Plan Availability | All plan types |
Permissions | Workspace Administrators, Solution Creators and Solution Managers: Can create and manage line charts. |
Related Reading |
Line Charts Overview
Line charts are most often used to track changes over periods of time. They are generally preferred over bar or column charts when changes are relatively small. The horizontal (X) axis depicts a progression, often of time, while the vertical (Y) axis shows the value of a selected metric.
When Should I Use a Line Chart?
Line charts are ideal for showing a series of continuous data, highlighting trends and changes over time. Here are some common examples:
Variations in price
Number of visitors to a website
Month-over-month changes to inventory levels
Situations Where Line Charts Shine:
Highlighting trends: Best for showcasing trends and subtle changes over time.
Avoiding chart density issues: Avoid line charts if comparing more than six categories, as it can become challenging to interpret.
Configuring Line Chart Views
Creating and customizing a line chart is simple with the SmartSuite Chart Setting panel. Follow these steps:
Steps to Configure:
Add a New Chart View:
See the related help article about chart views for detailed instructions.
Select Line Chart Type:
Under Chart Settings, select the Line Chart option.
Specify Chart Values:
Choose fields that contain the data to display on the chart. These can include:
Numeric fields (e.g., Number, Currency)
Text or list-type fields (e.g., Single Select, Multiple Select)
Options for numeric data aggregation include:
Sum: Adds values together.
Avg: Displays the average of the values.
Min: Shows the smallest value.
Max: Shows the largest value.
Count: Counts the displayed values.
You can click Add New to include additional Values in your chart, allowing you to add additional series to your chart like this:
Pick a Group By Field:
Essential for line charts to display data on the horizontal (X) axis. Typically, a date field is used for time series.
Chart Total:
Displays the total value of the Line Chart.
You can choose to calculate the total for a specific field, with options for MIN, MAX, and AVG values.
Benchmark Line
Allows you to set a reference line on the chart to highlight a key threshold or goal.
Helps track whether data values exceed or fall below important benchmarks.
Dynamic Filter
Set filters for data that can change over time with a single click, such as status, priority, or numeric fields.
Advanced Options
Provides additional customization, including the ability to show data labels, Show Dots, Show X Axis Labels, Show Y Axis Labels on the chart for better readability.
Configuring Line Chart Widgets
Line charts can be added to SmartSuite Dashboards. Here's how:
Widget Configuration:
Widget Name:
Name the widget for clarity; the name will appear on its border.
Select Table:
Pick the table containing the data for the chart.
Add to Dashboard:
Once configured, click Add Widget to place it on the Dashboard.
Note: There is an option to filter the data for the Line Chart based on criteria. Learn more about filtering in this article
Line Chart Use Cases
Use Case 1: Comparing Values Over Time
Scenario: Track changes in data over a time series.
Solution: Add values to the chart for an instant visual comparison.
Use Case 2: Charting Small Changes
Scenario: Highlight minor incremental changes over time.
Solution: Use a line chart to easily visualize subtle trends and performance.
Use Case 3: Dashboard Insights
Scenario: Add a line chart widget to your dashboard for real-time tracking.
Solution: Configure and embed the chart as part of a larger data presentation.