{"id":51553,"date":"2021-09-24T14:58:59","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T18:58:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/?p=51553"},"modified":"2025-08-21T10:07:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T14:07:56","slug":"line-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Line Charts"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/line-charts-blog-header.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51554\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Line charts are one of the most common types of <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/data-visualization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data visualizations<\/a>, and they are incredibly useful for a wide variety of professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, I will draw from my experience as a senior information designer to share all you need to know about line charts, from basics to best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can then use Venngage&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/features\/chart-maker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chart Maker<\/a> with customizable <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/line\">line chart templates<\/a> to create line charts that best visualize your data, in just several simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/features\/chart-maker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>START CREATING FOR FREE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"toc\">Table of contents:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#definition\">What is a line chart?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#use-case\">What is a line chart used for?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#challenges\">Common challenges or errors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to create a line chart with Venngage<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#best-practices\">Best practices for creating a line chart<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQs about line charts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"definition\">What is a line chart?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A line chart\u2014also called a line graph\u2014is a visual representation of numeric or quantitative data that shows the relationship between two variables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A variable is basically anything that can change, like amounts, percentage rates, time intervals, etc. These variables are on the X and Y axes of the graph\u2014or the horizontal line at the bottom and the vertical line at the left, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A line chart looks like points connected on one or more lines running from left to right on a graph. Each point represents a data value:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/response-times-9d53617d-f4c6-416a-96f7-e47a381d8311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"541\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/9d53617d-f4c6-416a-96f7-e47a381d8311.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51615\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/response-times-9d53617d-f4c6-416a-96f7-e47a381d8311\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"use-case\">What is a line chart used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Line charts are&nbsp;often used to show continuous data, which is data that cannot be counted in whole numbers, such as numbers of products sold. Rather, it is always on a continuum and can have any imaginable value, including fractions or decimal points. This could be time, temperature, measurements, cost, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Line charts are&nbsp;used to show how a change in one variable or number affects changes in another.&nbsp;They are often used to show, for example, <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/data-over-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">changes that happen over time<\/a>. In this case, time is on the horizontal axis, with older dates to the left and newer dates to the right.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/dark-line-chart-681d8d5b-53b5-44d8-939a-9d913c23765b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/681d8d5b-53b5-44d8-939a-9d913c23765b.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51616\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/dark-line-chart-681d8d5b-53b5-44d8-939a-9d913c23765b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when used in a <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/business-report-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business report<\/a> or plan, a line chart could describe how sales change from quarter to quarter, how the percentage of upgrades changes month-to-month, or how employee satisfaction has varied from year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/visualize-numbers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visualizing these numbers<\/a> in a line chart, you can spot trends and patternsmore easily and perhaps even make forecasts.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projection-with-uncertainty-line-chart-8747626e-9286-45e9-87b0-bbf7142a7045\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/8747626e-9286-45e9-87b0-bbf7142a7045.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51617\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projection-with-uncertainty-line-chart-8747626e-9286-45e9-87b0-bbf7142a7045\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>Some line charts contain more than one line, which allows for additional comparisons between categories or groups.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/home-buyer-line-062ba91f-813a-4ca4-aa9f-c736d50300a3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/062ba91f-813a-4ca4-aa9f-c736d50300a3.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51618\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/home-buyer-line-062ba91f-813a-4ca4-aa9f-c736d50300a3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"challenges\">Common line graph challenges or errors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While two or three lines on a line chart can provide some additional information and clarity, too many lines can make the chart difficult to read. If you&#8217;re wondering how many lines are too many, check out the answer in the <a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a> section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use color to make&nbsp;the chart easier to read,&nbsp;but beware: using too many colors can render the chart confusing and make it hard for readers to follow all the data points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This simple line chart is a good example of proper color use as it helps separate the most important data (the company&#8217;s upgrade rates) from the other data points (competitors&#8217; upgrade rates), while managing to provide a good comparison between the two data sets&nbsp;at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/competitor-analysis-730e60e4-8cd2-4ace-b1fe-d0c2c946f55d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/730e60e4-8cd2-4ace-b1fe-d0c2c946f55d.