Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Create a Line Chart and Customize the Ribbon in Excel

John Wilson Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to create a line chart from date and number columns, but Excel fails to recommend one. Additionally, the user wants to simplify the complex ribbon interface.

How to Create a Line Chart and Customize the Ribbon in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating a simple line graph from two specific columns and streamlining the Excel workspace for easier navigation.
Observed behavior: Excel does not automatically recommend a chart for the selected date and number columns, and the default ribbon interface appears difficult to navigate.

Before you start

Ensure your data contains no blank rows and that there is no text hidden in your number column, as mixed data types will prevent Excel from accurately mapping chart ranges.

Solution 1Recommended

Format Data Correctly and Insert a Line Chart manually

Properly formatting your columns as strict Date and Number types ensures Excel can recognize and plot your data correctly on a line chart.

Format the date and number cells

Select your first column, right-click, choose 'Format Cells', and apply the 'Date' format. Select the second column and format it as 'Number'.

Clean the dataset

Remove any blank rows or rows with invalid data formats from your dataset to prevent charting errors.

Insert the line chart

Highlight both columns, go to the 'Insert' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Charts', and select the 'Line' chart icon instead of relying on Recommended Charts.

Adjust the chart data range

If Excel plots the dates incorrectly, right-click the chart, select 'Select Data', and manually set the Date column as the Horizontal (Category) Axis and the Number column as the Series.

Format Data Correctly and Insert a Line Chart manually

Solution 2

Customize the Ribbon to Simplify the Interface

Modify the Excel ribbon by hiding unused tabs or reorganizing commands to create a streamlined, easy-to-navigate workspace.

Create Charts Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

Use WPS Office for Effortless Chart Creation

WPS Spreadsheet offers a clean, highly intuitive interface and robust chart tools, allowing you to instantly turn date and number columns into beautiful line graphs without complex ribbon navigation.

1. Open your data file: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the document containing your date and number columns.
2. Select the data: Highlight the date and number columns you wish to plot on your graph.
3. Insert a line chart: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click on the 'Chart' icon, and choose 'Line' to instantly generate your visualization.
4. Enjoy a streamlined UI: Experience the default, clutter-free tabbed interface of WPS Office to find tools faster.

Free to use with a lightweight, easy-to-navigate interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formatsSmart chart rendering that easily plots date and number seriesHighly customizable toolbar tailored to your exact workflow needs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Excel not recommending a chart for my data?

Excel struggles to recommend a chart if your columns contain mixed data types (like text stored as numbers) or if there are blank rows interrupting the dataset. Ensuring strict 'Date' and 'Number' formatting usually resolves this issue.

How do I fix a line chart where dates appear as a second data line instead of the axis?

Right-click the chart and choose 'Select Data'. Remove the Date series from the Legend Entries (Series) box on the left, and click 'Edit' under the Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels on the right to select your Date column.

Can I reset the Excel ribbon back to its default layout?

Yes. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. At the bottom right of the window, click the 'Reset' dropdown menu and choose 'Reset all customizations' to restore the default interface.

Excel & Data Problems