Line Charts

This article is specific to the updated TrackVia UI released in Fall 2026

A Line Chart plots individual data points and connects them with a line. It is used to show how values change over time, reveal trends, and expose outliers that break from the pattern.

When to Use a Line Chart

• When the data is continuous and changes over a time period
• When the data set is too large to read comfortably as a bar chart
• When you want to plot multiple series on the same timeline for comparison
• When the shape of the trend matters more than the exact values
• Use a standard Line Chart rather than a smooth Line Chart when the individual data points and their fluctuations need to be clearly visible

When to Avoid Using a Line Chart

• If the data set is small, a bar chart is more suitable
• If you are comparing values across distinct categories rather than over time, a bar chart is more suitable
• If you want to show parts of a whole, such as percentages, a Pie Chart is more suitable

Example Use Cases for Line Charts

1. Analyzing sales performance month over month
2. Tracking revenue growth over time
3. Monitoring open work order volume week over week to see whether the backlog is growing or shrinking

Related Articles

• Introduction to Views
• Interacting with Views
• Pareto Charts