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51619\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/competitor-analysis-730e60e4-8cd2-4ace-b1fe-d0c2c946f55d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you won\u2019t have all the data you need to \u201cconnect the dots\u201d so to speak. For example, you may be missing data for some months or years. If you choose to use a line graph in these instances, it\u2019s very important to make sure your audience is aware of these gaps, so they don\u2019t misinterpret the information and draw erroneous conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This line graph displays information about <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/employee-engagement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">employee engagement<\/a> rates in the U.S. Notice how it presents data gaps really clearly:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projections-line-chart-2fa8e45d-c4ba-403c-92f8-786cbb078feb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/employee-engagement-graph-1.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51620\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projections-line-chart-2fa8e45d-c4ba-403c-92f8-786cbb078feb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When not to use a line chart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes a line chart just won\u2019t be the best way to visualize the data. If you are working with data that is not numeric, you will probably want to use a <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/bar-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bar chart<\/a> instead. If you&nbsp;want to look at categories of any kind, even if the data is numeric, a bar chart is a great solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an example of a histogram, which is a type of bar chart that shows how numbers or frequencies are distributed across a range of numbers:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/market-segmentation-05430d89-1a08-4711-944d-f68748b74b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/05430d89-1a08-4711-944d-f68748b74b50-1.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51621\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/market-segmentation-05430d89-1a08-4711-944d-f68748b74b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to\">How to create a line chart with Venngage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start making a line chart today using Venngage&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/features\/chart-maker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chart Maker<\/a>, even if you have very little experience. Just follow these easy steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Start with one of Venngage\u2019s superb chart templates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be able to edit all of the visual elements in the template, so look for one that has a style you prefer or that has the components (text boxes, number of charts, etc.) that you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customize the chart templates included in this post or check out the full line chart template library here:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/line\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1586\" height=\"836\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Line-Chart-Venngage-Templates.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51742\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Double click the chart and add your data to the table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can upload a Google Sheet, CSV or XLSX file if you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1262\" height=\"755\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BarLineChart-New.gif\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51622\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Edit the chart settings to make your design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes colors, fonts, labels, line width, point size, etc. Use the <a href=\"#tips\">tips<\/a> provided below to make sure your chart is easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Complete your design with additional visual elements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can change the colors and fonts in the templates to fit your company brand. You can also change or add icons or photos that help you tell your data story.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1261\" height=\"755\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Replace-icon-v1.gif\" alt=\"venngage replace icon\" class=\"wp-image-51614\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Download and\/or share your finished chart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A free Venngage user can share their chart using a public link. Upgrade to a <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">paid<\/a> account in order to download your chart in PNG, PDF, Interactive PDF or even in PPTX format to be used in PowerPoint slides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/business\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business<\/a> account, you can even share your chart with your team to get their comments:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1261\" height=\"758\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/08\/comment-new-no-bg.gif\" alt=\"comment\" class=\"wp-image-51528\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Or collaborate with your team members to edit your charts <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/real-time-collaboration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in real time<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"707\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/collab-new-color-large.gif\" alt=\"collab-new-color large\" class=\"wp-image-51458\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"best-practices\">Best practices for creating a great line&nbsp;graph<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one thing to create a line chart, it\u2019s another to create one that achieves your purpose or goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are wanting to help your team understand the progress being made towards goals, or your customers understand how your product is scientifically superior, these tips will help you make sure your line chart communicates what you need it to and doesn\u2019t end up falling into the unfortunate category of a <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/bad-infographics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bad infographic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Label X and Y axes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Help your reader know exactly what relationship you are explaining with clear&nbsp;axis&nbsp;titles.&nbsp;Indicate what\u2019s being counted on each horizontal and vertical axis. Dollars? Percentages? Months in the year 2020?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are using multiple lines in your graph, the data should be similar for each, with each category you are comparing having the same unit and scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, this line chart&nbsp;uses different lines for different companies, but overall it displays information about&nbsp;how sales in dollars have changed over the years from 2010 to 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/reports\/year-review-1-3-column-3dfd4449-c4b3-40eb-b274-bfdda1d8125b\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"906\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Line-Chart-X-Y-Axis.