GazePlotter

GazePlotter is a free tool for researchers and non-programmers to visualize eye-gaze data without writing code. Its analysis suite includes scarf plots, AOI comparisons and timelines, transition matrices, recurrence plots, scanpaths, scanpath similarity, metric timelines, and metric correlations. Metrics cover dwell time, fixation durations and counts, latency, AOI transitions, recurrence, scanpath similarity, and eye-movement types. It imports files from Tobii Pro Lab, SMI BeGaze, Gazepoint, Pupil Cloud, Varjo, OGAMA, and custom CSV files, with automatic file-type detection. Users can export workspaces as JSON, figures as PNG or JPG, and segmented data, events, and metrics as CSV; ScanGraph export is also available. Metric CSVs can be exported in long or wide formats for use in R, Python, SPSS, JASP, or jamovi. The maker says processing takes place locally in the browser. Documentation describes an offline-capable Progressive Web App for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices; listed platforms also include web, Android, and iOS. It is open-source under GNU GPL v3.

GazePlotter offers a broad set of gaze visualizations and data exports at no charge. Users working with OGAMA should account for the limitation on timing-based measures.

It suits researchers and other non-programmers who need to explore eye-gaze data visually. Its varied exports may help people who continue analysis in statistical or programming tools.

Overview

GazePlotter is a no-code tool for visualizing and analyzing eye-gaze data. It is best suited to researchers who want to inspect supported eye-tracking files and export results without writing analysis code. Its broad analysis and export options come with no subscription cost, though OGAMA imports cannot support accurate timing-based measures.

It runs as an offline-capable Progressive Web App, and the maker says data is processed locally in the browser rather than sent to a server. The software is open source under GNU GPL v3.

For other tools in this category, browse Eye Tracking Software.

Key features

Visualizations and metrics

GazePlotter offers scarf plots, AOI comparisons and timelines, transition matrices, recurrence plots, scanpaths, scanpath similarity, metric timelines and metric correlations. Its metrics include dwell time, fixation durations and counts, latency, AOI transitions, recurrence analysis and eye-movement types. That range lets non-programmers examine gaze patterns from several angles, rather than relying on a single view.

There is a significant source-data caveat: OGAMA files preserve sequence order but not actual timing. Dwell time and time to first fixation therefore cannot be calculated accurately from those imports. Researchers whose conclusions depend on temporal measures should avoid relying on OGAMA data in GazePlotter for those calculations.

Import, privacy and export

The app accepts files from Tobii Pro Lab, SMI BeGaze, Gazepoint, Pupil Cloud, Varjo and OGAMA, along with custom CSV files, and detects file types automatically. Local browser processing is a useful fit for people who want their gaze data kept on their device. Its offline-capable PWA design also supports use on computers and mobile devices.

Workspaces export as JSON; figures as PNG or JPG; and segmented data, events and metrics as CSV. ScanGraph export is also supported. Metric CSVs can use long or wide formats for analysis in R, Python, SPSS, JASP or jamovi, making it practical to carry results into established statistical workflows.

The maker directs users to GitHub to report bugs, request visualizations or contribute code. That provides a route for feedback and contributions, but the stated support channel is oriented around the project rather than a commercial support offering.

Pricing

GazePlotter’s Free plan costs nothing. It is a free tool with no registration or subscription, and there is no free trial because the product is already free. There are no paid tiers or seat and quota limits to weigh; researchers can use the stated analysis and export capabilities without a recurring charge.

Platforms

GazePlotter supports web browsers, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Its offline-capable PWA documentation describes computer and mobile use, giving it reach across common research devices without tying the workflow to one desktop operating system.

Who it's for

GazePlotter is a strong fit for researchers and non-programmers who need to inspect gaze data, calculate common metrics and export visual or tabular results without coding. Its local processing, offline-capable design and CSV outputs also suit workflows that prioritize on-device data handling and further analysis in statistical tools.

It is less suitable when accurate temporal measures must be derived from OGAMA data. Teams seeking a paid support arrangement should also consider whether GitHub-based bug reports and requests meet their needs.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad analysis coverage: multiple visualizations and gaze metrics support varied ways to inspect patterns and AOIs.
• Useful data handoff: JSON, image, CSV and ScanGraph exports accommodate both presentation and downstream analysis.
• No-cost access: the free tool requires no registration or subscription.
• Local, offline-capable workflow: browser-based processing and PWA support help keep work on the device and allow offline use.

Cons

• OGAMA timing limitation: sequence order remains available, but timing-dependent measures such as dwell time and time to first fixation are not accurate.
• Project-oriented support: the maker points users to GitHub for bugs, requests and code contributions, rather than describing a commercial support channel.

Alternatives

• GazeRecorder is another free option with Android, iOS, web and Windows support; its free use is limited to non-commercial use.
• Hawkeye may suit users who want a project-based free tier or a paid monthly option: its Free plan is limited to 1 project and 5 sessions, while Starter Plan costs $39.99 a month, billed monthly.
• Retra is a free, open-source alternative for Android users.
• EyeWorks is a paid alternative for iOS and Android.
• Labvanced is worth considering for a freemium platform with a free trial and support across web, desktop, API and extension environments; its Free plan includes 300 MB storage, 10 recordings and 1 active recruiting link.
• OGAMA is a free, open-source Windows option.
• OpenGazer is a free, open-source gaze tracker for Linux and self-hosting that requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies.
• PyGaze is a free, open-source eye-tracking toolbox for Linux, macOS and Windows, distributed as a Python package and source downloads.

Verdict

Choose GazePlotter if you need a no-cost, cross-platform way to visualize and export gaze analyses without coding, especially when local processing and flexible CSV outputs matter. Look elsewhere if accurate timing measures from OGAMA are central to your work.