Arc Diagram

Shows connections between nodes arranged on a line, with arcs representing relationships. The height of each arc can represent connection strength, making it easy to identify the most important links in a network.

Best for

  • Showing connections in a small-to-medium network clearly
  • Highlighting the strongest relationships between entities
  • Displaying a network where node order matters

Avoid when

  • You have many overlapping connections — arcs become tangled
  • You need to show flow direction or magnitude precisely
  • The network has more than 15-20 nodes
Alternatives: Chord Diagram , Sankey Diagram