Pop3D Charts — Pro · Overview · Free v1.12.0 · Pro v1.12.0

Pop3D Charts — Pro

Create polished, interactive charts directly in the WordPress block editor. Prepare one CSV or JSON with your values plus title, labels and units — import it, choose the right layout, and the sidebar is already filled in. Pro adds nine more layouts, ten extra palettes, ready-made patterns, trend bands and intro animation to the free WordPress.org base plugin.

Native Gutenberg block 9 Pro layouts One-file import setup Roadmap layout Intro animation WebGL · three.js rendering 2D & real 3D views CSV · JSON · XLSX import Surface: smooth, flat & blocks Categorical grid axis labels Live editor preview Requires Free ≥ 1.12.0 EN · DE · FR · ES

Important: Pro works as an add-on. First install the free Pop3D Charts – 2D/3D Data Visualizer plugin from WordPress.org, then upload and activate your purchased Pro ZIP. After that, you use one chart block in the editor.

Pro requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.12.0 or newer for Pro 1.12.0 (1.9.0+ for one-file import · 1.6.4+ for Line / Area).

Quick start

Install once, then work inside Gutenberg.

There is no shortcode workflow and no separate chart dashboard. You insert the block, add data, choose a layout, adjust the look and publish.

  1. Install the free base plugin. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New, search for Pop3D Charts or Pop3D Charts – 2D/3D Data Visualizer, install and activate it.
  2. Upload Pro. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, choose your purchased Pro ZIP and activate it.
  3. Create a chart. Open a post or page, click +, search for Pop3D Charts – 2D/3D Data Visualizer and insert the block.
  4. Add data and publish. Enter rows manually, import a file, use a pattern, then adjust the sidebar settings.
What Pro adds

The free plugin is the engine. Pro gives you the expanded toolkit.

The free WordPress.org plugin remains usable on its own. Pro extends it with nine additional layouts, ten extra palettes, custom palette building, advanced styling and ready-made starting points.

Full chart catalogue

Pro unlocks arc, grouped, roadmap, horizontal, radial, bubble pack, 3D surface, funnel and KPI gauge charts. Line / Area and Pyramid are included in the free plugin.

More design control

Ten additional palettes plus a custom palette builder (up to 20 colors). Surface color ramps (thermal, ember, ocean, forest, berry, slate, earth). Surface shape (smooth landscape, flat steps, or block columns) and categorical X/Z tick labels for matrix-style data. Layout-specific label controls for grouped, arc, horizontal, radial and bubble pack charts. Roadmap appearance options: turns, separation and milestone annotations.

Ready-made patterns

Insert complete starter sections from Patterns → Interactive charts, then replace the sample data with your own. Includes surface starters such as a large tidal-range grid (720 cells) and matrix-style business or survey data with categorical axis labels.

Trend line over bars

Pro only, 3D: optional slim line along the bar tops (under Appearance). Available for straight, grouped, stacked and horizontal bar charts; grouped uses one line per series in that series’ bar color.

Intro animation

Optional desktop intro: slow zoom and gentle rotate over about two seconds on first load. Respects prefers-reduced-motion; mobile stays unchanged. Controlled from a dedicated Animation tab in the sidebar (after Camera, when Camera is visible).

Simple split: Free (v1.12.0): straight, stacked, pie/donut, 3D stairs pie/donut, Line / Area, Pyramid — plus leader-line bar annotations on straight and stacked columns, 12 palettes (incl. Theme colors), one-file import, five block patterns, layout-matched import examples, per-row links, and all core editor/visitor features.

Pro (v1.12.0): 9 additional layouts (arc, grouped, roadmap, horizontal, radial, bubble pack, surface, funnel, KPI gauge) — with bar annotations on arc, grouped and horizontal bar charts — 10 extra palettes + custom palette builder, trend band, intro animation, surface color ramps, surface shape (smooth / flat / blocks) and categorical X/Z axis ticks, layout-specific labels, and eleven block patterns.

Chart layouts

Pick the shape that tells the story best.

