Activex User'S Guide: First Impression

ActiveX User’s Guide
TM
First Impression
High performance software for charting data
® TM TM
For Microsoft Visual Basic , Visual C++ , and Other Languages
Version 6.0
Tidestone Technologies, Inc.™

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Companies, names, and data used in
examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this document may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express
written permission of Tidestone Technologies, Inc.
This program is not fault-tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale in the on-
line control of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life
support machines, or weapons systems in which the failure of the Program could lead directly to death,
personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage.
 1998, Tidestone Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tidestone Technologies, First Impression, Formula One, and VisualSpeller are trademarks of Tidestone
Technologies, Inc.
Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Windows are registered trademarks and Microsoft
Access and Microsoft Excel are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Java, 100% Pure Java, and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Sun Microsystems, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries.
All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the
companies with which they are associated.
The Tidestone License Agreement, included with the product, specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of
the product. Any unauthorized reproduction or use of the product, or breach of the terms and conditions of
the License Agreement, is forbidden. The Tidestone License Agreement sets forth the only warranties
applicable to the product and documentation. All warranty disclaimers and exclusions set forth therein
apply to the information contained in this document.
Published by
Tidestone Technologies, Inc.
12980 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 300
Overland Park, Kansas 66213
phone 913 / 851-2200
toll-free 1-800-884-8665
fax 913 / 851-1390
www.tidestone.com
Printed in the United States of America

98/600.10
3
Contents
Preface Welcome To First Impression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
New Features in First Impression 6.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Other Features of First Impression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
What Does The Installation Program Do? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
After Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
If You Experience Installation Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Chapter 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Basic Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adding the ActiveX Control to Your Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
ActiveX Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Getting Started in Visual Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding the Component to Your Visual Basic Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting Properties in Visual Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using First Impression as a Data-Bound Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Getting Started in Visual C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Creating a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adding the First Impression Component to Your Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adding the Component to Your Dialog or CFormView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Assigning Member Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adding the First Impression Component to Your CView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Working With Top-Level Properties and Methods in Visual C++ . . . . . . . . . . 23
Accessing First Impression Sub-Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Handling Events in Your Dialog or CFormView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Handling Events in Your CView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Properties of a Control on a Dialog or a CFormView . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Properties of a Control on a CView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Handling Printing and Previewing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Serializing the Chart Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Connecting to a Database With Visual C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Adding the Remote Data Control to Your Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Getting Started in PowerBuilder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Providing Data to the First Impression Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
OLE 2 Presentation Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Creating a Uniform Data Transfer Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4 First Impression ActiveX User’s Guide
Using First Impression as a Standalone Chart in PowerBuilder . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Introducing Internet Application Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Upgrading and Converting to First Impression 6.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Upgrading from First Impression 5.x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Converting from MSChart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter 2 Understanding Chart Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Understanding Chart Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chart Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Area Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Bar Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Line Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Step Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Combination Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Pie and Doughnut Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Radar Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
XY Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Polar Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Bubble Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Hi-Lo Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Gantt Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Elevation Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3D XYZ Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3D Scatter Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Using the Context Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Selecting Chart Elements in Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Using the Data Grid Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Using the Chart Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Changing Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Applying Properties Using Visual Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Using the Chart Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Accessing the Chart Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Selecting Chart Elements From the Tree View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Using the Chart Designer to Apply Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chapter 3 Managing Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Manually Repositioning and Resizing Chart Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exporting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Loading Saved Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Deleting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Printing Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Setting Print Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Changing Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Contents 5
Linking to a Formula One Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Setting Up the Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Chapter 4 Understanding Data Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Charting Grid Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Using the Data Grid Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Using the Data Grid Editor Context Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Using Simple Data Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Using More Complex Data Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Identifying Data Grid Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Using Multiple Level Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Creating the Data Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Manipulating the Data Grid Using Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Deleting Data Grid Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Inserting Data Grid Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Changing Data Grid Values or Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Data Grid Requirements of Different Chart Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Data Grids for Special Chart Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Data Grids for Charts With Computed Date/Time Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Chapter 5 Using the Chart Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Accessing the Chart Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Navigating in the Chart Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using the Gallery Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Using the Style Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Using the Layout Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Using the Axes Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Modifying Charts with the Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Chapter 6 Formatting Common Chart Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Selecting a Chart Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Specifying a Backdrop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Choosing Backdrop Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Creating Backdrop Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Specifying Backdrop Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Specifying a Picture Backdrop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Adding and Positioning Chart Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Formatting and Specifying Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Specifying Text Alignment and Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Specifying Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Formatting Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Chapter 7 Formatting Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Formatting Chart Plot Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Formatting Chart Plot Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Customizing the Appearance of Chart Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Controlling Chart Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Controlling Bar Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Controlling Axis Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Changing the 3-D View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Changing the 3-D Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Chapter 8 Formatting Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Axis Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Common Axis Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Chart Designer Tabs for Chart Types and Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Specifying Settings Common to All Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Specifying Axis Pen Color, Width, and Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Specifying Category Axis Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Specifying Category Axis Label and Tick Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Specifying Category Axis Hiding Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Specifying Value Axis Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Specifying Value Axis Minimum and Maximum Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Specifying Value Axis Scale Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Specifying Date/Time Axis Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Specifying Date/Time Axis Minimum and Maximum Values . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Specifying Date/Time Axis Extra Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Specifying Date/Time Axis Label Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Chapter 9 Formatting Series and Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Supplying Series Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Formatting Series Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Reordering Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Setting Series Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Hiding Series, Excluding Series, and Plotting on Second Y Axis . . . . . . . . . 174
Showing Markers and Using Automatic Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Specifying Bar Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Choosing the Y Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Smoothing Series Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Specifying Colors for Hi-Lo Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Formatting Series Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Formatting Series Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Formatting Series Statistics Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Contents 7
Changing Series Data Point Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Setting Fill Color and Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Setting Edge Color and Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Setting Options for Default Datapoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Controlling Data Point Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Resetting Data Points to the Default Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Changing Series Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Chapter 10 Formatting Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Using Axis Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Changing Axis Label Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Assigning Built-in Number Formats to Axis Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Assigning Custom Number Formats to Axis Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Using Data Point Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
The Appearance Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Controlling Data Point Label Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Setting Data Point Label Line Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Specifying Data Point Label Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Data Point Label Number Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Using Series Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
The Style Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Controlling Series Label Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Setting Series Label Line Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Chapter 11 Using Complex Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Formatting Combination Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Formatting Charts with Computed Date/Time Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Formatting Charts with Multiple Y Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
What Are Multiple Y Axes? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Multiple Y Axes and Secondary Y Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Creating Charts with Multiple Y Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Using Radar Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Formatting Hi-Lo Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Displaying Hi-Lo Bars In Other Chart Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Manipulating Pie Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Formatting Bubble Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Modifying Contour and Elevation Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Specifying Contour Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Specifying Elevation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Setting Options for a Complex Elevation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tidestone
9
P R E F A C E
Welcome To First Impression
First Impression is a powerful, customizable business charting ActiveX

component. Its more than 35 unique chart types include two-dimensional and
three-dimensional options. The component’s extensive programming interface
offers an unparalleled degree of charting and graphical control, allowing complete
customization by the developer.
Note First Impression can be used by itself in applications or with Tidestone’s

spreadsheet product, Formula One ActiveX. Tidestone’s Java spreadsheet
application, Formula One for Java, is a separate product and is not intended for use
with First Impression ActiveX.
New Features in First Impression 6.0

