Weighted Flow Links
Link widths scale automatically to flow values, so proportions are always accurate and instantly readable.
Chart & Visualization Tools
Alluvial Diagram Maker
Turn complex flow data into clear, proportional alluvial diagrams. Define nodes and links, and watch your Sankey chart build itself in real time.
Features
Everything You Need in an Alluvial Diagram Maker
Purpose-built controls for Sankey and alluvial diagrams — no bloat, no learning curve.
Custom Node Colors
Assign individual colors to each node or apply a gradient across flows to highlight source-to-target paths.
Live Preview
Every change to nodes, links, or layout updates the alluvial diagram in real time — no refresh needed.
AI-Powered Generation
Describe your data in plain English and the AI builds a complete Sankey diagram with nodes and flows for you.
Label and Value Control
Toggle node labels and flow values on or off, and adjust font sizes to keep your diagram clean and legible.
Layout Fine-Tuning
Control node width, spacing, and link transparency to produce the clearest possible alluvial diagram for your audience.
Data input
Bring Your Flow Data In
Type It In
Define nodes and links directly in the editor — no spreadsheet required.
Paste From Sheets
Copy flow data from Excel or Google Sheets and paste it straight into MakeCharts.
Upload a File
Import CSV or Excel files to populate your alluvial diagram automatically (Pro).
Describe With AI
Tell the AI what flows you want to visualize and get a ready-made Sankey chart.
Share
Share Your Sankey Diagram Anywhere
Download as PNG or SVG
Export crisp, high-resolution alluvial diagrams ready for slides, reports, and social media.
Share a Link
Get a shareable URL and send your Sankey chart to anyone with one click.
Embed on Your Site
Drop an embed code into any webpage or CMS to display your alluvial diagram live.
Add to Presentations
Drop the downloaded image directly into PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote.
About This Alluvial Diagram Maker
MakeCharts is a free online chart builder for everyone. The alluvial diagram maker uses the Sankey chart engine to render proportional flow visualizations in real time. No software to install, no design degree required — just your data and a goal.
<2 minTime to first diagram
50+Chart styles available
12+Languages supported
10k+Charts created
NoneSign-up required
Workflow
How to Make an Alluvial Diagram
Define Your Nodes
Add the categories or stages in your flow — sources, intermediaries, and destinations. Name and color each one.
Connect With Flow Links
Set source, target, and value for each link. The alluvial diagram maker scales link widths to represent volume accurately.
Customize and Export
Adjust colors, labels, node spacing, and transparency. Download your Sankey diagram as PNG or SVG when it looks right.
Use cases
Who Uses This Alluvial Diagram Maker
Energy Flow Diagrams
Map how energy moves from sources through conversion to end uses, exposing losses and efficiency gaps at every stage.
Budget and Revenue Flows
Show where money comes from, where it goes, and how much is retained — making financial stories instantly clear for stakeholders.
User Journey and Funnel Analysis
Visualize how visitors move through acquisition channels, pages, and conversion steps — pinpointing drop-off with alluvial clarity.
Survey and Transition Data
Illustrate shifts in opinion, population movement, or categorical transitions across time periods in a single alluvial diagram.
Templates
Start with professionally designed templates
Carbon Circular Flow Sankey: See Where Carbon Goessankey
Visualize your carbon circular flow instantly. Spot emissions, recycling, and sequestration hotspots to improve ESG reporting and cut footprint fast.
Sankey Diagram Template - Map Flows ClearlysankeyStart with a blank Sankey template to map energy, budget, or process flows. Customize nodes, links, and colors instantly - no design skills needed.
Energy Flow Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyVisualize energy sources, generation, and consumption with this free Sankey diagram template. Track flows from coal, gas, and renewables to end sectors.
Water Flow Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyMap the full water cycle — from rainfall and snowmelt to treatment plants, residential use, and beyond — with this free Sankey diagram template.
Supply Chain Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyVisualize your supply chain flows from raw materials to end consumers with this free Sankey diagram template. Track product movement and returns.
Blank Sankey Diagram TemplatesankeyStart with a blank Sankey diagram template to visualize revenue flows, budgets, and processes. Free, customizable, and AI-powered. No account needed.
Related Tools
Create similar charts with these tools
Flow Diagram Makersankey
Build stunning Sankey flow diagrams in minutes. Visualize energy, budget, and data flows with our free AI-powered flow diagram maker. No design skills needed.
