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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
2 years ago
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Add a Secondary Y axis on a Line Chart with Legend

This has been asked before. But it still doesn't appear to be possible. Is it possible? Can we create line graphs where one axis has a legend and the other has a line or lines unrelated to that legen...
  • Ritaf1983's avatar
    Ritaf1983
    2 years ago

    Hi Anonymous 
    There are 4 measures with 2 y axes by their types. 
    One of the worst types of visuals from an effective data visualization perspective, but technically it is possible to create them.
    The reasons why not are here :
    https://www.datarevelations.com/be-careful-with-dual-axis-charts/

    If you still want to create the tutorial:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkMjAYFeSiM

    or just share data in a usable format (not as a screenshot).
    https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/How-to-provide-sample-data-in-the-Power-BI-Forum/ba-...

    and I will show you how it works...again not recommended...

       If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

  • Ritaf1983's avatar
    2 years ago

    Hi Anonymous 

    Most of us are not able to compare trends in lines that intersect, because we need to remember which line belongs to which category. This is because our short-term memory is limited, and it takes a lot of energy to decode complex information.

    I recommend reading Edward Tufte's work, which explains these points in detail.

    As analysts, we often forget that our goal is to communicate our messages to users in a way that is easy, quick, and accurate. The graph in the attached image is far from that.

    However, I also don't understand the technical problem.
    Power bi allows creating a graph with 4 lines and 2 axes...
    What do I miss in your question?

     

  • Ritaf1983's avatar
    Ritaf1983
    2 years ago

    The discussion about data visualization and the brain and the fact that our visual perception is the same, whether we are geniuses or 6-year-old children, is too long and too deep for the scope of this forum discussion, and English is not my native language, so it is less suitable for development now. My recommendation is based on years of experience and deep research, including editing a book on the subject, and it is up to you to take it or not.

    Regarding the technical issue, different measures are indeed required. In a case like the image, you need 4, just like in the file I attached to you. That's how the tool works.

    Have a nice evening and good luck, Rita.