■ Apartment Threading Model Support. Developers who use First Impression in
Internet-related applications can benefit from First Impression’s new ability to
handle multiple data streams.
■ Multiple Y Axes. First Impression now allows users to define more than one Y
axis on a chart, allowing them to compare two or more dissimilar things. For
example, a user could show the performance of a stocks over a week’s time on
one axis and the volume of trading for that same time period on another axis.
For information on how to create multiple Y axes, see “Formatting Charts with
Multiple Y Axes” on page 209.
■ Date/Time Axes. First Impression now supports date/time axes on bar, line, area,
step, hi-lo, hi-lo-close, open hi-lo-close, and Gantt charts. (Previous versions of
First Impression supported only date axes, not date/time axes.) Now users can
create charts with axes that automatically show intervals as small as
milliseconds. For information on how to create a chart with a date/time axis,
see “Formatting Charts with Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 208.
■ Tested in Visual Studio 6.0. First Impression has been tested in the Visual Basic
6.0 and Visual C++ 6.0 portions of Visual Studio 6.0.
Other Features of First Impression

■ Support for All Major Chart Types. First Impression includes 2D, 3D, and
stacked permutations of bar, line, area, and step charts. It also includes XY,
polar, radar, Gantt, hi-lo, pie, doughnut, elevation, 3D XYZ and 3D scatter
charts.
■ Interactive Chart Formatting. First Impression allows you to use simple point
and click techniques to easily change chart types, text styles, fill patterns,
marker styles, as well as 3D rotation, perspective, lighting, and much more.
■ Plot Multi-Dimensional Data. First Impression easily interprets and charts
complex data with multiple levels of labels.
■ True 3D. First Impression offers true 3D representations of chart elements,
including the use of projected text. It also provides exceptional control of
lighting on 3D chart elements.
■ Chart Designer. First Impression provides an advanced chart design interface
for design-time or run-time design needs. The Chart Designer is presented to
you in an organizational tree format. Users can select a chart item and view the
design pages available for that item. Common design pages display when
multiple chart items are selected.
■ JPEG Support. First Impression allows charts to be exported as JPEG graphics
files. JPEG graphics files can also be imported and used for backdrops and
pictographs.
■ Complex Bound Control. First Impression is a complex bound control. First
Impression can be bound to a database via the Microsoft Remote Data Control
or the Data Control.
■ Ease of Use. First Impression has many features that make it one of the easiest
chart controls to use, including the complete documentation available through
online help and endless flexibility for customizing the control.
Installation
The Installer Program can be used to install both trial and working versions of any
component.
You are prompted for a valid serial number during installation. If you enter a valid
serial number, Formula One successfully installs as a working developer version.
Preface 11
The product is installed as a trial (demo) version if you do one of the following:
■ press ENTER at the serial number prompt
■ unsuccessfully attempt to enter a valid serial number three times
After the third attempt, the product installs as a trial version.
The trial version of a product is NON-REDISTRIBUTABLE component and will
expire after 15 days. You cannot deploy applications with this version. The trial
version displays the About Box every 30 minutes reminding you that you are
working with an evaluation version of the product. If you wish to continue
evaluating the product after the 15-day trial, contact Tidestone.
Installing the Product

The Setup program creates new directories and copies product files to your hard
disk.
➤ To install a Tidestone ActiveX control on your hard disk:

1. Insert the CD-ROM in your drive.
2. Locate and double-click SETUP.EXE in the First Impression folder.
3. Follow the Setup program directions.
What Does The Installation Program Do?

The Installer performs the following tasks during the installation process:
■ Allows you to identify the components you want to install, select a directory to
hold the program files, and specify a folder in which to place the program on
your desktop.
■ Copies the files to your hard disk.
■ Updates system files in your Windows system directory or the location of your
choice.
■ Records your serial number. During the installation process, you enter the
product serial number provided on the installation media and product
registration card. The serial number is recorded and displayed in your product’s
About Box. You are required to provide your serial number to receive technical
support and upgrade pricing on future product releases.
■ Registers the ActiveX control with the Windows Registration Database. This
makes the control visible and available to your development environment.
After Installation
Once you install the product, you can determine if you have a full version of the
product or a trial version by displaying the About Box. This can be done by
executing the AboutBox method in code. Text in the About Box tells you whether
you are using an evaluation copy.
After you successfully install a full version on your system, you can distribute that
ActiveX control to your end-users without worrying that the About Box might
display on their system every 30 minutes. If you have any concerns as to which
version you are deploying, check the About Box.
If You Experience Installation Problems

If you experience problems installing this product, please read the file
INSTPROB.DOC located in the First Impression folder. This file contains
suggestions for fixing the most common installation problems. If problems persist,
contact Tidestone Technical Support for further assistance.
Technical Support
The Tidestone technical support staff can help you with any problem you
encounter installing or using First Impression. You can contact Tidestone in any of
the following ways:
■ On the World Wide Web. For best service, send your technical support requests
to the Tidestone Case Tracking System, accessible from the Tidestone website.
Point your browser at www.tidestone.com/support/tsmain.htm.
■ By telephone. You can contact our technical support staff at (913) 851-2200 on
weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., central time.
■ By fax. You can contact us by fax at (913) 851-1390.
■ By mail. Address your correspondence to:
Tidestone Technical Support Department
12980 Metcalf, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66213
■ In Europe, contact:
Tidestone Europe
Lenexa House
11 Eldon Way
Paddock Wood, Kent
England TN12 6BE
Tel: +44 1892 834343
Fax: +44 1892 835843
Preface 13
Documentation Conventions
Throughout this documentation, typographic conventions are used to define
elements and references to First Impression items.
Recognizing these conventions will assist your comprehension of this
documentation.
Convention example Description
AxisSelected, AllowSelections, Select, Names of events, properties, and methods, are
in proper case and bold font.
➤ To install First Impression: A series of numbered instructions are
preceded by an introductory line. The
introductory line begins with an arrowhead.
1.Type a:\setup. Numbered instructions provide step-by-step
directions for performing tasks. The
instructions should be performed in the order
they are presented. In numbered steps, items
you are to enter are shown in Letter Gothic
font.
chart plot In general sections, italic text is used for the
first occurrence of a new term.
thicknessratio In reference sections, italic text indicates
variable or argument information you must
supply.
[axis_id] In reference sections, italic text surrounded by
square brackets indicates optional arguments.
{TRUE|FALSE} In reference sections, text surrounded by
braces indicates you must make a choice
among the items inside the braces. Choices are
separated by vertical bars.
VtChart1.AllowDithering Letter Gothic font is used for all code
examples.
TTFI6.OCX File names are presented in upper case text.
VtChart1.RowCount ’number of In code examples, an apostrophe precedes a
rows comment.
Tidestone
15
C H A P T E R 1
Getting Started
Basic Concepts
First Impression is a Custom Control (ActiveX control). It can be accessed directly
by Microsoft’s Visual Basic, Visual C++, and other environments that support
ActiveX control containers.
■ In design mode, randomly generated data is provided to allow you to design a
default format for the chart control. You can override this data by inserting
specific values in the data grid.
■ In run mode, data can be assigned to the data grid associated with the chart.
This data is charted using the default format you created during design time.
You can also allow additional formatting of the chart during run time.
■ The chart format can be modified from code or from the built-in user interface.
■ Charts can be saved with a form or in a separate file.
■ Any formatting changes you make to a chart using the First Impression
interface are only saved if you are in design mode. Changes made through the
interface in run mode are not saved with the chart.
Adding the ActiveX Control to Your Application

