By default, charts are set to the line plot style (time-value data points connected by a line). However, you can change the chart type to any of the following styles:

• Bar Chart — Time series chart that, for a given metric at each time interval, shows a rectangular bar sized according to the value of the metric.
• Line Plot — Time series chart showing a set of time-value markers connected by a single line.
• Scatter Plot — Time series chart similar to the line plot, but does not include a line connecting the markers.
• Vertical Linear Gauge — Chart for a single metric that shows a vertical rectangle that is sized according to the current value. This chart can be configured to display additional information, such as maximum and minimum values, average value, standard deviation, and so on.
• Horizontal Linear Gauge — Chart similar to the vertical linear gauge, but shows a horizontal rectangle.
• Radial Gauge — Chart for a single metric that shows the current value as a data point on a 180-degree semicircular gauge, which appears like a "speedometer" gauge.

The chart type can be changed for an individual chart, or globally for all active views, as follows:

• When creating or modifying a chart, you can set the chart type to a different style by choosing Chart Type in the chart menu (see Select the chart menu). The chart and its existing metrics are immediately redisplayed in the new style.
• When setting global dashboard preferences, you can change the default chart type for all active views. The new default type is then used whenever a new chart is created. (That is, it has no effect on existing charts.) For more information, see Set global chart properties.

For more information about and examples of each chart type, see The Parts of a Chart.