> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://data-voyager.gitbook.io/voyager/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://data-voyager.gitbook.io/voyager/visualizing-data/specify-visual-encodings.md).

# Specify Visual Encodings

### Encoding Shelves

The encoding shelves are grouped into positional channels (e.g. x, y), mark channels (e.g. size, color, shape, detail, text), and facet channels (e.g. row, column). 

![](/files/-LD4q3mU4QQZFBSlnP8k)

To visualize data, you can drag-and-drop a data field onto an encoding channel shelf (e.g., x, y, color). By default, the system encodes raw (unaggregated) values. You can select a transformation such as an aggregation, binning, or time unit function via a [pop-up function menu](https://data-voyager.gitbook.io/voyager/visualizing-data/specify-visual-encodings#quantitative-field-function-pop-up).

### Mark Selection

![](/files/-LD4klHpyiiHeCA1C5Rg)

By default, the system automatically picks an appropriate mark type. You can override this choice using the mark selector drop-down menu.

### Facet

![](/files/-LD4jcRCbYMnV3PiscE7)

The row and column channels can be used to create vertical facets and horizontal facets for trellis plots.

![Row is used for vertical facets.](/files/-LD4jKg-6Svs3Demjhu8)

![Column is used for horizontal facets.](/files/-LD4jSgTi3J6AwoacpzR)

### Quantitative Field Function Pop-up

Quantitative fields have a function pop-up for specifying various aggregations and bin.

![](/files/-LDKg9IgMIrHwbAHgf46)

### Temporal Field Function Popup

Temporal fields have a function pop-up for specifying various time-unit functions.

![](/files/-LDKgNNK2N8pZaDJIaiU)