The process for adding an ActiveX control to your application varies slightly from
one development environment to another. In most cases it consists of:
■ Adding the ActiveX control to your project.
■ Selecting the control’s tool from the toolbar and drawing the control on a form
or in a window.
This chapter provides basic information to help you begin with First Impression.
Consult your development environment documentation for specific steps for
adding a control to your application.
ActiveX Development
This version of First Impression is designed for developers creating 32-bit ActiveX
applications in Visual Basic 5.0 or 6.0, Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0, PowerBuilder 5.0 or
6.0, or other environments that support ActiveX containers.
First Impression provides an ActiveX control (TTFI6.OCX) for use in developing
32-bit applications.
This document shows code examples in Visual Basic because of Visual Basic’s
wide acceptance and ease of use.
Getting Started in Visual Basic

The following sections highlight procedures required to use First Impression as an
ActiveX control with Visual Basic 5.0 and 6.0.
Adding the Component to Your Visual Basic Project

➤ To insert the component into your Visual Basic 5.0 or 6.0 project:
1. Choose Project > Components OR press CTRL T from the keyboard OR right-
click the component palette and choose Components from the context menu.
The Components dialog box appears.
2. Select the Tidestone First Impression Chart component from the list of
available components.
3. If the Tidestone First Impression Chart component is not visible in the
component list, click BROWSE to add the component.
4. Click OK.
The Visual Basic form is returned, and the First Impression component appears
in the Component palette.
5. Double-click the Tidestone First Impression icon in the component palette to
drop it on your form.
You can easily set specific properties for the First Impression component, either
programmatically or through the First Impression component properties dialog
box.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 17
Setting Properties in Visual Basic

➤ To set properties for a component programmatically:
1. Select the component in your project for which you want to set properties.
2. Press F4 to display the properties window.
3. Modify the property settings as needed.
➤ To set properties for a component via the component properties pages:

1. Select the component.
2. Click the right mouse button and choose Properties from the context menu. If
you want to access from the Properties window, click the button for Custom
properties. The component property pages are displayed.
3. Within this dialog box, you may set general chart features such as application
and table name; determine what editing features will be available to end users;
and set the appearance features of the chart.
For advanced chart design, use the Chart Designer.
Using First Impression as a Data-Bound Control

After you drop the First Impression component on the form, you must hook it to a
Data Control to bind it to a database.
If you want to connect to an external or remote database with First Impression,
you must use the Remote Data Control and provide connection information for
your ODBC data source using the DataSource Administrator in the Windows
Control Panel. For more information, see the Remote Data Control topic in your
Visual Basic online help.
➤ To hook First Impression to a Data Control:

1. From the components palette, double-click the Data Control to drop it on your
form.
2. From the components palette, double-click the First Impression control to drop
it on your form.
3. Click to select the First Impression Component on the form.
4. Press F4 to access the property list.
5. Click the button to the right of the DataSource property to select the name of
the Data Control that you placed on the form. Typically, the name is Data1 and
it is located in the Name property of the Data Control.
6. Select the Data Control on the form and press F4 to access the property list.
7. Click the button to the right of the Database Name property and browse for the
database file.
8. Click the button to the right of the Connect property to display the list of
available database types.
9. Select the database type for which you want to connect.
10. Click the button to the right of the RecordSource property to select the table
name from your database.
The First Impression component is now bound to your database.
➤ To hook First Impression to a Remote Data Control

1. From the components palette, double-click the Microsoft Remote Data Control
to drop it on your form.
2. From the components palette, double-click the First Impression control to drop
it on your form.
3. With the First Impression control still selected, press F4 to access the property
list.
4. Click the button to the right of the DataSource property to select the name of
the Remote Data Control that you placed on the form. Typically, the name is
MSRDC1 and it is located in the Caption property of the MSRDC.
5. Select the MSRDC on the form and right-click to display the context menu.
6. From the context menu, choose Properties.
7. The Property Pages for the MSRDC appear. Select the General tab, if
necessary.
8. Click the button to the right of the DataSource field in the General tab and
select the name of your database from the combo box.
9. In the SQL text box of the General tab, you can enter an SQL command to
query the database. For example, to issue an SQL command to retrieve all the
records from the database table, type the following:
Select * from Table1
where Table1 is the name of the table in the database for which you want to
retrieve data.
10. Click OK to dismiss the Property Pages.
11. With the Remote Data Control still selected, press F4 to access the property
list.
12. The SQL property displays the SQL command that you previously entered.
13. Click the button to the right of the Database Name property and browse for the
name of your database from the combo box.
The First Impression component is now bound to your database.
Getting Started in Visual C++

Before using First Impression with Visual C++, you should read the Microsoft
Visual C++ documentation and online help.
The following section highlights procedures required to use First Impression as an
ActiveX control with the Microsoft Visual C++ 5.0 and 6.0 environments.
Important Visual C++ does not read constants from the ActiveX control. The file
TTFICNST.H, distributed with First Impression, should be included wherever you
use constants in your code.
Creating a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application

