrator or your open source equivalent.
Can I add my own elements to the library?
Again, not yet! If you see an element somewhere and you want us to add it to our library, get in touch. We're adding new chart types all the time, and we definitely want to add the things you're into. We can't promise your request will be granted, but the more we know about what GetBulb customers want, the better job we can do for you.
Is GetBulb compatible with open source tools?
It's best used with Excel and Google Sheets, but it also works in Open Office.
Do you have an API?
Say it with me: not yet, but we're working on it. We have some pretty exciting stuff coming up, and an API is at the top of our priority list. Once we have that, we'll be more easily integrated into all the tools you use every day. Well, the ones that need data viz.
Do you offer a local version of GetBulb?
Yes! This takes a little while to set up, but we know that some of our customers have data that's too sensitive to go near a browser, no matter how secure it is. If you want a local version of GetBulb, just get in touch.