Embodiments are directed to managing data visualizations. A primary visualization that is associated with a data model may be provided such that the primary visualization may be displayed in a display panel. Insight items may be generated based on the primary visualization and the data model such that the insight items may correspond to one or more visualizations that may share one or more portions of the data model and such that the insight items may be displayed in an insight panel. In response to an insight item being selected from the insight panel, additional actions may be performed, including: generating a visualization based on the insight item that is displayed in the display panel instead of the primary visualization; and generating a scratch item that includes a thumbnail view of the primary visualization such that the thumbnail view is displayed in a scratch panel.