➤ To create a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based ActiveX control application
in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:
1. Start Visual C++.
2. Choose File > New to display the New dialog box.
3. Select Projects tab.
4. Browse to locate the desired directory path.
5. Type a name for your project in the Name text box. This creates a sub-directory
of that name in the current path.
6. From the Type list, select MFC AppWizard(exe) to create a project based on
the MFC library.
7. Click OK.
The MFC AppWizard - Step 1 dialog box appears.
■ To create a Dialog-based application, select the Dialog radio button and click
NEXT. Refer to “Dialog-Based Applications” on page 20 for the remaining
steps.
■ To create a CFormView-based application, select the “Single Document” or
“Multiple Documents” radio button. Refer to “CFormView-Based
Applications” on page 20 for the remaining steps.
■ To create a CView-based application, select the “Single Document” or

“Multiple Documents” radio button. Refer to “CView-Based Applications” on
page 20 for the remaining steps.
Dialog-Based Applications
To create a dialog box-based application, be sure to complete the steps in
“Creating a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application” on page 19 before
continuing with the following steps:
➤ To create a dialog-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

1. Click the FINISH button to accept the default options. Visual C++ builds your
project.
The New Project Information dialog box appears.
2. Click OK.
CFormView-Based Applications
To create a CFormView-based application, be sure to complete the steps in
“Creating a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application” on page 19 before
continuing with the following steps:
➤ To create a CFormView-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

1. Click NEXT until you get to the dialog box in step 6.
2. In the Step 6 dialog box, select the class view name from the class list at the top
of the dialog box.
CView appears in the Base Class list.
3. In the Base Class list, change CView to CFormView.
4. Click FINISH for Visual C++ to build your project.
CView-Based Applications
To create a CView-based application, be sure to complete the steps in “Creating a
Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application” on page 19 before continuing
with the following steps:
➤ To create a CView-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

1. Click FINISH to accept the default options. Visual C++ builds your project.
The New Project Information dialog box appears.
2. Click OK.
Adding the First Impression Component to Your Project

➤ To add a First Impression component to your project in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:
1. Choose Project > Add To Project > Components and Controls to display the
Components and Controls Gallery dialog box.
2. Select the Registered ActiveX Controls folder.
3. If the First Impression Chart Control icon is not visible in the list, then the
control was not registered properly and you may need to install or try to
register it from the ActiveX Control Text Container, which is available in the
Tools menu of Visual C++.
4. Select the control from the Component list and click Insert. Click OK.
The Confirm Classes dialog box appears.
5. Click OK to confirm and exit the dialog box.
6. Click Close to exit the Component Gallery.
The Chart Control appears in the Control palette.
When Visual C++ adds components to your project, it creates CPP and H source
files defining the class, properties, and methods for the control. It is a good idea to
review these files to understand what they contain. Methods and properties are not
accessed the same in C++ as they are in many other languages like Visual Basic.
When these files are generated, Visual C++ creates both a Get and Set function for
most methods and properties.
Adding the Component to Your Dialog or CFormView

➤ To add the component to your dialog or CFormView:
1. In the Resource Editor, display the dialog box for which you want to place First
Impression.
2. Click the First Impression component in the Editor’s Control palette.
3. Draw the component on the dialog box.
4. Size and place the component using the handles around the control.
5. Click the right mouse button to display the context menu. You can view and
modify the design-time properties using the context menu.
Assigning Member Variables

After you add the chart control to the dialog box, you must assign a member
variable to the control to gain access to the methods and properties at runtime.
➤ To assign member variables (for CForm or Dialog-based Applications):

1. Choose View > ClassWizard.
2. Select the Member Variables tab.
3. Select the Chart Control in the Control ID window and click the Add Variable
button.
The Add Member Variable dialog box appears.
4. Type the member variable name (e.g., something like m_chart) and click OK to
accept the default variable category and type.
The MFC ClassWizard dialog box displays the variable in the Control ID
window.
5. Click OK in the MFC ClassWizard dialog box to return to your project.
Adding the First Impression Component to Your CView

➤ To add the First Impression component to your CView:
1. In the file list, display the header file for the view ( <projname>view.h ).
2. At the top of the file, include each of the First Impression control header files
that were created when you added First Impression to your project:
#include "vcchart.h"
3. In the Attributes section, as a public member, add the following to create

member variables for each of the controls in your view:
CVcChart m_chart;
4. Now through the file list, display the C++ source file for the view
(<projname>view.cpp).
5. Start the ClassWizard, and make sure the view class is selected as the Class
Name.
6. Select the View object in the Object Id list.
7. Select the “Create” message in the Messages list. Click Add Function.
The Create handler initially presents the following code:
return CWnd::Create(lpszClassName, lpszWindowName, dwStyle, rect,
pParentWnd, nID, pContext);
Change this to the following:

if (CWnd::Create(lpszClassName, lpszWindowName, dwStyle, rect,
pParentWnd, nID, pContext) == 0)
return FALSE;
if (m_chart.Create("First Impression Chart", dwStyle, rect, this,
1000) == 0
return FALSE;
return TRUE;
8. Start the ClassWizard, and select view class as the Class Name.
9. Select the View object in the Object Id list.
10. Select the WM_SIZE message in the Messages list.
11. Click Add Function to create the OnSize handler function for this message.
12. Add the following code to the handler:
// TODO: Add your message handler code here
if (m_chart) {
m_chart.MoveWindow(0, 0, cx, cy);
}
Working With Top-Level Properties and Methods in Visual C++

TTCHART.H defines a number of properties and methods that affect the chart
control. Methods are simply called as declared. However, each property has a Get
and a Set method. For example, the TitleText property mentioned in the First
Impression online documentation can be set with the SetTitleText method, and
read with the GetTitleText method.
Accessing First Impression Sub-Objects

The First Impression chart object contains several sub-objects, such as the plot, the
title, the footnote, etc. You can access each of these sub-objects via wrapper
classes provided by Visual C++. To use the sub-objects, a project must contain the
wrapper classes for those sub-objects. Wrapper classes are generated when you
add the chart control to the project.
An object’s sub-objects are accessed via a Get method, which returns a pointer to
an OLE IDispatch object. This pointer is used to construct the sub-object. For
example, the code below accesses the Plot, Axis, and AxisScale sub-objects:
VARIANT Index;
VariantInit (&Index);
Index.vt = VT_12;
Index.iVal = 1;
//sets the minimum y-axis scale to -10

//sets the maximum y-axis scale to 200
CVcPlot plot;
plot = m_chart.GetPlot();
CVcAxis yaxis;
yaxis = plot.GetAxis(1, Index);
CVcValueScale yvscale;
yvscale = yaxis.GetValueScale();
yvscale.SetAuto(FALSE)
yvscale.SetMinimum(-10.0);
yvscale.SetMaximum(200.0);
Handling Events in Your Dialog or CFormView

