Chart Customization (Colors, Elements)
Visual snippets can be customized to enhance their appearance and readability. Any customization of the visual can be managed via the Toolbar, which is situated in the level 2 header. The tool offers a toolbar for selecting options], including Visual Type, Color Banding, Chart Element settings, Data/Table settings, and Visual Interactions.
Color Customization
You can apply color themes to the visual snippets to provide a consistent and aesthetically pleasing color palette for the visualizations, improving their visual appeal.
Predefined Color Sets - The system provides predefined color sets that ensure consistency across visualizations. These color palettes are professionally designed to provide optimal contrast and readability.
Sequential Color Options - Sequential color options offer better data representation for continuous datasets, heat maps, and trend analysis. These color schemes are optimized for visualizations where data values progress along a scale.
Integration - The color schemes are fully integrated into visual snippets and widget color selection interfaces, making them accessible through your current workflow.
Consistent Appearance - Using predefined color sets helps maintain a consistent visual appearance across multiple charts and dashboards, supporting corporate branding and professional presentation standards.
Chart Elements
Chart elements can be customized to control which components appear in the visualization and how they are displayed. The following chart elements can be configured:
Title - Options include hiding it, and adjusting its alignment (move left, right, or center).
Legend - Choose to hide it or change its placement (move left, right, or center).
X-Axis Labels - Toggle visibility, and select vertical labels if needed.
X-Axis Title - Show or hide the X-axis title.
Y-Axis Labels - Decide whether to display or hide Y-axis labels.
Y-Axis Title - Show or hide the Y-axis title.
Gridlines - Options include hiding them or selecting from different styles (dotted, solid, or dashed).
Data Labels - Choose to hide them or position them outside, inside, or inside center.
Zoom - Toggle the zoom bar at the bottom of the visual for precise analysis.
Table Display
Show/Hide Table - Allow for disabling the table containing snippet data. This option provides flexibility in presenting only the visual representation or including the underlying data table alongside the chart.
Spreadsheet Elements - Choices include showing or hiding the grid, column headers, and row headers when the table is displayed.
Accessing Customization Options
Chart customization options are accessed through the Toolbar in the level 2 header of the visual snippet:
Open the visual snippet.
Locate the Toolbar in the level 2 header.
Select the customization option (Colors, Chart Elements, Table Display).
Make your selections.
Refresh the visual to see the changes applied.
Customization Best Practices
Color Selection - Choose color palettes that provide sufficient contrast for readability, especially when presenting to stakeholders or in printed reports. Use the modern color palette options for contemporary, professional styling.
Sequential Colors for Continuous Data - Use sequential color options for continuous datasets, heat maps, and trend analysis where data values progress along a scale. These color schemes improve data representation and make patterns more visible.
Chart Element Visibility - Display only the elements necessary for understanding the data. Remove unnecessary elements to reduce clutter and improve focus on key insights.
Title and Labels - Ensure titles and axis labels are clear and descriptive. Use concise language that explains what the chart represents.
Legend Placement - Position legends where they don't obscure data. Right or bottom placement typically works well for most chart types.
Data Labels - Use data labels when exact values are important, but avoid them when they create clutter on dense visualizations.
Use Cases
Executive Presentations - Apply consistent color themes across all visualizations in executive dashboards to maintain professional appearance and align with corporate branding standards. Use modern color palettes for contemporary styling.
Financial Reporting - Customize gridlines and data labels to enhance readability of financial charts, making it easier to identify specific values and trends.
Heat Maps and Continuous Data - Use enhanced sequential color options for heat maps showing variance patterns, performance metrics across dimensions, or trend intensity analysis where continuous data values need clear visual differentiation.
Variance Analysis - Position legends and titles strategically to highlight key comparisons between budget and actual performance without obscuring the data.
Trend Visualization - Enable zoom functionality for detailed analysis of specific time periods within longer-term trend charts.