> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.francis.app/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Charts > Visualize model data for analysis while modeling and for presentation in dashboards and reports. Charts visualize data from your model. Use them two ways: as a reference while you build, and as finished visuals in dashboards and reports. A chart is generated from the rows, groups, or calculations you point it at, and updates as the underlying model changes. ## Where to use charts There are two places to work with charts, each for a different intent. **While modeling.** Open **Charts** from the top-right corner of the model view to open a side drawer. Charts here stay in view as you build, so you can watch a trend or sanity-check a driver without leaving the model. Use them for analysis and reference, kept in close proximity to the numbers you're editing. **In dashboards.** Add charts to a dashboard to present them, on their own or as part of a report. This is the path for anything you share with banks, investors, or the board. ## Chart types Francis supports six chart types, split by what sits on the x-axis. The type you pick determines which settings apply. In every chart you visualize rows, groups, or calculations from your model. In time-series charts these inputs are called series; in categorical charts they're called columns. Time-series charts plot values over time, with periods on the x-axis: * [Line](/features/using-francis/charts/line): connected lines for trends and comparing trajectories across sources. * [Column](/features/using-francis/charts/column): vertical bars per period for period-over-period magnitude. * [Stacked column](/features/using-francis/charts/stacked-column): segmented columns showing composition and total per period. * [Stacked area](/features/using-francis/charts/stacked-area): filled areas showing how composition flows over time. * [Combo](/features/using-francis/charts/combo): mixes columns and a line to compare measures of different scale. Categorical charts use a fixed date range and compare values across units rather than over time: * [Waterfall](/features/using-francis/charts/waterfall): sequential movements bridging a start value to an end value. ## See in action See charts in practice in the [Management report](/masterclasses/reporting/management-report) masterclass.