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51743\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/reports\/year-review-1-3-column-3dfd4449-c4b3-40eb-b274-bfdda1d8125b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS REPORT TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t use a dual axis, which is when you have an additional Y axis on the right of the chart. It\u2019s incredibly hard to make them work and super hard for your reader to understand. If you need to show comparisons with different units, make two line charts instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Break axes into regular intervals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both the X and Y axis should be segmented in a mathematical fashion, with regular intervals showing the spread of the data. The good news is that if you use Venngage, this is automatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, make sure the Y axis isn\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/misleading-graphs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">distorting the data<\/a> and thus impeding accurate interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-teal-line-graphs-30c3ec83-951a-4208-835c-6137cfb07083\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"785\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/30c3ec83-951a-4208-835c-6137cfb07083.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51623\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-teal-line-graphs-30c3ec83-951a-4208-835c-6137cfb07083\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, you should use a zero baseline unless there\u2019s a good reason not to (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/2015\/11\/19\/9758062\/y-axis-zero-chart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">this video from Vox<\/a> explains this in more depth). Again, this is the default in Venngage.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-bar-charts-e62d42ff-e31b-4bb1-b115-307370f7fd01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"832\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/e62d42ff-e31b-4bb1-b115-307370f7fd01.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51624\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-bar-charts-e62d42ff-e31b-4bb1-b115-307370f7fd01\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t cherry-pick the data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is another tip that is non-negotiable. If you are only using the data that supports what you want to believe or profess, then you are not only misleading folks, you are also depriving them of learning what all of the actual data has to say.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-purple-line-graphs-d86693a8-1d4b-400f-a485-db73d87d573c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/d86693a8-1d4b-400f-a485-db73d87d573c.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51625\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/misleading-vs-accurate-purple-line-graphs-d86693a8-1d4b-400f-a485-db73d87d573c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/communicating-data\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">communicating data<\/a>, you have a responsibility to do so honestly. Doing so is the best way to turn these communications into \u201cwins\u201d for your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/misleading-graphs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 Ways Writers Use Misleading Graphs to Manipulate You<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remove unnecessary clutter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can make it much easier for people to grasp the major trends or takeaways from your line chart by keeping it as simple as it can be, without losing any of the nuances of the data of course. This is especially important if you are including lots of data points or lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, use horizontal grid lines if it helps people better read the numbers, but make them light grey so they fade into the background.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"745\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-24-at-2.34.20-PM.png\" alt=\"line graph\" class=\"wp-image-51749\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Also, instead of a legend, you can label different lines directly on the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/teal-sales-projections-line-chart-567b3991-a834-454c-b21a-7772ff5bdd49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/567b3991-a834-454c-b21a-7772ff5bdd49.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51626\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/teal-sales-projections-line-chart-567b3991-a834-454c-b21a-7772ff5bdd49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make your chart title useful to readers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People will spend a lot of time reading the text in your chart, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/vcg.seas.harvard.edu\/files\/pfister\/files\/infovis_submission251-camera.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">research<\/a>, so make that text something helpful to the reader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of a matter-of-fact title, like \u201cAverage Age of Customers\u201d or \u201cRevenue per Quarter\u201d, use a descriptive title that helps the reader better interpret the data in the chart, like \u201cProduct Attracts Younger Customers\u201d or \u201cRevenue Declined Last Quarter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/blue-line-858d86d0-e239-4f9c-89a7-e272ef77d9f5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/858d86d0-e239-4f9c-89a7-e272ef77d9f5.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51628\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/blue-line-858d86d0-e239-4f9c-89a7-e272ef77d9f5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also go beyond the title and label or make notes about things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Exact values for each data point on the line<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Significant values within the chart, such as the highest and lowest ones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Points in time where significant changes happened<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This simple line chart on world coffee consumption is a good example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/editorial-line-chart-53325780-c17a-4934-b03c-5692a2fbef80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/53325780-c17a-4934-b03c-5692a2fbef80.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51629\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/editorial-line-chart-53325780-c17a-4934-b03c-5692a2fbef80\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of notes, always, always, always <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/how-to-cite-an-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cite the source<\/a> and date of your data beneath the chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may be a hyperlink to an external data source or a note about how the data was collected, like \u201cAnnual employee survey, 2020.