➤ To assign message handlers:
1. Start ClassWizard.
2. In the Message Map tab, in the Class Name list, select the Dialog or
CFormView class that was created.
3. In the Messages list, select the desired message to handle and click the Add
Function button to add a handler. For this example, select the “Click” event and
click the Add Function button to add the handler.
4. Click the Edit Code button to edit the new function.
5. Add the following code in the function:
MessageBox ("Click Event","You clicked on the document");
6. Run the program and when the document is clicked, the message “You clicked
on the document” is displayed.
Handling Events in Your CView

In the view header, declare the First Impression event handlers to be used, in the
section with all the other AFX messages. In the view source file, implement the
event handlers, and define the EVENTSINK_MAP for the chart. An easy way to
get boilerplate for these declarations and definitions is to create a CFormView
project with the same name as the CView project and use ClassWizard to generate
the event procedures. Then copy them into the CView project.
Setting Properties of a Control on a Dialog or a CFormView

You can easily set specific properties for each of the controls you include in your
project.
➤ To set properties for a control on a dialog or a CFormView:

1. Right-click the control in your project for which you want to set properties, and
choose Properties from the context menu.
The Control Properties dialog box appears.
2. Select the appropriate tab for the property settings you want to modify.
Properties are grouped together in categories, such as paragraphs, fonts, and
pages.
3. Modify the property settings as needed. For more information on each property,
see “First Impression Properties, Events, and Methods” in the First Impression
online documentation.
4. Once you set the properties for the active control, close the Control Properties
dialog box to return to your project.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each control.
Setting Properties of a Control on a CView

Since a control on a CView is created dynamically at runtime, you must call chart
methods to make any changes to its initial properties. Make these calls in the
Create handler for the CView.
Handling Printing and Previewing

From ClassWizard, add an OnPrint override to the view. Use the First Impression
Draw method to send the chart to the printer hDC. If previewing, you must
convert the chart coordinates to screen units using the CPreviewDC method.
Serializing the Chart Control

Using the ReadFromFile and WriteToFile methods, you can read and write chart
controls to a file. Alternatively, you can load and save the First Impression OLE
control via its IPersistStorage interface.
Connecting to a Database With Visual C++

➤ To set up the ODBC connection:
1. In the Windows Control Panel, double-click the ODBC icon.
The Data Sources window appears.
2. Select the appropriate database driver (e.g. Microsoft Access *.mdb) from the
list.
3. Click the Setup button.
The ODBC Setup window appears.
4. Click the Select Button.
The Select Database window appears.
5. In the DataBase Name list, select the database you want to use.
6. In the DataSource Name text box, type a name for the data source.
7. In the Description text box, type any description for the data source.
8. Click OK to return to the Setup window.
9. Click OK to exit the Control Panel and close any open windows.
Adding the Remote Data Control to Your Project

➤ To add the Remote Data Control to your project:
1. Choose Project > Add to Project > Components and Controls.
The Component Gallery dialog box appears.
2. Select the Registered ActiveX Controls folder.
3. Choose the Microsoft Remote Data Control icon.
4. Click Insert, then click OK.
5. Click OK to confirm classes.
The Remote Data Control appears in your controls palette.
6. Select the Remote Data Control from the palette, and draw it on your form.
7. Right-click the Remote Data Control and select Properties.
The Properties dialog box appears.
8. Select the Control tab.
9. Click the combo box to display and select the DataSource (e.g. the DataSource
name set up during the ODBC Setup process).
10. Type the following command in the SQL text box:
Select * from tablename
where tablename should be the name of the table in the database.

11. Close the dialog box.
Getting Started in PowerBuilder

The First Impression control can be used as an ActiveX control with several
Windows-based development environments. This section highlights the basic
procedures required to begin using First Impression as an ActiveX control with the
PowerBuilder environment. For detailed information, consult your PowerBuilder
documentation.
Providing Data to the First Impression Control

The sample program directory installed with your First Impression control
contains sample programs for learning the three techniques for providing data to
the First Impression control. This section contains tutorial instructions for those
three techniques.
■ OLE 2 Presentation Method. This technique involves the use of PowerBuilder’s
OLE 2 Presentation Style. The First Impression control is inserted into the
DataWindow and data is provided via the DataWindow Object. Refer to “OLE
2 Presentation Method” on page 28 for tutorial instructions.
■ Uniform Data Transfer Method. This technique simply places the First
Impression control in the Application window. Data is then copied to the
clipboard where First Impression can access the data via the Uniform Data
Transfer method. Refer to “Creating a Uniform Data Transfer Method” on
page 32 for tutorial instructions.
■ Standalone Chart Method. This technique focuses on using First Impression as a
standalone chart without any database connectivity. Refer to “Using First
Impression as a Standalone Chart in PowerBuilder” on page 36 for tutorial
instructions.
OLE 2 Presentation Method

The following section describes the OLE 2 Presentation technique.
Database Preparation
Prior to creating an application in PowerBuilder which accesses a database, you
must ensure that you have correctly configured your environment. The following
steps outline some preliminary measures to take before working with databases in
PowerBuilder.
➤ To configure the ODBC:

1. Click the Configure ODBC button.
2. Select the appropriate database driver from the list.
3. Click the CREATE button.
The ODBC Database Driver Setup dialog box appears.
4. Depending on the database driver that is selected, the exact setup instructions
might vary. Please refer to the PowerBuilder interface for instructions on how
to locate your database file. In general, the ODBC Database Driver Setup
dialog prompts you for the following information:
Data Source Name. A string that identifies this data source configuration in
ODBC.INI.
Description. An optional long description of a data source name.
Database. An identification for the database file.
5. If you must access a SELECT button or a BROWSE button to locate your
database file, select the database file and click OK to return to the ODBC
window.
6. Click OK to confirm the Setup dialog box information.
7. Click CLOSE.
➤ To set the database profile:

1. Click the DB Profile button.
The DB Profile Painter window appears.
2. Select the database file you indicated in the section that starts with “To
configure the ODBC:” on page 28.
3. If the database does not appear, click the NEW button.
4. Enter a long description of the data source name.
5. Choose ODBC in the DBMS field.