Included in the free plugin Free

LayoutBest forView
Straight columnsClassic category comparisons2D / 3D
Stacked columnsComposition, totals and percentage stacks2D / 3D
Pie / DonutShares of a whole2D / 3D
Stairs pie / donutShares of a whole with an added height ranking per segment3D only
Line / AreaTrends, multi-series and annotated changes2D / 3D
PyramidLayered hierarchies, funnels and ranked segments2D / 3D

Unlocked by Pro Pro

LayoutBest forView
Arc barsHeadline numbers, striking KPI sections3D only
Grouped columnsComparing several series per category2D / 3D
RoadmapSerpentine timeline infographics, milestone annotations along the pathInfographic / 2D / 3D
Horizontal barsRankings and long labels2D / 3D
RadialGoals, progress and completion rings2D / 3D
Bubble packShowing many items by relative size2D / 3D
Surface / 3D heatmapMatrix and heatmap data — smooth landscape, stepped cells, or 3D block columns; numeric or text axis ticks.Always 3D
FunnelSales and conversion funnels, step-down hierarchies — round hollow cone segments with adjustable wall thickness (distinct from the free square Pyramid chart)2D / 3D
KPI gaugeSingle KPI, goal progress, landing-page metrics — 3D semicircular dial with traffic-light zones, needle and depth-layered labels2D / 3D
Editor experience

Everything important lives in the block sidebar.

The editor preview updates while you work. Change data, layout, palette, labels, axes, background, legend or visitor controls without leaving the post editor.

  • Live preview while editing
  • Manual row editor with duplicate, reorder and delete actions
  • Import / Export tab with redesigned import dialog (paste, file upload, preview, sample data)
  • One prepared CSV or JSON can fill title, description, source, axis labels, units and data — often ready after you pick a layout
  • Re-import replaces everything; scales and units adjust to match the new file
  • Title, subtitle, footnote and axis settings
  • Palette, Theme colors from the active WordPress theme, custom colors, background and label controls
  • Per-row link URLs with safe http/https validation
  • Ignore custom bar colors toggle
  • Legend, sorting, fullscreen, data table and PNG options
  • Separate max-height settings for desktop, tablet and mobile
  • Pro: Animation tab with optional intro camera animation
  • Pro: Custom palette builder
  • Pro: Trend band overlay (3D bar charts)
  • Pro: Surface color ramp and Surface shape (smooth / flat / blocks)
  • Pro: Surface categorical X/Z axis ticks and Sync categories from cells
  • Pro: Scatter axis X/Y/Z label controls
  • Pro: Roadmap-specific appearance settings
  • Pro: Funnel appearance settings (segment gap, wall thickness, slice labels, annotations)
  • Pro: Gauge appearance settings (min/max, target, sweep, zones, needle, value display, depth spread)
Data import

Prepare your file once — the editor fills itself.

Type rows by hand, paste from Excel or Google Sheets, or import a file that already includes title, description, source, axis names and units. Choose the chart type that fits — scales, tick labels and sidebar tabs are applied for you.

Ways to add data

  • Enter rows manually in the block sidebar
  • Paste spreadsheet rows from Excel or Google Sheets
  • Import CSV, JSON, XLSX or XLS files

Ways to export

  • Export chart rows as CSV or JSON — including title, labels and unit when set
  • Export the current chart view as PNG
  • Optionally let visitors download a PNG on the live site

Easy template: Create one chart manually, then use Import / Export → Export CSV. The exported file gives you the exact column names you can reuse for your own spreadsheet.

Redesigned import dialog (v1.6.2): Separate Paste and File tabs, live preview, collapsible column reference and a one-click sample dataset.

One-file workflow (Free v1.9.0): Put chart title, subtitle, source, axis labels and units in the same CSV or JSON as your values — they appear in the sidebar on import. Export a finished chart to get a reusable template. Plain data-only files still work as before.

The columns you will usually use

You do not need every column. For most charts, start with value, headline and optional text for the tooltip.

ColumnWhat it doesUse it for
valueThe number that drives the chart.Required for most charts
headlineThe main label, such as a country, product, month or category.All chart types
unitA unit shown next to the value, such as %, or kWh.Optional
paragraphExtra text shown in the tooltip.Optional explanation
smallPrintA source note or footnote for the tooltip.Optional source line
colorA custom color for this row, for example #ff8800.Highlighting single items
groupKeyGroups rows into the same category or series.Grouped, stacked and Line / Area charts
linkOptional URL per row; opens on click.All charts (Free v1.6.0)
colIndex / rowIndexPlaces a row inside a grid (column and row index).Surface / 3D heatmap charts
columnLabelCategory name for this grid column (X axis).Surface charts with categorical X ticks
rowLabelCategory name for this grid row (Z / depth axis).Surface charts with categorical Z ticks
annotation / annotationDescAdds a short callout to a data point.Line / Area and Roadmap charts

A simple CSV example

ChartTitle;Monthly Online Store Revenue 2025
ChartSubtitle;Net sales per month
ChartFootnote;Source: Shop analytics 2025 (illustrative)
AxisXLabel;Month
AxisYLabel;Revenue
value;unit;headline;paragraph;smallPrint
18400;€;January;Quiet month;Example 2025
21300;€;February;Valentine bump;Example 2025

