partial_plots.R

library(purrr)
library(ggplot2)

# function that does the work
make_partial_plots <- function(p) {
  g <- ggplot_build(p)
  n <- length(g$plot$layers)
  
  blank_out <- function(i) {
    g1 <- g
    if (i > n)
      return(g1)
    
    for (j in n:i) {
      g1$plot$layers[[j]] <- NULL
    }
    g1
  }
  
  map(1:(n + 1), blank_out)
}

# example plot with 2 layers
df <- data.frame(x = 1:3, y = 1:3, label = letters[1:3])
p <- ggplot(df, aes(x, y, label = label)) + geom_point(color = "red") + geom_text()

# make partial plots and display in sequence
l <- make_partial_plots(p)
l[[1]]
l[[2]]
l[[3]]