Interactive visualizations are external tools that can support users’ exploratory activities. Collaboration can bring benefits to the exploration of visual representations or visualizations. This research investigates the use of co-located collaborative visualizations in mobile devices, how users working with two different modes of interaction and view (Shared or Non-Shared) and how being placed at various position arrangements (Corner-to-Corner, Face-to-Face, and Side-by-Side) affect their knowledge acquisition, engagement level, and learning efficiency. A user study is conducted with 60 participants divided into 6 groups (2 modes $$\times$$
×
3 positions) using a tool that we developed to support the exploration of 3D visual structures in a collaborative manner. Our results show that the shared control and view version in the Side-by-Side position is the most favorable and can improve task efficiency. In this paper, we present the results and a set of recommendations that are derived from them.