Grouped, stacked and Line / Area charts

Add groupKey when rows belong together. For example, use the same groupKey for all values from one quarter, one product group or one line series. Line / Area is included in the free plugin.

value;unit;headline;groupKey
80;%;Product A;2024-Q1
65;%;Product B;2024-Q1
72;%;Product A;2024-Q2
58;%;Product B;2024-Q2

Surface / 3D heatmap charts

Add colIndex and rowIndex to place each value in a grid, or use columnLabel and rowLabel only (indices are derived on import). The value still controls height and color intensity. Category mode can be filled automatically on import or via Sync categories from cells.

value;unit;headline;colIndex;columnLabel;rowIndex;rowLabel
120;k€;Q1 Online;0;Online;0;Q1 2025
95;k€;Q1 Retail;1;Retail;0;Q1 2025
140;k€;Q2 Online;0;Online;1;Q2 2025
110;k€;Q2 Retail;1;Retail;1;Q2 2025

Roadmap charts

Use annotation and annotationDesc for milestones along the serpentine path. Roadmap is a Pro layout; it builds on the free Line / Area renderer internally.

value;headline;annotation;annotationDesc
1;Q1 Launch;Milestone;Product release
2;Q2 Growth;;User adoption phase
3;Q3 Scale;Target;International rollout

Flexible headers

The importer accepts simple variations in column names. For example, headline, title and label can all be used for the main label. paragraph, desc and description can all be used for tooltip text. Spaces, hyphens and letter case are handled flexibly.

Practical limits

Imports are designed for normal editorial and marketing charts. Very large files are limited to keep the browser responsive: roughly up to 1,000 rows, about 500 KB for pasted text and about 5 MB for Excel files.

On the live site

Visitors can explore the chart, not just look at it.

2D / 3D switch

Let visitors flip supported chart types between flat and spatial views.

Data table

Show the same numbers in a semantic table modal for clarity and accessibility.

Fullscreen

Open charts fullscreen for presentations, teaching or closer inspection.

Sorting

Optionally let visitors sort by value or label where the layout supports it.

PNG download

Enable chart image downloads when you want visitors to reuse or save the view.

Clickable row links

Optional per-row URLs on bars, pie segments and other chart elements. Drag-to-rotate never triggers navigation.

Lazy loading

3D scenes initialise when they scroll into view, helping pages with several charts stay responsive.

Compatibility

Requirements and languages

  • WordPress 6.7 or newer
  • Tested up to WordPress 7.0
  • PHP 7.4 or newer
  • Built for the WordPress block editor
  • Pop3D Charts (free) 1.12.0 or newer required for Pro 1.12.0
  • Current stable versions: Free v1.12.0 · Pro v1.12.0
  • Pro 1.12.0 requires Free v1.12.0 or newer.
  • Free v1.12.0: bar chart leader-line annotations on straight and stacked columns.
  • Free v1.8.0 or newer makes it easier to import columnLabel and rowLabel columns for surface charts.
  • Bundled translations: English, German, French and Spanish
Accessibility

Designed to stay readable

  • Labelled chart region
  • Semantic HTML data table
  • Keyboard-friendly dialogs
  • Accessible labels for optional toolbar buttons
  • Live regions for loading and tooltip states
Version history

Changelog

Recent releases for the free Pop3D Charts plugin and the Pro add-on.

Pop3D Charts (free) 1.12.0

  • Bar chart annotations: leader-line callouts on straight and stacked column charts — same 45° style as Line / Area annotations, with adjustable line length and font size.
  • Import examples and block patterns for straight and stacked bars include a sample annotation row.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated.

Pop3D Charts (free) 1.11.0

  • Chart area shape: ten fixed ratios (21:9 to 3:4) — pick the proportion that matches your page: widescreen hero, square inset, tall column, and more. Each chart layout remembers its own default.
  • Fits your layout: the chart area keeps a predictable size from the first paint; the 3D view scales inside it. Charts sit cleanly in editorial grids and multi-chart pages without resize jumps on load.
  • Removed the per-breakpoint “Diagram height” control (existing values migrate to the nearest preset on first edit). Fullscreen still fills the screen.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated.

Pop3D Charts (free) 1.10.0

  • Block patterns: five ready-made starter charts in the Interactive charts category.
  • Smarter import examples: layout-matched example dataset dropdown in the import dialog.
  • Internal: free core communicates with add-ons only through neutral extension points.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated for new editor strings.

