# Isotype

> Counts drawn as rows of icons. Sample data: orders by channel, one box = 100, web 1,840, retail 310.

- Type 097 · Part of a whole
- Component: `<Isotype>`, the same name as the Figma component
- Install: `npx shadcn add @chartory/isotype` (free in Hearth: the public registry, no token; Signal with Code and Complete)
- Type page: https://usechartory.com/charts/isotype

## Installation

1. **Set up the registry once.** This chart is free in Hearth and MIT licensed: no token. Add @chartory to components.json once (the URL alone, no headers), or skip this when another chart is already installed. [Installation guide](https://usechartory.com/docs/installation)

2. **Add the chart.** One command adds the Isotype component to your project.

```bash
npx shadcn add @chartory/isotype
```

3. **Use it.** Pass your rows. The props are the Figma properties.

usage.tsx:

```tsx
import { Isotype }
  from "@/components/chartory/isotype"

<Isotype
  data={channelOrders}
  size="m"
  legend
/>
```

## Props

### `<Isotype>`

Every prop but data is a Figma property with the same name and values.

| Prop | Type | Default | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| data | IsotypeData | Required | The chart's data. The tables below list every field. |
| size | "xs" \| "s" \| "m" \| "l" | "m" | The size class. Each one is laid out again from the data. |
| legend | boolean | true | Shows the legend row under the plot. |

### IsotypeData

The data prop: one object for the whole chart.

| Prop | Type | Default | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| unit | number | Required | What one icon stands for. |
| rows | IsotypeRow[] | Required | One entry per row. |

### IsotypeRow

One object per entry in rows.

| Prop | Type | Default | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| label | string | Required | The name shown on the chart. |
| v | number | Required | The value. |
| tok | string | Required | The colour token, e.g. "data/primary". |

## Isotype chart: a React and Figma chart in four sizes

### What does an isotype chart show?

An isotype chart draws counts as rows of icons, each standing for a set amount, so a number becomes something you can see. Use it for orders, people or parcels when the audience reads pictures faster than bars.

Chartory ships it as a Figma component and a React component with the same name. The code installs from the shadcn registry with one command and lands in your project as a file you own.

### What is the Isotype component?

It is one **<Isotype>** component. Its props are the Figma properties with the same names and values, and the props table above lists them. The data is a count per item and a unit per icon.

Sizes **XS**, **S**, **M** and **L** re-lay the chart out from the data instead of scaling it, so labels stay readable at every size.

### When should I use it?

- **Are they countable things?** Yes means the isotype fits.
- **Is a rough count enough?** Yes means the isotype fits.
- **Is it a split of a total?** Yes means the isotype fits.

### When does another type fit better?

- **Amounts like money.** Use Horizontal bars instead.
- **Exact values matter.** Use Horizontal bars instead.
- **Shares around a ring.** Use Semi donut instead.

## Isotype questions

### Does the Isotype chart work with shadcn/ui?

Yes. It installs through the shadcn registry with the shadcn CLI, and the file lands in your project.

### How do I install it?

It is free in Hearth and MIT licensed: add the @chartory registry URL once, no token, then run npx shadcn add @chartory/isotype. The Installation guide has the steps.

### Can my coding agent install it?

Yes. Connect the Chartory MCP server and ask for the isotype chart; the agent runs the same command and you review the diff.

### What data does it expect?

A count per item and a unit per icon. The sample data comes with the component, and the props table lists every field.

### Which sizes does it ship in?

XS, S, M and L, in Figma and in code. Each size is laid out again from the data, so text and lines keep their size.

### Is it in the Figma file too?

Yes. chart/097-isotype-orders has the same properties as the component.

### Does it follow light and dark mode?

Yes. Every paint is a token, so the chart follows light and dark mode and the collection you pick.

### Which plan has the code?

None for Hearth: it is free in the public registry, no token. The Signal collection (@chartory/signal) comes with Code and Complete.