> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/reports-and-dashboards/report-configurator/timeline-and-distribution-charts.md).

# Timeline and Distribution Charts

Timeline and Distribution charts require you to define both the x-axis, which represents the time period, and the range, which specifies the data to be displayed.

## Configuring the Chart Axis 

* **X-Axis Definition:** \
  The x-axis works similarly to the range in a table. You must:  
  * **Specify a Beginning and an Ending Period:**\
    Choose the start and end periods (e.g., January to December) for the data displayed on the x-axis.
  * **Select the Aggregation Type (View):**\
    Determine whether the x-axis should be **Periodic**, **YTD**, **QTD**, or another aggregation method.
  * **Choose a Category:**\
    Specify whether the data represents **actuals**, **budget**, **forecast**, or another category.\
    (Note: Ensure the category is defined either on the axis or at the account level, but not both.)
  * **(Optional) Use Picker Instead:**\
    If you’d like multiple x-axis configurations within the same chart, you can enable a picker mode here, just as you would with table columns.

## Defining the Series 

* **Series Definition:** \
  A series represents the general ledger or subfolder account(s) displayed on the graph. 
  * For timeline charts, you must also choose the chart type (e.g., bar chart, stacked bar chart, or line chart). 
  * When specifying accounts for the series, select the account type similarly to how you do in rows. 
  * Set the category for the series as you would for columns—but note that the category should be defined only on the axis or the individual account level, not both (to avoid errors). 
* **Multiple Series:** \
  You can add multiple accounts to a single series and include multiple series in the same chart. For example, a line chart could display net profit alongside total revenue.