In my think-cell in-depth review, I’m sharing the results of my analysis and evaluation from hands-on testing and experimentation. Before we dive in, if you’re just starting your search for the best Gantt chart makers, you should first check out my picks for the best Gantt chart software. think-cell is one of the top-rated chart creation tools and Gantt chart makers out there, but to figure out if it's a good match for you, it's important to understand the software’s benefits and drawbacks.
My in-depth think-cell review will take you through everything you need to know to make a more informed decision—pros and cons, features and functionality, pricing, and more—to help you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your needs.
think-cell: Product Overview
think-cell is a PowerPoint add-on that simplifies the creation of complex charts and graphs. It primarily serves professionals in business, consulting, and finance who regularly present data. The tool streamlines chart creation, transforming raw data into visually appealing presentations quickly.
It addresses common pain points such as time-consuming formatting, limited customization, and data integration challenges. Notable features include advanced chart types, automatic updates from linked Excel data, and a vast array of customization options.
Pros
- Efficiency: think-cell significantly reduces the time needed to create detailed charts. This means users can create complex, data-driven charts in a fraction of the time it would take with standard PowerPoint tools.
- Customization: Offers extensive customization options for charts. This enables users to tailor their charts precisely to their presentation needs, ensuring both clarity and visual appeal.
- Data Integration: Seamless Excel data integration allows for real-time updates to charts. This feature, utilizing automation in updating datasheets and data links, ensures that presentations always reflect the most current data, crucial for accuracy in PPT charting and decision-making contexts.
Cons
- Learning Curve: The software can be complex for new users. This complexity means there's a learning curve involved in mastering its full capabilities.
- Cost: Relative to basic PowerPoint functions, think-cell is a significant investment. This cost can be a barrier for individual users or small businesses.
- Compatibility: Limited compatibility with non-Windows platforms. This restricts its use for users who rely on other operating systems, potentially limiting its applicability in diverse tech environments.
Expert Opinion
In my experience with various PowerPoint charting solutions, think-cell stands out for its robust features and efficiency. It excels in transforming complex data sets into comprehensive charts, making it a powerful tool for professionals who deal with extensive data analysis.
The software, while costlier than basic tools, offers value in its advanced customization and data integration capabilities, saving considerable time in chart preparation. However, its complexity requires a learning commitment, and its limited compatibility with non-Windows systems is a notable drawback.
In terms of functionality and support, think-cell is reliable, with an intuitive interface that, once mastered, significantly enhances productivity. Its integration with Excel is particularly noteworthy, ensuring data accuracy and ease of updates.
think-cell is best suited for environments where complex data presentation is frequent and where users can leverage its advanced features to their full potential. When selecting a charting solution, professionals must weigh these aspects to determine if think-cell aligns with their specific needs and tech infrastructure.
think-cell: A Deep Dive
Here's a deep dive into think-cell’s features, best use cases, pricing, customer support, and other purchase factors.
Standout Functionalities
- Advanced Chart Types: think-cell offers a range of unique chart types, including waterfall charts, Gantt charts, and mekko charts, enhancing Microsoft PowerPoint presentations beyond standard bar charts.
- Dynamic Data Integration: The ability to directly integrate and update data from Excel into text boxes and charts in real-time is a standout feature of think-cell software.
- Automated Layout and Style Adjustments: think-cell's intelligent layout adjustments automatically align and adjust elements for optimal visual clarity, a feature that greatly simplifies presentation formatting.
Other Key Features
- Advanced Chart Types: Provides unique and complex chart types, enhancing the visual representation of data.
- Dynamic Data Integration: Enables real-time data updates from Excel, ensuring presentations are always current.
- Automated Layout Adjustments: Automatically formats charts for optimal clarity, saving significant time.
- Customizable Templates: Offers customizable templates for quick chart creation, tailored to specific presentation needs.
- Integration with MS Office: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office products, improving workflow efficiency.
- Large Data Set Support: Capable of handling large data sets, ideal for complex data analysis.
- Multi-Language Support: Supports multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base.
- Offline Access: Allows users to work offline, providing flexibility in various work environments.
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplifies chart creation with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Data Security: Ensures data security, an essential feature for handling sensitive information.
Product Specifications
Looking to verify specific features? Use this list to ensure think-cell covers the features your team needs:
| Customizable Chart Types | Yes |
| Drag-and-Drop Interface | Yes |
| Data Import from Excel | Yes |
| Real-Time Data Update | Yes |
| Pre-Built Templates | Yes |
| Color and Style Customization | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | No |
| Collaboration Tools | No |
| Mobile Accessibility | No |
| Interactive Charts | No |
| 3D Chart Options | No |
| Animation Features | No |
| Data Security | Yes |
| Multi-Language Support | Yes |
| Automated Layout Adjustments | Yes |
| Integration with Other MS Office Products | Yes |
| Presentation Export Options | Yes |
| Undo/Redo Options | Yes |
| Support for Large Data Sets | Yes |
| Advanced Statistical Charts | Yes |
| Online Sharing Capabilities | No |
| Access Control | No |
| Offline Access | Yes |
| Customizable Templates | Yes |
| Plugin/Add-on Support | Yes |
Ease of Use
The user interface of think-cell, while powerful, can be complex for new users. The range of features and customization options requires a learning period. However, once familiar, navigation and organization within the tool are straightforward.
