Use Reference Lines

Reference lines on a visual can be used to mark limits, thresholds, and critical values. They can mark both positive and negative values on an axis. Multiple reference lines can be added in a visual.

Reference lines are available only for bar and line charts. Controls are provided using the Rulers interactivity sidebar. See Control How Users Interact With a Visual.

Reference lines can be customized for a visual using the Rulers sidebar.

Create a Reference Line

To create a reference line on a visual:

1. Access the Rulers sidebar for the visual.
2. In the Reference Lines section of the sidebar, select  to start a new reference line definition.
3. Fill in the following fields for the reference line as needed:
   • Title - Specify the name for the line. The default name of the line is Reference line #.
   • Position - By default, the reference line is added to the middle of the visible axis. You can specify a different position on the axis by either entering a specific number value. The reference line changes its position depending on your input.
   • Color - Select the desired color for the line.
   • Width - Specify the line’s thickness: enter a specific value or use the slider.
   • Line type - Select from the following types: Solid, Dashed, or Dotted.
4. Select Apply to apply the reference line to the visual.
   
   

Modify a Reference Line

To modify a reference line on a visual:

1. Access the Rulers sidebar for the visual.
2. In the Reference Lines section of the sidebar, locate the reference line you want to modify.
3. Modify the fields for the reference line as needed:
   • Title - Specify the name for the line. The default name of the line is Reference line #.
   • Position - By default, the reference line is added to the middle of the visible axis. You can specify a different position on the axis by either entering a specific number value. The reference line changes its position depending on your input.
   • Color - Select the desired color for the line.
   • Width - Specify the line’s thickness: enter a specific value or use the slider.
   • Line type - Select from the following types: Solid, Dashed, or Dotted.
4. Select Apply to apply the reference line changes to the visual.
   
   

Delete a Reference Line

To delete a reference line on a visual:

1. Access the Rulers sidebar for the visual.
2. In the Reference Lines section of the sidebar, locate the reference line you want to delete.
3. Select  to the right of the reference line definition on the Rulers sidebar.
4. Select Apply to delete the reference line on the visual.

Aslo see the article about Using Rulers.