Elevate Your Results Communication: Creating Beautiful Tables in R Markdown

When it comes to presenting results in R Markdown, the default output for tables can be... uninspiring. Yihui Xie notes that printing objects in R code chunks simply emulates the R console, leaving much to be desired. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful tables that effectively communicate your findings.

In this article, we'll explore ways to customize default table output in R Markdown and elevate your results communication game. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage by understanding why data visualization and tables are crucial components of effective result reporting.

The Importance of Data Visualization and Tables

Data visualization is a huge topic that has been expertly covered by Kieran Healy in his book 'Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction' and Claus Wilke in 'Fundamentals of Data Visualization.' In reality, clear writing is often just as important as data visualization when it comes to communicating results. However, for most reports, the bulk of content used to communicate results typically involves a combination of both.

The truth is, even with excellent data analysis, your findings won't be effectively communicated if you don't present them in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. That's where tables come in – they provide a concise and organized way to summarize complex data and highlight key insights.

Customizing Default Table Output in R Markdown

So, how do you create beautiful tables that make your results shine? Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve this goal. Here are a few methods to get you started:

1. Use the `kable` function from the knitr package: The `kable` function is a popular choice for creating tables in R Markdown. It provides a range of customization options, including font sizes, borders, and alignment.

2. Employ the `DT` package: The `DT` package allows you to create interactive tables that can be filtered, sorted, and manipulated by users.

3. Try the `xtable` package: The `xtable` package provides a simple way to convert R objects into LaTeX code, making it easy to create professional-looking tables.

By incorporating these techniques into your R Markdown workflow, you'll be able to create tables that inspire action and effectively communicate your results. So, what are you waiting for? Start elevating your results communication today!

Table in r markdown