Vertical Bar Chart
Also known as a column chart, the vertical bar chart displays data as upright bars. It's ideal when you have time-based data (like months or years) along the bottom, because people naturally read left-to-right as time progressing. This is probably the most familiar chart type – you've seen it in newspapers, reports, and presentations everywhere.
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How to create a Vertical Bar chart
- Start from a CSV/Excel file, paste data in the spreadsheet, or use Draw Chart to sketch a Vertical Bar chart.
- Optional: import a chart screenshot and extract data automatically, then double-check the result.
- Optionally accept AI suggestions for chart type and style, or keep full manual control.
- Choose your Label column and select your Value column (numbers).
- Choose a template + theme, then adjust colors, patterns, and light effects to match your Vertical Bar style.
- Export as PNG once the chart looks perfect.
When to use
- Time-based data (months, years, quarters)
- Fewer than 12 categories
- Category labels are short
- Audience expects traditional chart look
- Comparing values at specific points
When to avoid
- Category names are long (use horizontal)
- You have many categories (15+)
- Showing continuous trends (use line chart)
Data requirements
Data format: One column for labels (time periods or categories), one column for values
Common use cases
Vertical Bar chart comparisons
Vertical Bar Chart vs Horizontal Bar Chart
Use vertical bars for short labels or time-based categories. Use horizontal bars when labels are long or you have many categories.
Horizontal Bar Chart →Vertical Bar Chart vs Line Chart
Use bars to compare discrete points (e.g., monthly totals). Use a line chart to show continuous trends and patterns over time.
Line Chart →Styling a Vertical Bar chart
- Keep labels readable: fewer categories and shorter labels make a Vertical Bar chart look cleaner.
- If you're exporting, use a high-contrast theme so text and marks stay readable.
- If elements blend together, try a gentle pattern or light effect for separation.
- For dense time series, consider switching to a Line chart for a clearer trend story.
FAQ
What is a Vertical Bar chart?
Vertical Bar charts turn your dataset into a clear visual using: One column for labels (time periods or categories), one column for values. They're a good fit for monthly sales figures.
When is a Vertical Bar chart the right choice?
Use a Vertical Bar chart when time-based data (months, years, quarters) and fewer than 12 categories. It works best when labels and values match the requirements on this page.
Can I upload CSV/Excel to generate a Vertical Bar chart?
Import CSV/Excel, choose the label/value columns, then style your Vertical Bar chart and export as PNG.
Does PrettyChart recommend a chart type and design automatically?
Yes. You can use AI recommendations after upload, or ignore them and choose chart type + style yourself.
Can I create a Vertical Bar chart by drawing or from an existing chart image?
Yes. You can start with Draw Chart (sketching) or upload an existing chart image to extract data, then refine the Vertical Bar chart in the editor.
Can I export without creating an account?
You can export your Vertical Bar chart without signing up.
Ready to Create Your Vertical Bar Chart?
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