Line Chart
A line chart connects a series of data points to show trends over time.
A Line Chart is a visualization that connects numeric data points sequentially using either straight lines or curved lines. This chart type is most effective for illustrating trends over time or showing continuous changes in data across intervals. By emphasizing the direction, slope, and pattern of values, a Line Chart helps users quickly identify growth patterns, declines, fluctuations, and long-term trends within a dataset.
When to Use a Line Chart
Use a Line Chart when you want to:
Track KPI performance or time-series data over days, months, or years.
Compare multiple categories across the same time period.
Visualize continuous changes in stock prices, sensor readings, or metrics.
Highlight patterns or anomalies such as seasonality, spikes, or dips.
Show relationships between two or more measures over the same dimension (e.g., revenue vs. profit trends).
Best use case:
To highlight trends or progressions across time or continuous dimensions.
Examples:
Revenue growth over the years.
Daily or monthly stock price fluctuations.
Variations:
Mixed Chart – Combine a line graph with column charts for comparative insights.
Example: Display numeric student scores in columns with proficiency trends in a line.
Default Behavior
The Line Chart connects selected dimension values (commonly dates) with corresponding measure values.
The chart defaults to a Clustered style unless modified.
Chart Properties
Access chart-specific settings by clicking the Chart Properties icon on the Design page.
General Settings
Style – Choose how data is displayed:
Cluster
Stack
Stack Percentage
Stack Overlaid
Order – Define the sequence of displayed data:
None (default)
Ascending
Descending
Manual Sort (manually order dimensions using arrows).
If Ascending or Descending is chosen:
Order By – Select a dimension or measure for ordering.
Limit – Restrict the number of displayed data points.
Exclude Global Filter – Exclude the View from global filters.
Show Data Label – Display numeric values directly on the chart.
Enable Base Zero – Force the Y-axis to begin at zero.
Show Point – Display point markers at each data value.
Line Form – Choose line shape:
Curve
Segment
Show Legend – Enable a chart legend.
Legend Style – Fixed or Floating.
Legend Font Size – Adjust legend text size (Fixed only).
Legend Orientation – Vertical or Horizontal (Fixed only).
Legend Checkbox – Toggle series on/off via checkboxes.
Slider – Add a slider to navigate large datasets.
Slider Range – Fixed or Dynamic.
Slider Position – Default, Left, Center, or Right.
View Filter
Filter – Apply filter conditions to focus on specific subsets of data.
Category Axis
Title – Add a descriptive title.
Axis Label – Show or hide labels.
Label Angle – Adjust angle for readability.
Primary Value Axis
Title – Add a descriptive label.
Axis Label – Show/hide value axis labels.
Format Type – None, Auto, Percent, Thousand, Lacs, Crore, Million, Billion, Trillion, Quadrillion.
Currency Type – None, Rupees, Euro, Pound, USD, Yen, Cent.
Precision – Display values with up to 5 decimal places.
Secondary Value Axis
(Available when two measures are used in the chart.)
Enable – Add a secondary Y-axis.
Title – Add a descriptive label.
Format Type – Same options as the primary axis.
Currency Type – Same options (not available if Format Type = Percentage).
Precision – Display values with up to 5 decimal places.
Insights
Text – Add annotations. Highlight values using asterisks (e.g., 70%).
Font Size – Adjust text size.
Font Color – Set annotation color.
Text Align – Left, Right, Centre.
Position – Bottom or Right.
Annotation Settings
Annotation lines highlight events, thresholds, or milestones within the chart.
Add Annotation Lines
On the Design page, select the required dimensions and measures.
Ensure at least one date-based dimension (e.g., Event Date) is included.
Click the ellipsis next to the dimension → configure:
Display Name
Date Interval
Date Format (ensure supported formats).
Open Chart Properties → Annotation Property section.
Select Annotation Type:
File Upload – Upload annotation data.
Data Sheet – Use an existing sheet.
For File Upload:
Click Choose File → upload.
Configure:
Select Sheet
Label Field
Annotation Field
Line Color
Tooltip Title
Line Width
Line Opacity
Enable Show Annotation and check the Annotation checkbox.
Annotation lines appear in the View; tooltips display when hovering.
Threshold Settings
Show Threshold Line – Enable to draw a threshold.
Threshold 1 – Enter a value for the first threshold line.
Best Practices
Use Line Charts to emphasize directional trends rather than absolute magnitudes.
Apply Curved lines for smoother visuals; Segments when showing raw changes.
Use Secondary Axis only when comparing measures with different scales.
Add Annotations for milestones (e.g., product launches) and Thresholds for KPIs.
Limit the number of series to maintain readability.
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