Reference lines on visuals types in QuickSight

Reference lines are visual markings in a visual, similar to ruler lines. You typically use a reference line for a value that needs to be displayed with the data. You use the reference line to communicate thresholds or limits in values. The reference line isn't part of the data that's used to build a chart. Instead, it's based on a value that you enter or a field that you identify in the dataset used by a chart.

Amazon QuickSight supports reference lines in the following:

• Bar charts

• Line charts

• Combo charts

You can create, change, and delete reference lines while designing an analysis. You can customize the line pattern, the label font, and the colors for each of those separately. You can show numeric values as numbers, currency, or percent. You can also customize a value's numerical format in the same way that you can customize a field in the field well.

There are two types of reference lines:

• A constant line displays at a position that's based on a value that you specify in the format settings. This value doesn't need to relate to any field. You can customize the formatting of the line.

• A calculated line displays at a position that's based on a value that is the result of a function. During configuration, you specify which measure (metric) you want to use and which aggregation to apply. These are the same aggregations you can apply to in the field wells. Then, you need to provide an aggregation to apply to the field calculation for the reference line, for example average, minimum, maximum, or percentile. The field needs to be in the dataset used by the chart, although it doesn't need to be displayed in the chart's field wells.

Calculated reference lines aren't supported in 100% stacked charts.

To add or edit a reference line (console)

1. Choose your visualization so that it's highlighted and its menu appears. To open the formatting options, choose the cog icon ( ) icon on the visualization menu ( ).

2. Open the Reference lines section.

3. Add or edit a reference line. To add a reference line, choose Add new line. To edit a reference line, choose the line to edit.

4. With the reference line settings open in the Format pane at left, you can modify its properties:

   • Data

     • Type – The type of reference line that you want to use. Choose one of the following options:

       • To create a constant line based on a single value that you enter, choose Constant line.

       • To create a calculated line based on a field, choose Calculated line.

     • Value – (For constant lines only) The value that you want to use. This becomes the location of the line on the visual. It appears immediately, so you can experiment with the setting.

     • Column – (For calculated lines only) The column that you want to use for the reference line.

     • Aggregated as (column) – (For calculated lines only) The aggregation that you want to apply to the selected column.

     • Calculate – (For calculated lines only) The calculation that you want to apply to the aggregation.

     • Percentile value – (Only if you set Calculate to Percentile) Enter a number from 1 through 100.

     • Chart type – (For combo charts) Choose Bars or Lines.

   • Line style

     • Pattern – The pattern used for the line. Valid options include Dashed, Dotted, and Solid.

     • Color – The color used for the line.

   • Label

     • Type – The type of label to display. Valid options include Value only, Custom text, Custom text and value, No label. If you choose an option that includes custom text, enter the label text that you want to appear on the line.

     • Enter custom text (text box) – (Only if you set Type to Custom text and value) Choose where to show the value in relation to the label. Valid options are Left or Right.

     • Position – The position of the label in relation to the line. Valid options include a combination of the following: left, middle, right, above, and below.

     • Value format – The format to use for the value. Choose one of the following:

       • Same as value – Uses the formatting that's already selected for this field in the visualization.

       • Show as – Choose from the available options, for example number, currency, or percent.

       • Format – Choose from the available formatting options.

     • Font size – The font size to use for the label text.

     • Color – The color to use for the label text.

5. Choose Done to save your selections.

To list existing reference lines

1. Choose your visualization so that it's highlighted and its menu appears. To open the formatting options, choose the cog icon ( ) icon on the visualization menu ( ).

2. Open the Reference lines section.

   Existing reference lines appear in a list, followed by an Add new line button.

To disable a reference line

1. Choose your visualization so that it's highlighted and its menu appears. To open the formatting options, choose the cog icon ( ) icon on the visualization menu ( ).

2. Open the Reference lines section.

3. Choose Disable from the context menu (…) for the reference line that you want to disable.

To delete a reference line

1. Choose your visualization so that it's highlighted and its menu appears. To open the formatting options, choose the cog icon ( ) icon on the visualization menu ( ).

2. Open the Reference lines section.

3. Choose Delete from the context menu (…) for the reference line that you want to delete.