Pop3D Charts (free) 1.9.0

  • Much easier import: one CSV or JSON can carry title, description, source, axis labels, units and values — the sidebar tabs fill in on import so you pick a layout and are often ready to publish.
  • Smarter import: re-import replaces the whole chart; scales fit your numbers; units from the data apply automatically.
  • Clearer grid and matrix imports; example chart files include ready-made title and label lines.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated.

Pop3D Charts (free) 1.8.3

  • Chart data panel: layout-aware intro texts and clearer labels when editing grid-based data rows.
  • Import: improved example data and column order for spreadsheet grid imports; success feedback after import.
  • Camera panel: clearer note when a layout only supports zoom adjustment.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations for the updated editor strings.

Changelog — Pop3D Charts Pro

Pop3D Charts — Pro is an add-on for the free Pop3D Charts plugin and is delivered as a manual download.

1.12.0

  • Bar chart annotations for arc, grouped, and horizontal bar layouts — same leader-line style as Line / Area charts.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.12.0 or newer.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated.

1.11.0

  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.11.0 or newer.

1.10.0

  • New KPI gauge layout: 3D semicircular progress dial with traffic-light zones, depth-layered scale, needle and center value.
  • Gauge appearance panel in the block sidebar (min/max, target, sweep, zones, needle, value display, depth spread).
  • New block pattern: KPI goal achievement starter.
  • Layout-matched import example for the gauge chart type.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated for gauge editor strings and pattern metadata.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.10.0 or newer (unchanged).

1.9.0

  • New Funnel layout: round 3D conversion funnel with hollow cone segments, adjustable wall thickness and segment gap, optional slice labels and side annotations — visually distinct from the free square Pyramid chart.
  • Funnel appearance panel in the block sidebar (gap, wall thickness, slice label mode, annotations).
  • New block pattern: funnel chart starter for sales conversion (seven stages).
  • Layout-matched import example for the funnel chart type.
  • German, French, and Spanish translations updated for funnel editor strings and pattern metadata.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.10.0 or newer (unchanged).

1.8.0

  • Renewed pattern library: nine Pro block patterns with chart metadata and editorial card layout.
  • Layout-matched import examples for all seven Pro chart types.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.10.0 or newer.

1.7.0

  • Import fills Pro layouts too: surface and roadmap charts pick up axis labels from the file; re-import clears old grid settings.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.9.0 or newer for the one-file import workflow.

1.6.0

  • Surface editor UX overhaul: axis overview diagram, Y/X/Z grouped axis panel with category status lines, and clearer tick-mode help.
  • Grid chart data: cell count summary, compact collapsed rows, Add cell / Number of cells labels, and logical CSV column order (X block then Z block).
  • Category editing: floor axis labels edited only in Axis configuration; read-only category fields in chart data with a link to the axis panel.
  • Import workflow: surface example CSV, post-import notice, and layout-switch hint when switching to an empty surface chart.
  • Appearance: color ramp → surface shape workflow hint, cell color hidden for surface, editable legend Low/High labels.
  • Camera panel: info notice that surface uses a fixed 3D angle (zoom only).
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.6.4 or newer (unchanged).

1.5.0

  • Surface chart upgrade: choose Surface shapeSmooth (interpolated landscape), Flat (stepped cells), or Blocks (separate 3D columns per grid cell).
  • Categorical X/Z axis ticks: switch each floor axis between numeric tick values and category labels (text from your data or a comma-separated list in the Axis panel).
  • New CSV / row fields columnLabel and rowLabel map category names to grid columns (X) and rows (Z). Import can auto-enable category mode when these columns are present; Sync categories from cells fills the lists from existing rows.
  • Optional X/Z axis min and max overrides relabel numeric ticks without changing the surface geometry (for example year ranges instead of cell indices).
  • Surface tooltips and the data table show resolved X/Z category names; row editor labels surface entries as Cell with grid coordinates and category fields.
  • Additional surface starter patterns in the pattern library (including large grid examples with categorical or numeric axes).
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.6.4 or newer (unchanged).

1.4.1

  • Line / Area chart layout moved to Pop3D Charts (free). Pro no longer registers a duplicate layout or icon.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.6.4 or newer for Line / Area and shared wave attributes.

1.4.0

  • The "Wave" layout is now named "Line / Area", reflecting that it can be drawn as a line, an area, or thick 3D bands.
  • Chart layouts now appear under category headings in the redesigned diagram type picker (each layout supplies its own name and category).
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.5.0 or newer.

