Time-Based Data: Line Charts and Trendlines

Time-Based Data: Line Charts and Trendlines

Create a line chart to show trends in time-based data. 

When to use

We use a line chart whenever we have time-based data that changes over time and we want to establish trends. 

Instructions

Line Charts are best suited to time-based data that changes over time. They allow us to easily see fluctuations over days, weeks, months, years and establish any trends. For example, average rainfall by month or company revenue by year. 

Create a Line Chart

• Select the data. 
• From the Insert tab, in the Charts group, click the drop-down next to line charts. 
• Choose 2D Line Chart with Markers.

Format a Line Chart

We can now apply formatting to customize the look and feel of the chart. 

Change chart title

• Double-click in the chart title text box. 
• Add the title 'Average Steps by Hour'. 

Move the Legend

• Click the plus to the right-hand side of the chart. 
• Hover the mouse over Legend and choose Top. 

Format Axis

• Click on the horizontal axis. 
• Press CTRL+1 to open the Format Axis pane. 
• Under Axis Options, expand the Number group. 
• Select the Time category and change the time to the 24 hour clock. 

• Click OK. 

Format Data Series 

• Click on the blue line. 
• Press CTRL+1 to open the Format Data Series pane. 
• From the Fill & Line section, expand Line and click Gradient Fill. 
• Click on each gradient stop and choose a color from the color palette. 

• From the Fill & Line section, click Marker. 
• Set Markers to None.
• Scroll down and select the Smoothed Line checkbox. 
• Repeat this process for the orange line. 

Adjust Axis Scale

To scale the data series on the chart so we don't have lots of empty white space, we can adjust the minimum and maximum bounds. 

• Click on the vertical axis. 
• Press CTRL+1 to open the Format Axis pane. 
• Expand Axis Options. 
• Change the minimum bound to 1000 and the maximum bound to 10500. 

Create a Dark Theme Line Chart

Charts can be particularly effective and eye-catching when using a dark theme. 

• Click on the line chart. 
• Press CTRL+D to duplicate the chart. 
• From the Chart Design tab, click the drop-down in the Chart Styles group. 
• Choose Chart Style 9 to apply a dark theme. 
• Modify the line colors accordingly. 

Hints & tips

• To add a neon glow to the line chart, select the line and add the Glow Effect from the Shape Effects gallery.