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use color to highlight what matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Color is not just a way to make your chart \u201cprettier.\u201d When it comes to communicating data, color is an important communication aid. You can use it to help people instantly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize what matters most, be it points or lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare different categories or lines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with the content thematically and\/or emotionally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projections-line-chart-2fa8e45d-c4ba-403c-92f8-786cbb078feb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/2fa8e45d-c4ba-403c-92f8-786cbb078feb.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51630\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/sales-projections-line-chart-2fa8e45d-c4ba-403c-92f8-786cbb078feb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQs about line charts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many lines is too many lines in a line chart?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no hard and fast rule, because it really depends on your audience, the size of the chart, the shape of the lines, the style of the chart, etc. However, a good rule of thumb is that the lines should be far enough apart that they are easy to read individually, and each line should have a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each one should allow your audience to answer a key question, like in this example:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/summer-chart-2eaba5e4-56cf-41bb-8502-6047de544cbe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"790\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/datastorytellingexamplefinal.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51631\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/summer-chart-2eaba5e4-56cf-41bb-8502-6047de544cbe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to the chart you are making, it\u2019s very easy to get the answer to this question: just ask your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Asking for input and feedback is a critical part of the design process. You can ask a question such as, \u201cWhat should I be rethinking to make this chart easier to understand?\u201d and \u201cWhich of these lines is the most helpful and which are less helpful?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What software should I use to make line graphs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on your audience, the complexity of the dataset, your skill level, and your resources (time and money).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your audience needs a colorful design to draw them into the data, if you are working with a simple table of data, or if you are short on resources or skills, the best solution is Venngage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike some other easy-to-use alternatives, Venngage offers the design flexibility that\u2019s needed to&nbsp;create charts well,&nbsp;plus hundreds of templates relevant for <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/business-communication-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business professionals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/featured\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1566\" height=\"835\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Line-Chart-General-Templates.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51750\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If your audience is highly technical, if the data set is complicated to work with (many data fields in different spreadsheets), and if you have the skills or resources, you can use a more robust software such as Tableau or Power BI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is some software that just isn\u2019t ideal for making line charts, because it\u2019s just too complicated or too difficult to learn how to use in a way that makes good line chart design possible. If you want to make a quick line chart strictly for your own use, Excel or Google Sheets is an option, but they are not ideal for high-quality design. Unfortunately, it can take a lot of work to make accurate and great-looking line charts with PowerPoint or Adobe Illustrator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a slope graph?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A slope graph is a type of line chart with often a series of lines that have only a single starting point and a single ending point. They are often used to compare changes that occurred between two dates. Similar to any line chart, they are effective if the number of lines does not inhibit understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/home-buyer-line-062ba91f-813a-4ca4-aa9f-c736d50300a3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"816\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/slopegraphexample.png\" alt=\"line graph\" class=\"wp-image-51632\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/home-buyer-line-062ba91f-813a-4ca4-aa9f-c736d50300a3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a sparkline chart?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A sparkline is a very small, very simplified line chart where there may or may not be labeled axes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are often part of a series of sparklines that can provide a high-level view of changes over time in different categories. They are not good for making precise comparisons, and they assume that the viewer has some pre-existing knowledge of the data set. They are more often seen in dynamic data dashboards than in print or digital infographics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a series of sparklines within a Google Analytics dashboard:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1954\" height=\"212\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Screen-Shot-2021-09-22-at-2.12.11-PM.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51633\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can\/should a line chart be an area chart?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An area chart is essentially a line chart with the area beneath the line colored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naturally, the colored area draws attention, potentially away from the shape of the line. For this reason, they are good for only very specific scenarios in which the chart is describing how percentage rates have changed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Area charts can be great <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/alternatives-to-pie-charts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alternatives to pie charts<\/a> if you want to show not only percentages but change over time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/production-area-chart-b2797687-2a6c-49b4-ae85-1d20843b2f1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/b2797687-2a6c-49b4-ae85-1d20843b2f1c.png\" alt=\"line graph\" class=\"wp-image-51634\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/production-area-chart-b2797687-2a6c-49b4-ae85-1d20843b2f1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/pie-chart-infographic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pie Charts and Other Ways to Show Percentages in Infographics<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, it is wise to be careful about how many lines you include in an area chart. More than two lines is too many, and the lines should be spaced far enough apart that they can be read separately.