6. From the SQL Data Sources window, select the database file indicated in the
section that starts with “To configure the ODBC:” on page 28.
7. Click OK to exit the New Database window.
8. Click OK to exit the DB Profile window.
Creating an Application via an Application Template

➤ To create an application via a PowerBuilder generated application template:
1. Click the APPLICATION button to open a new application.
2. Click the NEW button.
The Select New Application Library dialog box appears.
3. Type a file name in the text box.
4. Click the SAVE button.
The Save Application dialog box appears.
5. Type an Application name and click OK.
A Message box appears asking whether you want PowerBuilder to generate an
Application Template.
6. Click the YES button.
7. Click the WINDOW button to open a new window.
The Select Window dialog box appears.
8. Select w_genapp_sheet from the list and click OK.
Adding the ActiveX Control to the PowerBuilder

DataWindow
➤ To add the ActiveX control to the PowerBuilder datawindow:
1. Click the DATAWINDOW button to display the Select DataWindow dialog
box.
2. Click the NEW button to display the New DataWindow dialog box.
3. Select QuickSelect as the DataSource.
4. Select OLE 2.0 as the presentation style.
5. Click OK, and then the QuickSelect dialog box appears.

6. Select the appropriate table for your database from the list.
7. Select one or more columns from the table, or click the ADD ALL button.
8. Click OK, and then the Insert Object dialog box appears.
9. Select the Insert Control tab.
10. Select the Tidestone First Impression Chart control from the list of Control
Types.
11. If the control is not registered, you must click the REGISTER NEW button to
register it.
12. Click OK, and then the First Impression context menu appears.
13. Click elsewhere on the form to dismiss the First Impression menu.
14. The First Impression control appears in your DataWindow, and the Ole Object
dialog appears.
15. Click the Data tab, if necessary.
16. Drag and drop any key Source data to Target data in the appropriate order for
assignment. By dragging this information to the Target data window, you are
linking the database columns to the First Impression chart.
17. Click OK.
18. Right-click the DataWindow and choose Properties.
19. Select the General tab and enter the name of DataWindow Object in the Name
text box.
20. Click the PREVIEW button to preview the DataWindow object and retrieve
data from the database to display in First Impression.
21. Close the DataWindow and indicate Yes to save the changes.
22. Type a name for your DataWindow object and click OK.
23. Choose File > Close to close the DataWindow.
24. Click Yes when the DataWindow prompts you whether to save changes.
Connecting the DataWindow Object

➤ To connect the DataWindow object:
1. Select Controls > DataWindow.
2. Drag and drop a DataWindow on the form. Resize as necessary.
3. Right-click the DataWindow and choose Properties from the context menu.
The DataWindow dialog box appears.
4. Assign a name to your DataWindow in the text box or use the default name.
5. Browse to select the name of the DataWindow object created in the section
titled “Adding the ActiveX Control to the PowerBuilder DataWindow” on
page 29.
The DataWindow control is now bound to the DataWindow object and acts as
an interface to the database.
6. Click OK to accept the values and exit back to the DataWindow dialog box.
7. Click OK to dismiss the DataWindow dialog box.
Creating a Transaction Object for the Application Open

Event
➤ To create a transaction object for the application open event:
1. Right-click the mouse on the form.
2. Choose Script from the context menu.
3. From the Select Event list, select the Open Event for the form.
4. Append the following script to the Open Event script:
transaction DBTrans
DBTrans = Create transaction
DBTrans. DBMS = ‘ODBC’
connect;
dw_1.settransobject (SQLCA)
dw_1.retrieve()
dw_1 represents the DataWindow object; supply the name of your

DataWindow object as created in the section titled “Connecting the
DataWindow Object” on page 31.
5. Click the Close box on the Script window.
6. Save the script when prompted.

7. Run your application.
Creating a Uniform Data Transfer Method

The following provides information about creating a Uniform Data Transfer
method.
Creating a New Application Window

➤ To create a new application window:
1. Click the APPLICATION button to create a new application.
The Select Application Library dialog box appears.
4. Click the SAVE button.
The Save Application dialog box appears.
A message box appears that asks whether you would like PowerBuilder to
generate an Application Template.
6. Click the NO button.
Modifying the Application Open Event

➤ To modify the application open event:
1. Click the SCRIPT button on the PowerBar.
2. From the default Select Event list, select the Open Event.
3. Modify the Open Event script to populate the SQL object and create a start-up
application window.
4. The Open Event script should read as follows:

/* Populate sqlca from current PB.INI settings */
sqlca.DBMS = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database","dbms","")
sqlca.database = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database","database","")
sqlca.userid = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database", "userid","")
sqlca.dbpass = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database","dbpass","")
sqlca.logid = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database","logid","")
sqlca.logpass = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database",
"LogPassWord","")
sqlca.servername = ProfileString
("pb.ini","database","servername","")
sqlca.dbparm = ProfileString ("pb.ini","database","dbparm","")
/* Uncomment the following for actual DB connection */
connect;
if sqlca.sqlcode <> 0 then
MessageBox ("Cannot Connect to Database", sqlca.sqlerrtext)
return
end if
Open (w_ttimpress_demo) // This should be the application window
name that you want to place the control in and want to
be the startup application window. (eg. W_test_demo) If
it does not exist, you will need to create one.
Placing the Control in the Application Window

➤ To place the control in the application window:
1. Click the window to display the window painter.
2. Choose Controls > OLE to insert an OLE Control.
The Insert Object window appears.
4. From the Control Type list, choose the Tidestone First Impression Chart control
and click OK.
5. Click the form to draw the First Impression control in the window.
You might need to size First Impression to the project window size, or reset the
size in the properties window before you can view First Impression.
Creating the DataWindow Object

➤ To create the DataWindow object:
1. Click the DATAWINDOW button.
3. Select OLE 2.0 and click OK.

4. Select the appropriate table for your database from the list.
5. Select one or more columns from the table, or click the ADD ALL button. (The
field columns must be numeric.)
6. Click OK.
The Insert Object dialog box appears.
8. Select the Tidestone First Impression Chart control from the list of Control
Types.
9. If the control is not registered, you must register the control by clicking the
REGISTER NEW button.
10. Click OK.
The First Impression context menu appears.
11. Click elsewhere on the form to dismiss the First Impression menu.
12. The First Impression control appears in your DataWindow, and the Ole Object
dialog box appears.
13. Click the Data tab, if necessary.
14. Drag and drop any key Source data to Target data in the appropriate order for
assignment. By dragging this information to the Target data window, you are
linking the database columns to the First Impression chart.
15. Click OK.
16. Click the PREVIEW button to preview the DataWindow object and retrieve
data from the database to display in First Impression.
17. Close the DataWindow and indicate Yes to save the changes.
18. Type a name for your DataWindow object and click OK.
19. Choose File > Close to close the DataWindow.
20. Click Yes when the DataWindow prompts you whether to save changes.
Connecting the Control

➤ To connect the DataWindow object:
1. Choose Controls > DataWindow.
2. Drag and drop a DataWindow on the form.
3. Right-click the mouse on the DataWindow Control and choose Properties from
the context menu.
The DataWindow dialog box appears.
4. Assign a name to the DataWindow in the text box or use the default name.
5. Click the BROWSE button to select the name of the DataWindow object that
you created in “Creating the DataWindow Object” on page 33.
6. Click OK.
The DataWindow control is now bound to the DataWindow object and acts as an
interface to the database.
The Constructor Event

When the Constructor Event fires, data is copied from the DataWindow Object to
the clipboard where First Impression can access it via the Uniform Data Transfer
method.
➤ To use the constructor event:

1. Right-click the First Impression control and choose Script.
2. From the default Event list, select the Constructor Event.
3. Type the following code:
int li_rc
string ls_data
dw_1.settransobject(sqlca)
li_rc = dw_1.retrieve()
if li_rc > 0 then
ls_data = dw_1.describe("datawindow.data")
ole_1.SetData(ClipFormatText!, ls_data)
ole_1.object.refresh()
end if
4. Close the event window and confirm to save changes.

