Chart & Visualization Issues

How to Create an Excel Line Chart with a Disconnected Final Point

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to format a line chart so that the last data point stands alone as a customized marker without being connected by a line to the rest of the chart.

How to Create an Excel Line Chart with a Disconnected Final Point

Product: Spreadsheet
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a custom line chart visualization to highlight, isolate, or project the most recent or final data point.
Observed behavior: The default line chart automatically connects all data points; the goal is to remove the connecting segment before the last data point while retaining its visual marker.

Before you start

Ensure your line chart is fully populated with your final data set before applying individual data point formatting, as adding new data later may reset your custom line and marker configurations.

Solution 1Recommended

Format the Final Data Point in the Line Chart

Isolate the last data point by disabling the line connecting to it and enabling its individual marker in the format panel.

In Excel, you can format individual points within a chart series independently of the whole line. By selecting only the final point (or the second-to-last point), you can hide the connecting line segment.

Select the specific data point

Click once on the line chart series to select the entire line, then click a second time specifically on the final data point to highlight only that point.

Open the format selection pane

Right-click the selected data point and choose 'Format Data Point', or navigate to the Format tab on the ribbon and click 'Format Selection'.

Customize the marker

In the Format Data Point pane, go to the 'Fill & Line' section (paint bucket icon). Click on 'Marker', expand 'Marker Options', select 'Built-in', and choose your preferred shape and size.

Remove the connecting line

Switch to the 'Line' section within the same pane and select 'No line'. If the connecting segment to the previous point remains visible, click the second-to-last data point on your chart and set its line to 'No line' as well.

Format the Final Data Point in the Line Chart

Selection Tip: Make sure you see sizing handles only around the single data point you intend to format. If handles appear on every point, you have selected the entire series.

Solution 2

Use an XY Scatter Chart with Multiple Series

If standard line chart formatting proves difficult to maintain, split your data into two series on an XY Scatter chart to decouple the final point.

Effortless Data Visualization

Easily Customize Charts with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides highly intuitive chart formatting options. You can easily isolate data points, hide connecting lines, and create stunning custom visualizations without complex workarounds.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file containing your line chart.
2. Select the target data point: Double-click the final data point on your line chart to instantly open the right-side Properties panel for that specific point.
3. Adjust line and marker settings: Under the 'SERIES' tab, click the 'Line' icon to select 'No line', then switch to the 'Marker' icon to enable and customize the isolated point.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) chart formats and styles.Intuitive right-click formatting menus for precise individual data point control.Lightweight software with powerful data visualization and presentation tools.Free to download and use for your daily spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the line still appear after formatting the final point to 'No Line'?

In some versions of spreadsheet software, the connecting line segment actually extends from the preceding data point. To remove it, you must click the second-to-last data point on your chart and change its line setting to 'No Line'.

Can I disconnect multiple points in the middle of a line chart?

Yes. You can select any individual data point in a line chart and set its line format to 'No Line' to create gaps. You will need to carefully adjust the line formatting of the adjacent data points to ensure the gaps appear exactly where you want them.

Will the isolated marker formatting remain if I add new data to the chart?

If you append new data to the end of your chart range, the custom formatting applied to the old 'final' point usually remains, which may result in an unwanted gap in the middle of your updated line. You will need to restore the line for that point and reapply the disconnected formatting to the new final point.

Excel & Data Problems