1.3.0

  • New "Roadmap" chart layout: a serpentine timeline band that winds from back to front, with each value rising from the ground and milestone annotations along the path — an infographic-style timeline without a ruler.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.4.2 or newer.

1.2.2

  • The radial, bubble pack, and 3D surface layouts now cast a real soft shadow on the floor that gently fades toward the back, matching the Line / Area layout.
  • The "Bar opacity" option now also applies to the Pro bar layouts (arc, grouped, horizontal) and the radial value rings.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.4.2 or newer.

1.2.1

  • Updated the add-on integration to match the free plugin's internal extension-point refactor: Pro now registers its chart layouts through the new neutral layout descriptors. Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.4.1 or newer. No visible changes.

1.2.0

  • New Line / Area style option in the Appearance tab: choose between the classic line/curve and the new "Thick 3D bands" style (now the default). Thick 3D bands feature a subtle vertical gradient, a soft bevel, an adjustable band thickness and transparency, more depth spacing between bands, and soft self-shadowing that gently fades out toward the back of the chart.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.4.0 or newer.

Line / Area styles now live in the free plugin (moved in 1.4.1).

1.1.0

  • New "Animation" section in the block sidebar with an optional intro animation: on desktop the chart slowly zooms and gently rotates into its target position over about two seconds on first load. Mobile stays unchanged, and the animation respects the visitor's reduced-motion setting.
  • Requires Pop3D Charts (free) 1.3.1 or newer: the intro animation builds on new extension points added in the free plugin.

1.0.1

  • Tidied up the block sidebar for Pro layouts: the Sorting section is now hidden for the Line / Area and 3D surface layouts, where reordering rows would break the data arrangement.
  • The Axis section is now hidden for the Bubble pack layout, which has no axis (its earlier axis fields had no effect there).
  • Pro now correctly enforces its dependency on the free Pop3D Charts plugin: it requires the free plugin (version 1.3.0 or newer) to be active and shows a clear admin notice instead of loading with a mismatched version.

1.0.0

  • First release of the Pop3D Charts — Pro add-on.
  • Adds 7 chart layouts: arc, grouped, wave, horizontal, radial, bubble pack, and 3D surface/heatmap.
  • Adds additional color palettes and a custom palette builder.
  • Adds the trend band overlay and advanced per-layout styling options.

The wave layout was later renamed to Line / Area and moved to the free plugin in 1.4.1.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I need the free plugin?

Yes. Install the free WordPress.org plugin first. Pro extends it after activation.

What is the minimum free plugin version for Pro?

For Pro 1.12.0: Pop3D Charts (free) 1.12.0 or newer. Older free versions disable Pro features and show an admin notice.

Do I use a different block for Pro?

No. You keep using the same chart block. Pro simply adds more layouts, patterns and design options.

Does it use shortcodes?

No. Charts are created as native Gutenberg blocks.

Can I switch layouts later?

Yes. Your data remains in the block and you can try different chart layouts from the sidebar. Line / Area and Pyramid are available without Pro.

Can I use it on multilingual websites?

Yes. The interface includes English, German, French and Spanish. Other languages fall back to English.

Where do I get support?

Pro:
mail@clausernst.com

Free plugin (wordpress.org): Support tab on the plugin page.

Is this real WebGL 3D or just a visual effect?

Real WebGL. Charts are rendered in a full three.js WebGL scene. You can rotate the camera freely and switch between 2D and 3D at runtime. This is not a CSS perspective or 3D-pie effect.

Is my chart data sent to your servers?

No. Chart data is stored as block attributes inside your own WordPress database. Imported spreadsheet files are parsed locally in the browser and are never uploaded to an external server.

Can I use multiple charts on one page?

Yes. The plugin uses lazy loading and smart rendering so multiple charts on the same page initialise only when they scroll into view, keeping the page responsive.

Does fullscreen work on every device?

Fullscreen depends on browser support. It works in most desktop and Android browsers. iOS Safari does not support the standard fullscreen API for embedded content, so the fullscreen button is not available there.

How many sites does the Pro license cover?

One WordPress installation. If you need Pro on additional sites, please get in touch at mail@clausernst.com.

Can surface charts show text labels instead of numbers on the floor axes?

Yes. Switch each floor axis to Category mode in the Axis panel, then supply labels from your data (columnLabel / rowLabel columns) or a comma-separated list. Use Sync categories from cells to fill the lists from existing rows.

Tip: If Pro options do not appear, make sure both plugins are active (free base plugin and Pro add-on) and that the free plugin is version 1.12.0 or newer for Pro 1.12.0 (1.6.4+ for Line / Area).