WPS Spreadsheet: Create an Excel Chart with a Target Column and Stepped Line
Question details
The user needs to build a combination chart that displays a capacity target as an outlined column around other data series and presents the remaining series as lines.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheet
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The chart should combine a target column with line series and use matching primary and secondary axis scales for an accurate visual comparison.
- Observed behavior
- The required combination chart has not yet been configured with the target series on a secondary axis, an outlined column style, and stepped line presentation.
Confirm that the worksheet contains separate data series for the capacity target and the values that should appear as lines. Check that the target values use the same scale or can be aligned with the primary axis through matching minimum and maximum bounds.
Build a combination chart with an outlined target column and stepped lines
Use this method when the target must surround the other chart series while the data series remain visible as lines.
Select the data range, open the Insert tab, choose Chart, and create a combination chart containing the target series and the other data series.
Right-click the target series in the chart, choose Format Data Series, open Series Options, and select Secondary Axis.
With the target series selected, open Change Chart Type or the series formatting options and set it to Column. In Format Data Series, set Fill to No Fill and set the Border or Line to a thick black solid line.
Right-click the primary vertical axis and choose Format Axis. Record its minimum and maximum bounds, then open Format Axis for the secondary vertical axis and enter the same minimum and maximum values.
Select each non-target series, choose Change Chart Type, and set it to Line. If Step Line is available in the chart type list, select it; otherwise, use line formatting and adjust the line weight, color, and markers to match the stepped presentation.
Create a Target-and-Line Combination Chart in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet lets you combine column and line series, place the target on a secondary axis, remove the column fill, and synchronize axis bounds for a clear capacity comparison.
- 1. Select the source data: Highlight the target and data-series columns in WPS Spreadsheet.
- 2. Insert a combo chart: Go to Insert, choose Chart, and select a combination chart with column and line series.
- 3. Format the target series: Open Format Data Series, move the target to the Secondary Axis, set its chart type to Column, choose No Fill, and apply a thick black border.
- 4. Synchronize the axes: Use Format Axis on both vertical axes and enter identical minimum and maximum bounds.
- 5. Style the line series: Set the remaining series to Line and choose Step Line when available, then adjust colors, thickness, and markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the target series use the secondary axis?
Placing the target series on the secondary axis allows it to use its own scale while remaining visually aligned with the other series. For the intended design, set the primary and secondary axis minimum and maximum values to the same numbers.
How do I make the target column look like an outline?
Select the target column, open Format Data Series, set Fill to No Fill, and apply a thick black solid Border or Line.
Can I combine columns and lines in WPS Spreadsheet?
Yes. Select the source data, choose Insert > Chart, and select a combination chart. Assign the target series to Column and the remaining series to Line.
What should I do if Step Line is not listed as a chart type?
Select the series and use Change Chart Type to choose Line, then adjust its line weight, color, and markers. The exact stepped appearance may depend on the WPS Spreadsheet version and available chart types.
