How to add a reference band to a line chart

Learn how to create reference bands with Datylon Line chart to focus attention on a certain part of your chart

A reference band in a chart or graph is a shaded area underneath the data marks between two constant or varying values on the axis. See the red area in the line graph below. A reference band is made by means of a Datylon Line chart, but can be combined with any other chart using Datylon for Illustrator. Click here to learn more about combining charts in Datylon for Illustrator. 

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To create a reference band you'll need to add two additional lines to your chart. the first line represents min value or the bottom of the band, the second line – max value or the top of the band. To fill a band with a color you need to apply Styling > Line > Fill Area Below for both lines: the bottom line fill area color should be the background color, usually white. The top line fill area color should be the actual band shade.

Step by step

1. Create a Datylon line chart by selecting one of the line chart templates

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2. Add data for the min and max band lines

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3. Create new series for band lines under the binding tab and bind the data

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4. Go to Styling > Series and style min band line. Set Fill Area Below to white (or another background color)

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5. Then do the same for the max band line. Set Fill Area Below to preferred band color.

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6. Change the main line to solid color.
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7. Then re-arrange series using drag and drop in the following order: max band line is on top, then the min band line, and then the main line.

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And we're done!