What is a line chart maker?
A line chart is a chart that plots values as points connected by straight or curved lines, typically used to show how a quantity changes across a continuous axis like time. Each line traces one variable over the X axis, making trends, peaks, and dips immediately visible. Multiple lines on the same chart allow direct comparison between series — like comparing sales channels over months.
Everything you need
Built for analysts, students, and researchers who need publication-quality charts in minutes — not hours.
Multiple lines on the same chart with auto-coloured series
Smooth, natural, step, or straight-segment curve types
Optional area fill under each line (line-area hybrid)
Per-series point markers in 4 shapes
9 colour palettes incl. colour-blind safe
Log scale Y axis, custom ranges, reversed direction
PNG, SVG, and CSV export — publication quality
How it works
From data to a publication-ready chart in 2 minutes.
- 1
Paste or upload your data
Copy from Excel/Google Sheets and paste in. First column = X (months, quarters, dates, or any continuous value); every subsequent column becomes its own line on the chart.
- 2
Pick a curve type
Choose monotone (smooth), natural (mathematical curve), step (discrete jumps), or linear (straight segments). Smooth curves read as continuous; step lines emphasise change events.
- 3
Toggle points, fills, and grid
Show dots at each data point, enable the area-fill option for a line-area hybrid, and adjust horizontal/vertical gridlines for the look you want.
- 4
Export your chart
Download as PNG for slides, SVG for publication, or CSV for the underlying data.
Real charts from the community
Every chart you make is shared as a public template so others can remix it. Click any to open it with your own data.
Common questions, direct answers
Plain-language answers to the questions people most often ask about line chart makers.
When should I use a line chart?
Use a line chart when your X axis represents something continuous (time, distance, dose, etc.) and you want to show how one or more values change across it. Trends, growth, decline, and turning points read most naturally on a line — the eye follows the slope as a visual story.
What's the difference between a line chart and an area chart?
A line chart shows only the line (the trend). An area chart fills the space below the line with colour, emphasising the magnitude. Lines are best when you want to compare multiple series cleanly; areas are best when you want the totals or volumes to feel substantial.
How many series can I plot on one line chart?
Visually, 2–5 lines comparing cleanly. Beyond 7–8 lines the chart becomes spaghetti — consider small multiples (one chart per series), a heatmap, or a focus + grey-out treatment instead. Use distinct colours and a legend when you have 3+ lines.
Should my line be smooth or straight?
Use straight segments ("linear") when the X values are discrete and you want to be honest about exact points. Use smooth curves ("monotone" or "natural") when the underlying signal is continuous and you want the eye to follow the trend rather than fixate on individual points.
Frequently asked questions
Is the line chart maker free?+
Yes — 3 graphs per month are free across every tool, with no signup needed to try. Subscribe to Pro for $10/month for unlimited graphs and watermark-free exports.
Can I plot data with dates on the X axis?+
Yes — paste your dates as the first column (e.g. "2024-01", "2024-02"). The chart treats them as categorical labels in row order. For true time-axis scaling (uneven gaps between dates), use numeric X values like Unix timestamps or year fractions.
Can I make a multi-line chart?+
Absolutely — just add more columns. Each non-first column becomes its own line, automatically coloured from your chosen palette. The legend appears when you have 2+ lines.
What if I have gaps in my data?+
Empty cells are skipped — the line simply doesn't pass through that row for that series. If you want explicit gap-handling, leave the cell empty (don't enter 0) so the chart visually breaks the line at that point.
Other charts you might need
Same paste-and-publish workflow — different chart type.