The onboarding process could be more intuitive, particularly for users who are not as familiar with advanced charting tools.
Customer Support
think-cell offers solid customer support with comprehensive documentation and tutorials. However, the lack of a live chat option and sometimes delayed response times can be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance.
While the tool offers extensive resources, it could improve its direct support channels.
Software Integrations
think-cell primarily integrates with Microsoft Office products, notably Excel, enhancing its charting capabilities. The integration with Excel is particularly useful for real-time data updates.
While it does not offer an API for custom integrations, the existing add-ons extend its capabilities within the Microsoft ecosystem.
think-cell Pricing
Pricing upon request.
think-cell Use Cases
This software has a lot to offer, but it may not be the best fit for your particular use case. Here are my thoughts on the types of organizations that would benefit from think-cell, and those that likely wouldn't.
Who would be a good fit for think-cell?
think-cell is a good fit for professionals in consulting, finance, and business sectors who frequently deal with complex data presentation. It suits environments where time efficiency and visual clarity are paramount.
Teams in larger organizations, particularly those that heavily rely on data analysis and presentation, will find think-cell's advanced features especially useful.
Who would be a bad fit for think-cell?
think-cell may not be the best fit for small businesses or individual users with limited budget or basic charting needs. Its complexity and cost are less justifiable in environments where simple data presentation suffices.
Teams without a strong background in data analysis or those using non-Windows platforms might also find think-cell less suitable.
think-cell FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about think-cell:
What file formats does think-cell support?
think-cell supports PowerPoint formats, including PPTX, and integrates with Excel for data import.
Can think-cell be used on Mac?
Currently, think-cell is primarily designed for Windows and does not have full support for Mac OS.
Is there a trial version available?
Yes, think-cell offers a trial version for users to experience its features before purchasing.
How does think-cell handle data security?
think-cell places a high priority on data security, ensuring user data is protected, especially during Excel integration.
Is training available for new users?
think-cell provides extensive documentation and tutorials, aiding new users in understanding and utilizing its features.
Can charts created with think-cell be exported?
Yes, charts created with think-cell can be exported as part of PowerPoint presentations.
Does think-cell offer customer support?
think-cell provides customer support through email and an extensive knowledge base on their website.
Are updates automatically available for think-cell?
Yes, updates are available and are typically automatically integrated into the software.
think-cell Company Overview & History
think-cell is a software company specializing in developing tools that enhance the creation of charts and graphics in PowerPoint presentations.
Professionals in consulting, finance, and business widely use the tool, recognizing it for its efficiency and advanced features. think-cell is a privately-owned company, with its headquarters located in Berlin, Germany.
Notable milestones in the company's history include its establishment in 2002 and the subsequent release of its charting tool, which quickly gained popularity for its innovative features. The company's mission revolves around simplifying the process of creating complex charts and improving presentation quality.
Over the years, think-cell has consistently updated and expanded its offerings, cementing its position as a leading tool in its category.
think-cell Summary: The Bottom Line
My assessment of think-cell positions it as a unique and powerful tool in the PowerPoint charting solution landscape. Its standout features include advanced chart types, dynamic data integration with Excel, and automated layout adjustments.
These functionalities set it apart from simpler charting tools, offering users a high level of customization and efficiency. The tool excels in environments where complex data needs to be presented clearly and accurately.
Its most noteworthy aspects are the time-saving automated features and the ability to handle large, complex data sets with ease.
Alternatives to think-cell
If think-cell doesn't seem like the perfect fit for your needs, here are a few similar PowerPoint charting solution systems you may want to consider instead:
- Microsoft Excel: Ideal for users seeking basic charting capabilities integrated within a familiar spreadsheet environment.
- Tableau: A good choice for those requiring more advanced data visualization and analytics capabilities beyond charting.
- Google Slides: Suitable for users who prefer a cloud-based solution with real-time collaboration features, though with simpler charting options.
If you're still unsure which alternative to choose, check out other think-cell PowerPoint charting solution alternatives.
Summary
In conclusion, think-cell stands out as a highly effective charting tool for PowerPoint, particularly suited for professionals in data-intensive fields. Its unique features like advanced chart types and Excel integration make it a valuable asset for creating compelling presentations.
While it excels in handling complex data, its learning curve and cost may be considerations for some users. If think-cell aligns with your needs, it's certainly a tool worth exploring. For those for whom think-cell might not be the ideal fit, alternatives like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and Google Slides offer different strengths and functionalities.
I invite readers to share their experiences and insights on think-cell or any other charting solutions they have found effective.