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/education-expenditure-area-chart-b9c43619-d35d-4270-8d97-6861b461a3a1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2550\" height=\"2093\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/b9c43619-d35d-4270-8d97-6861b461a3a1.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51635\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/education-expenditure-area-chart-b9c43619-d35d-4270-8d97-6861b461a3a1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between a line chart and a scatter plot?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like a line chart, a scatter plot (also called a scatter chart) includes data points and allows for comparisons between two variables, each on an axis of the chart. However, the data points do not create a line because the relationships between the variables are more varied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, here\u2019s a&nbsp;scatter chart&nbsp;that shows relationships between park size and the number of visitors:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/parks--rec-scatterplot-b45a72a5-bbef-427b-a71f-99f88c9d18b5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/b45a72a5-bbef-427b-a71f-99f88c9d18b5.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51636\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/parks--rec-scatterplot-b45a72a5-bbef-427b-a71f-99f88c9d18b5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can\/should I use a bar chart and line chart together?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all of the others above, this is a good solution in very limited circumstances. The data used in both charts needs to be similar in unit and scale, for example all percentage rates or all dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best use of this combination is when the line can illuminate a target or goal and the bars can show the actual amounts. In this specific situation, the use of different types of visualizations calls attention to different things but rather than distracting from one another, they collectively tell a more comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/data-storytelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data story<\/a> together.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/target-goal-vs-actual-savings-mixed-bar-chart-bedfeeb0-1c41-462a-ae01-36d8a063756c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1056\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bedfeeb0-1c41-462a-ae01-36d8a063756c.png\" alt=\"line chart\" class=\"wp-image-51637\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/templates\/charts\/target-goal-vs-actual-savings-mixed-bar-chart-bedfeeb0-1c41-462a-ae01-36d8a063756c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>CREATE THIS CHART TEMPLATE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#toc\"><strong>Return to Table of Contents<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In summary: Simple but effective, line chart is a versatile&nbsp;data visualization tool&nbsp;that helps display trends, present comparisons and more<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Considering how useful and versatile the line chart is, it\u2019s no wonder it\u2019s one of the most popular ways to visualize data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But like all chart types, they do require some thoughtful consideration to make them effective. You don\u2019t need to be a designer or an analyst, but you do need to know what to think about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this article, you should be well on your way to becoming a pro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check out our FREE course on <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.thinkific.com\/courses\/becoming-an-infographic-design-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Becoming an Infographic Design Pro<\/a>, where you&#8217;ll learn <a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/how-to-make-an-infographic-in-5-steps\/\">how to create infographics<\/a> that help you reach your business goals. There&#8217;s a module that teaches you how to choose the right charts and graphs for your data:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.thinkific.com\/courses\/becoming-an-infographic-design-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/BecomingInfographicDesignPro-Venngage.png\" alt=\"venngage course becoming an infographic design pro\" class=\"wp-image-51643\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/venngage.thinkific.com\/courses\/becoming-an-infographic-design-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br><button class=\"btn-cta\" data-darkreader-inline-color=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-boxshadow=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgimage=\"\" data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor=\"\"><b>JOIN THE COURSE FOR FREE<\/b><\/button><\/a><\/center>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Line charts are one of the most common types of data visualizations, and they are incredibly useful for a wide variety of professionals. In this article, I will draw from my experience as a senior information designer to share all you need to know about line charts, from basics to best practices. You can then [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":51554,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false},"categories":[95,608],"tags":[220,290],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn when to use and not to use a line chart and how you can make the most use of it for your reports, presentations, infographics and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Complete Guide to Line Charts - Venngage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn when to use and not to use a line chart and how you can make the most use of it for your reports, presentations, infographics and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Venngage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Venngage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-09-24T18:58:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-21T14:07:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/line-charts-blog-header.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@venngage\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@venngage\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lydia Hooper\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Venngage\",\"description\":\"Learn to Communicate with Data\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/line-charts-blog-header.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/venngage-wordpress.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/line-charts-blog-header.png\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":576,\"caption\":\"line chart\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/venngage.com\/blog\/line-chart\/\",\"name\":\"A Complete Guide to Line Charts - 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