> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/pba-report-designer/10.2-report-designer/add-a-chart/choose-a-chart-type.md). # Choose a chart type There are 17 JFreeChart chart types built into Report Designer, with some of them changing significantly based on which data collector you choose. If you want to show the strength of a trend for a single value over time, the best chart types are: * Line * Area * XY StepArea * XY Step * XY Line If you are directly comparing two or more related values, the best chart types to choose are: * Pie * Ring * Bar * Line * Area * Radar If you want to show how one set of values directly affects another, the best chart types are: * Bar line combination * Waterfall If you are comparing a large number of data points, the best chart types are: * XY Difference * XY Dot (Scatter plot) * Bubble * Pie Grid (Multi-Pie) If you need to show a trend among a small number of related numerical data points, a sparkline chart may be appropriate. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pba-report-designer/10.2-report-designer/add-a-chart/choose-a-chart-type.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.