The following tools are free to use. See KDNuggets' Top 30 Social Network Analysis & Visualization Tools for a comprehensive review of major social network analysis and visualization tools.
- Cytoscape. Originally designed to be used for biological research, Cytoscape is now used for complex network analysis and visualization. Use Cytoscape for data integration, analysis, and visualization. Increase the functionality by installing apps, which are available for network and molecular profiling analyses, new layouts, additional file format support, scripting, and connection with databases.
- GraphViz. This visualization tool represents structural information as diagrams of abstract graphs and networks. There are many options for graph layouts.
- Kumu. Kumu allows you to map the relationships between people, systems, and concepts. You are able to import your data and/or build networks using live data, use built-in metrics to identify key elements and connections, and customize your visualizations with dropdowns, buttons, text, images, and more. View their pricing plans or have unlimited public projects for free.
- Nodegoat. Nodegoat is a web-based tool that enables you to create and manage datasets. You can instantly analyze and visualize datasets and create relational, geographical, and temporal attributes.
- NodeXL. An add-in for Windows versions of Excel to do network graphs. It is a project from the Social Media Research Foundation and is optimal for social media analysis. Allows general network visualization, grouping, and basic analyses (e.g., density, degree). A pro version is licensed per year and includes additional functionalities.