Unable to build stacked charts in new chart builder, must use legacy version

Question

I'm unable to build stacked charts with the new dashboard chart builder. I put in a Support Ticket and this is expected behavior. I'm not sure I understand the purpose of removing functionality and weakening the chart build options.

Support's Response: You're right that the new chart widget behaves differently from the legacy one. Because reports in Smartsheet are dynamic and change based on their filter criteria, the "Build manually" option pulls in the entire report rather than letting you select specific data ranges. For the same reason, it doesn't support selecting multiple columns the way the older charts did, which is why you can only choose one field.

To create the stacked bar chart you're looking for you'll need to use the "Build Legacy Chart" option. This is currently the only way to chart multiple report columns together in a stacked format.

Sharing here in case anyone else is stumped on the same thing trying to build a chart like we've been able to do before in the new version. You cannot.

Separately — regarding the overlapping text when searching assets — they said this is a known UI issue and are working on it.

Adrien Leduc · Answer

Looks like feedback is being heard:

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/148922/dashboards-feedback-we-hear-you

Adrien Leduc · Answer

I think the point of the new chart builder is that you can build the stacked chart (and use filters) with source data directly, instead of using metrics sheets. Unfortunately that comes with its own list of drawbacks.

I agree for now the new chart builder can't completely replace the legacy one, and it's still here for now. We'll have to see how Smartsheet reacts to our feedback.

kaylabetterworkweek · Answer

This makes sense but doesn't work for all cases and we're losing good functionality with their change. Your example uses three colors — creating a row for each for each day. It'll get long, as you mentioned. But if you want to track 15 different PMs ("colors") - this would get extremely long and difficult to read in a table. Requiring you to create a report or sheet for table viewing and one for charting. More assets to maintain, not ideal.

I think (and HOPE) this is just half-baked and they're working on it!

We're not trying to filter the dashboard here, just build the chart in the new view the same way we would in the legacy view. Rebuilding tens of thousands of charts if they don't keep the same functionality is not realistic for users.