How to Use VOSviewer

Getting started with VOSviewer

In this guide, you'll learn how to use VOSviewer to construct and visualise bibliometric networks based on citation and co-authorship data. By the end, you'll be able to create detailed maps that help illustrate scholarly communication in your research area.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to VOSviewer.
2. Click on the "Download" button in the top menu.
3. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and download it. VOSviewer is free, so you won’t need to provide payment information.
4. Install the software following the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Your first visualisation

1. Open VOSviewer after installation.
2. Select "Create a map based on bibliographic data" on the welcome screen.
3. Choose your data source. You can upload data from files (like CSV) or use online sources like Scopus or Web of Science. For this guide, select "Read data from bibliographic database files."
4. Click "Next," and upload your bibliographic data file.
5. Select the type of analysis you want (e.g. "Co-authorship" or "Citations") and click "Next."
6. Adjust the settings as needed, then click "Finish" to generate your map.
7. Use the toolbar to zoom in/out and navigate. The visualisation will show the relationships between authors, papers, or journals.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Explore the "View" menu to change the layout of your visualisation (e.g. "Density" or "Cluster").
2. Use the "Analysis" menu to refine your data further, such as filtering by relevance or selecting specific items.
3. Save your visualisation by clicking "File" > "Save map" and choose your preferred format (e.g. .VOS or .PDF).

Pro tip

Most beginners overlook the "Settings" option under the "File" menu. Adjusting visualisation parameters like colour schemes and label sizes can greatly enhance clarity and presentation.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid using incomplete or poorly formatted bibliographic data files. Ensure your data is clean and follows the required structure to prevent errors during the upload process.