Data visualization is a collection of methods that use visual representations to explore, make sense of and communicate quantitative data. It allows trends and patterns in quantitative data to be seen more easily. The ultimate purpose of data visualization is to facilitate better decisions and actions. With the rise in the amount of data available, it is important to be able to interpret increasingly large batches of information, and data visualization is a strong tool for the job. Use of good data visualizations is essential to make impactful health reports. This tool provides practical guidance on how to make good data visualizations to support convincing policy messages. This guidance document is part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s work to support Member States in strengthening their health information systems. Helping countries to produce solid health intelligence and institutionalized mechanisms for evidence-informed policy-making has traditionally been an important focus of WHO’s work and continues to be so under the European Programme of Work 2020–2025.