# How to Create a Line or Area Chart

### How to create a Line or Area Chart in the Advanced Chart Builder

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Start with the right data

Ensure your dataset includes:

* **A time-based or continuous category** (e.g., term, date, week, year)
* **One or more numeric or metric fields** (e.g., enrollment count, average GPA)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Quick Chart or Advanced Chart Builder

Line charts can be built quickly using the Quick Chart option (click on the Line Chart Quick Chart icon at the top of the data view). 

For additional customization and control, open the [Advanced Chart Builder](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/getting-started-with-the-advanced-chart-builder.md) from a thread or Pin to launch the builder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open the Chart tab

Select the type of Line or Area Chart you need:

* **Line**: Used to show trends over time.
* **Stacked Line**: Used to display how a group or category contributes to a total metric over time. 
* **100% Line**: Used to compare the relative proportion of a group or category over time.
* **Area**: Used to emphasize the magnitude of change in a single metric over time. 
* **Stacked Area**: Used to show how various factors contribute to a total metric over time.
* **100% Area**: Used to highlight changes in the relative percentage composition of a group or category over time.

Review the live preview of your chart. 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Go to the Setup tab

* Confirm your Category from the dropdown (e.g., department, program name, grade level)
* Add one or more Series (e.g., enrollment count, average GPA)
* Choose the appropriate aggregation (e.g., Sum, Average)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Apply Data Filters

[Filter your data](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/create-a-chart-with-the-advanced-chart-builder.md#how-to-apply-filters) to reduce clutter, increase readability, and focus the chart on the story. 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Customize the Chart (Optional)

[Use the Customize tab](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/customize-your-chart.md) to adjust the look of your chart:

* Add axis titles and chart labels
* Adjust colors, axis lines, labels, and tooltips
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save the Chart

Click Save when you’re ready to [apply your changes](/top-resources/advanced-charts-and-visualizations-builder/saving-or-canceling-your-chart-edits.md), or Cancel to discard the changes. 
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Line & Area Chart Use Cases

Need some inspiration? Consider these examples where a Line or Area Chart may work well. 

* Track enrollment trends by term across multiple programs.
* Visualize student progression and trends in assessment scores across benchmark periods.

### Line & Area Chart Tips and Best Practices

* Use a time-based category on the x-axis.
* Limit categories to 2-4 to maintain readability.
* Use area charts to emphasize volume, stacked charts to show part-to-whole trends.


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