Using First Impression as a Standalone Chart in PowerBuilder

You might want to use First Impression in PowerBuilder without the benefit of any
database connectivity to supply data. You can either enter data in the First
Impression Data Grid Editor yourself, or provide data to the chart through any
number of copy methods.
➤ To use First Impression as a standalone chart in PowerBuilder:

1. Click the APPLICATION button to open a new application.
2. Click the NEW button to display the Select New Application Library dialog
box.
4. Click OK, and then the Save Application dialog box appears.
A Message box appears that asks if you want PowerBuilder to generate an
Application Template.
6. Click the YES button.
7. Click the WINDOW button to open a new window.
The Select Window dialog box appears.
8. Select w_genapp_sheet from the list and click OK.
Placing First Impression in the Application Window

➤ To place the First Impression control in the application window:
1. Choose Controls > OLE to insert an OLE Control.
The Insert Object window appears.
3. From the Control Type list, choose the Tidestone First Impression Chart control
and click OK.
4. Click the form to draw the First Impression control in the window.
You can now use First Impression in the PowerBuilder environment.
General Information
The following section describes general information about using First Impression
with PowerBuilder.
Calling Properties and Methods in PowerBuilder

The syntax to access an ActiveX property or method follows:
<Ole_Object>.object.<Ole Property or Method>
Property Example:
Ole_1.object.ShowGridlines (False)
Method Example:
Ole_1.object.SetSelection (1,1,5,5)
Converting General Syntax into PowerBuilder Syntax

This section provides detailed descriptions of what each property and method
does. It explains all the parameters and their settings. You can easily convert your
property or method general syntax to PowerBuilder syntax if you follow these
guidelines:
➤ To convert syntax for PowerBuilder:

1. Go to the script window where you want to call the property or method.
2. Choose Design > Browse Object...
3. In the Browser, choose the OLE tab.
4. In the Browser window, double click Ole Custom Controls.
5. Find the ActiveX control that you want to access.
Under the ActiveX control there is a list of Properties and Functions with the
proper PowerBuilder syntax.
Trapping Errors in PowerBuilder

The PowerBuilder ActiveX container has an event called ExternalException event.
This event fires any time an ActiveX control throws an exception. In the
ExternalException event, there are arguments that allow you to check to find out
the details of the exception. For Example:
Script - externalexception for ole_1
MessageBox ("Exception", description)
This displays the description text of the exception that is thrown.

Handling Method Parameters Passed By Reference

To handle an ActiveX method with parameters that are passed by reference, you
must place the keyword REF in front of the parameter.
The following example shows this with the First Impression SaveFileDlg method.
string pBuf
int pFileType
ole_1.object.SaveFileDlg ("Save File", REF pBuf, REF pFileType)
Introducing Internet Application Development

First Impression can be used by containers for Internet and corporate Intranet
application development.
The First Impression 6.0 ActiveX control has been digitally signed by Verasign
Commercial Software Publishers CA and conforms to Internet guidelines for
secure data.
The installer program provides a CAB file containing a redistributable version of
the control for Internet application usage.
For specific information about how to use First Impression for Internet application
development, consult the Tidestone website at http:\\www.tidestone.com\internet.
Upgrading and Converting to First Impression 6.0

You should upgrade to First Impression 6.0 in order to take advantage of the new
features in the 6.0 version: the apartment-model thread-safe feature, which ensures
that your application will run smoothly on the Internet, and the new multiple Y
axis and date/time axis features.
You may upgrade to First Impression 6.0 from First Impression 5.x. You may also
convert charts from MSChart into First Impression 6.0.
For further information about upgrading from previous versions of First Impression,
check the Tidestone website at www.tidestone.com.
Upgrading from First Impression 5.x

You must convert charts designed using First Impression 5.x before they function
properly in First Impression 6.0. The conversion process involves saving your
existing 5.x charts as .vtc files, and then loading them into First Impression 6.0 in
the same development session.
➤ To convert your First Impression 5.x charts:

1. Place First Impression 5.x and First Impression 6.0 in your component palette.
2. Open your 5.x project and display the chart on the form.
3. Right-click the chart, choose Save As from the context menu, and save the 5.x
chart as a .vtc file.
4. Delete the 5.x chart from the form.
5. Read the saved chart file back into the form.
6. Right-click the chart and choose Load Chart from the context menu.
7. Re-save your project and the chart. You must recompile any executables using
First Impression 6.0.
Converting from MSChart

The following steps convert a Visual Basic 5 project containing instances of the
Microsoft Chart Control (MSChart) to use the First Impression Chart Control
(VtChart). You can only perform this migration on a machine with both chart
controls installed.
You must rebuild any executables built from a project containing MSChart
controls after conversion in order to take advantage of the full-featured VtChart
control.
➤ To convert a project from MSChart:

1. In the VBP file for a project containing an MSChart control, locate the
following line of code:
Object = {02B5E320-7292-11CF-93D5-0020AF99504A}#1.0#0; MSCHART.OCX
2. Replace the previous code with the following code:

Object = {2C724BE0-A87B-11D1-8027-00A0C903B2B1}#6.0#0; TTfi6.ocx
3. In each FRM file for a project containing an MSChart control, locate the
following line of code:
Object = "{02B5E320-7292-11CF-93D5-0020AF99504A}#1.0#0";
"MSCHART.OCX"
4. Replace the previous code with the following code:

Object = "{2C724BE0-A87B-11D1-8027-00A0C903B2B1}#6.0#0"; "TTfi6.ocx"
5. For each MSChart control on each form, locate the code in the FRM file that
looks like the following:
Begin MSChartLib.MSChart SomeName
where SomeName is the instance name of that particular chart.

