Charts failing to render when opening a spreadsheet typically means visual representations of data appear as blank areas, placeholders (like a red 'X'), error messages, or static images instead of updating dynamically. This differs from slow loading as the chart elements are completely unavailable. It occurs due to issues like broken links to source data ranges, unsupported chart types in the application, corrupted chart objects, software bugs, or incompatibility between spreadsheet versions preventing proper interpretation. The underlying data is usually intact, but the visual element cannot be generated.

A common example is opening an Excel file containing complex charts in an older version of Excel that lacks specific features used in the chart's creation, leading to rendering failure or simplification. Similarly, opening a spreadsheet stored online (e.g., in Google Drive or SharePoint) while offline might prevent charts relying on external data connections from displaying correctly, showing error messages or blank sections instead.

The primary limitation is the disruption to data visualization and analysis workflows. While often resolvable by checking data links, updating software, enabling content if blocked by security settings, or recreating the chart, the problem causes frustration and delays. Future spreadsheet platforms continue to improve compatibility and offline rendering capabilities to minimize such disruptions.