Sankey Diagram MakersankeyCreate stunning Sankey diagrams in minutes. Visualize flows, energy transfers, and resource allocation with our free AI-powered Sankey diagram generator.
Sankey Diagrams Without ExcelsankeySkip the Excel workarounds. Build a Sankey diagram in seconds with AI. Visualize flows, budgets, and processes — free, no sign-up needed. No plugins.
Energy Flow Diagrams, InstantlysankeyBuild stunning energy flow diagrams instantly with AI. Visualize where energy goes, spot waste, and present findings clearly. Free Sankey diagram maker.
Comparison
AI Alluvial Maker vs. Manual Diagramming
See why teams switch from spreadsheet-built Sankeys to MakeCharts.
MakeCharts Alluvial Diagram Maker
- Describe your flow data and AI generates the Sankey instantly
- Link widths scale automatically to exact flow values
- Edit any node or link and preview updates in real time
- Share via link or embed — no file attachments needed
- AI cleans, maps, and structures your data for you
- Professional-quality alluvial diagrams in under two minutes
Manual / Spreadsheet Approach
- Hours spent formatting link widths and node positions by hand
- Proportional accuracy depends on manual calculations
- Redesigning means rebuilding from scratch
- Hard to share — file attachments, version confusion
- No AI to suggest structure or clean data
- Requires design software skills for polished output
FAQ
Alluvial Diagram Maker — Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alluvial diagram?
An alluvial diagram is a type of Sankey chart that uses proportional, ribbon-like flows to show how quantities move between categories or change over time. The width of each ribbon represents the volume of the flow, making it easy to spot dominant paths and subtle transfers at a glance.
What is the difference between a Sankey diagram and an alluvial diagram?
Sankey diagrams and alluvial diagrams are closely related and are often used interchangeably. Technically, alluvial diagrams emphasize change or transitions across discrete time points or stages, while Sankey diagrams focus on energy or material flow quantities. MakeCharts supports both styles through the same Sankey chart builder.
Is this alluvial diagram maker really free?
Yes. You can build, customize, and download a Sankey diagram without creating an account or paying anything. Free AI credits are included so you can also try AI-powered generation. Paid plans unlock more AI charts, file upload, and advanced export options.
Can I make an alluvial diagram from a CSV file?
Yes, with a Pro plan you can upload a CSV or Excel file and MakeCharts will map your data to nodes and links automatically. On the free plan, you can paste data directly from any spreadsheet into the editor.
How do I create a Sankey chart with AI?
Type a plain-English description of your flow data into the prompt box — for example, 'Show energy from coal, gas, and solar flowing through electricity generation to industry, homes, and transport.' The AI will generate a complete Sankey diagram with labeled nodes and weighted links ready to edit.
What file formats can I export my alluvial diagram in?
You can download your Sankey chart as a high-resolution PNG or a scalable SVG. PNG is ideal for presentations and social media; SVG is perfect for web use and print, since it scales to any size without losing sharpness.
Can I embed a Sankey diagram on my website?
Yes. Plus and Pro plans include an embed code that lets you drop a live, interactive alluvial diagram directly into any webpage or CMS. The chart updates automatically when you edit it in MakeCharts.
How many nodes and links can my alluvial diagram have?
There is no hard cap on nodes or links in MakeCharts. For readability, most effective Sankey diagrams use between 5 and 20 nodes. Very large diagrams may benefit from grouping smaller flows into an 'Other' category to keep the chart legible.
Built for Everyone
- No design experience needed — the layout handles itself
- Works on any device, including phones and tablets
- Available in 12+ languages across the full interface
- Start free without creating an account
- Simple enough for students, powerful enough for data analysts
- Accessible controls with clear labels throughout
Your Data, Your Control
- Your chart data is not sold or shared with third parties
- You choose what to publish or keep private
- Download or delete your charts and account at any time
- No tracking beyond what is needed to run the service
- AI prompts are used only to generate your chart
Start now
Ready to Build Your Alluvial Diagram?
Turn flow data into a clear, proportional Sankey chart in under two minutes.
- No sign-up required
- Free AI credits included
- Download as PNG or SVG
- Share with a link instantly
- Fully customizable nodes and flows
Free to use. No account needed to start.