VennDiagram: a package for the generation of highly-customizable Venn and Euler diagrams in R

Abstract

Background: Visualization of orthogonal (disjoint) or overlapping datasets is a common task in bioinformatics. Few tools exist to automate the generation of extensively-customizable, high-resolution Venn and Euler diagrams in the R statistical environment. To fill this gap we introduce VennDiagram, an R package that enables the automated generation of highly-customizable, high-resolution Venn diagrams with up to four sets and Euler diagrams with up to three sets.

Results: The VennDiagram package offers the user the ability to customize essentially all aspects of the generated diagrams, including font sizes, label styles and locations, and the overall rotation of the diagram. We have implemented scaled Venn and Euler diagrams, which increase graphical accuracy and visual appeal. Diagrams are generated as high-definition TIFF files, simplifying the process of creating publication-quality figures and easing integration with established analysis pipelines.

Conclusions: The VennDiagram package allows the creation of high quality Venn and Euler diagrams in the R statistical environment.

Figure 1

The four types of Venn diagrams drawn by the VennDiagram package. A) A one-set Venn diagram showing rudimentary customizable features such as label font size, label font face, and shape-fill. B) A two-set Venn diagram showing more advanced features such as scaling, individual shape-fill specifications, and individual caption label placement. C) A three-set Venn diagram showing a different shape-line type ("transparent") and the "text" option of caption label placement where the caption labels are attached to area labels. D) A four-set Venn diagram showing a combination of all previous features plus the ability to customize titles. The code to generate all diagrams shown here is included in Additional File 3.

Figure 2

Selected Venn diagram special cases and Euler diagrams drawn by the VennDiagram package. Row 1, column 1: automatically drawn, customizable lines that optimize display of partial areas when individual partial areas become too small in two-set Venn diagrams. Row 1, column 2: a two-set Euler diagram showing total inclusion of one of the sets. Row 1, column 3: a two-set Euler diagram showing two distinct sets. Row 2, column 1: a three-set Euler diagram where one set has no discrete elements. Row 2, column 2: a three-set Euler diagram where one set has no discrete elements is totally included in one of the other two sets. Row 2, column 3: a three-set Euler diagram where two sets have no discrete elements and are included in a larger third set. Row 3, column 1: a three-set Euler diagram showing total inclusion of two sets that are distinct from the third set. Row 3, column 2: a three-set Euler diagram where one set is totally included in another set, which is itself totally included in the third set. Row 3, column 2: a three-set Euler diagram showing three distinct sets. The code to generate all diagrams shown here is included in Additional File 3.

Figure 3

A side-by-side comparison of an Euler diagram and a Venn diagram for the same hypothetical sets. A) The Euler diagram shows only non-zero areas and can therefore be more graphically accurate. B) The Venn diagram shows the non-existent area as an area with zero content. Though this is not graphically accurate, it preserves the recognisability of a Venn diagram.