6. Replace the “MSChartLib.MSChart” with “VtChartLib.VtChart” wherever it
appears. The instance name line should look like the following:
Begin VtChartLib6.VtChart SomeName
7. Load the project as usual. If the conversion was successful, load errors for the
chart do not occur, and the MSChart controls on each form are replaced with
full-featured VtChart controls.
8. If you followed the previous steps, and the load fails and leaves a LOG file
similar to the following:
Line 21: Class VtChartLib.VtChart of control SomeName was not a
loaded control class.
Line 24: The property name OleObjectBlob in SomeName is invalid.
...then you forgot or incorrectly implemented steps one and two.

If the load fails and leaves a LOG file similar to this:
Line 21: Class MSChartLib.MSChart of control SomeName was not a
loaded control class.
Line 24: The property name OleObjectBlob in SomeName is invalid.
...then you forgot or incorrectly implemented steps five and six for one or more
of your controls.
41
C H A P T E R 2
Understanding Chart Basics
This chapter provides an overview of basic chart concepts and provides

information about the different techniques that you can use to design, create, and
modify charts.
Understanding Chart Terminology

Charts provide a graphical representation of data. Values or data points are
displayed in formats such as: bars, lines, markers, filled areas, bubbles, or pie
slices. These data points are grouped into series that are identified with unique
colors or patterns. In many chart types, one data point from each series is grouped
together by category along an axis.
100 100
90 90
Data point
80 80
70 70
Data points in the
60 60 same series
50 50
40 40
30 30
1992 1993 This chart has two
Years Covered in Study categories: 1992
and 1993
Charts can also have titles, backdrops, legends, plots, and footnotes. The following
illustration identifies these common chart elements in their default positions.
Chart title
Chart backdrop
Legend
Plot
Footnote
Each series has 3 data points.
The following illustration identifies the elements in a typical 2D chart.

35
Grid line
30
25 Tick mark
20
15 Y axis labels
10
0 Category (X) axis
X axis labels
Value (Y) axis Alfalfa cultivars X axis title
Y axis title
Chapter 2 Understanding Chart Basics 43
The following illustration identifies the elements in a typical 3D chart.
Datapoint labels
Datapoint
Wall
Base
Series (Z) axis
Series labels (Z axis)

Chart Types
This section describes each chart type supported by First Impression. The
illustrations and general information about the various 2D and 3D chart types
might help you determine which chart type best suits your data.
Area Charts
Use area charts to emphasize the relative importance of values over a period of
time. An area chart focuses on the magnitude of change rather than the rate of
change.
Each filled area on the chart represents a series and is identified by a different
color or pattern. Values are plotted on the vertical (Y) axis and categories are
plotted on the horizontal (X) axis. You can also chart one or more series against
the secondary Y axis instead of the primary axis if you want to compare different
but related things on the same chart..
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
’70 ’72 ’74 ’76 ’78 ’80 ’82 ’84 ’86 ’88 ’90 ’92
2D area chart
3D area chart
Bar Charts
Use bar charts to compare one item to another, or to compare a number of items
over a period of time. These charts are particularly effective at showing large
changes from one category to another.
Each 2D or 3D bar represents a value in the data grid. Bars representing a series
are located at the same position in each category and have the same color and
pattern.
90 90
80 80
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
January February March
2D bar chart
3D bar chart
In 2D bar charts, values are grouped on the vertical (Y) axis, and bars are grouped
by category along the horizontal (X) axis. On 3D bar charts, values are plotted on
the vertical (Y) axis, categories are grouped along the horizontal (X) axis, and the
depth (Z) axis shows series.
Horizontal Bars
Horizontal bars are similar to standard bar charts except that the categories are
organized on a vertical (X) axis and the values are plotted on a horizontal (Y) axis.
January
February
March
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
2D horizontal bar chart
3D horizontal bar chart

Clustered Bars
Series and data points in a clustered bar chart are displayed as they are in a 2D bar
chart; however, the chart and all the chart elements are displayed in 3D.
Clustered bar chart
Line Charts
Use line charts to show trends or changes in data over a period of time. These
charts emphasize time flow and rate of change rather than amount of change.
100 100
90 90
80 80
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
2D line chart
3D line chart
In 2D line charts, values are plotted along the vertical (Y) axis and categories are
displayed on the horizontal (X) axis. In 3D charts, values are plotted on the
vertical (Y) axis, categories are grouped along the horizontal (X) axis, and the
depth (Z) axis shows series.
Step Charts
Use step charts to compare items that do not show trends. Step charts display
distinct points along the value (Y) axis, with vertical lines showing the difference
between each point. The horizontal (X) axis shows categories.
2D step chart 3D step chart
Combination Charts
Use combination charts to visually highlight the differences between multiple
series of data. A different method can be used to draw each data series.
2D combo chart
3D combo chart
Pie and Doughnut Charts

Use pie or doughnut charts to show the relationship of parts to the whole. Each pie
or doughnut represents a category. Each slice of the pie or doughnut represents a
value in that category. You can separate or “explode” slices in a chart by clicking a
slice and dragging it away from the rest of the pie or doughnut.
2D pie chart 3D pie chart Doughnut chart
Radar Charts
Use radar charts to show changes or frequencies of each series relative to a center
point and to one another. Lines connect all the data markers in the same series.
You can choose to fill the lines, thereby creating a radar area chart.
Perf.
10
Perf.
10
8
8
6
6
4
4
Service 2 Price
Service 2 Price
Ease Ease
Radar line chart Radar area chart

XY Charts
Use XY charts to plot two groups of numbers as one series of XY coordinates.
Each series on the chart requires two columns of data in the data grid. The first
column holds the X coordinate and the second column the Y coordinate. The
column label on the first column in each series is used to identify the series in the
legend. Additionally, any formatting applied to the first column is used to display
the series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second column is ignored.
You can use markers or lines or both to draw the XY points.
XY line chart
XY marker chart
Polar Charts
Use polar charts to show cyclical trends.
The polar chart requires two columns in the data grid for each chart series: the first
column holds the distance from the center of the chart (the radius), and the second
column contains the angle on the perimeter of the chart. The column label on the
first column in each series identifies the series in the legend. Additionally, any
formatting applied to the first column is used to display the series on the chart.
Any formatting applied to the second column is ignored.
Polar chart
Bubble Charts
Use bubble charts to show a visual comparison using three coordinates.
Each bubble requires three columns of data in the data grid. The first column holds
the X coordinate, the second the Y coordinate, and the third the bubble size. All
the coordinates in a bubble chart measure values; therefore, the vertical (Y) axis
and the horizontal (X) axis both show values.
The column label on the first column in each series identifies the series in the
the series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second and third columns is
ignored.
Bubble chart
Hi-Lo Charts
Hi-lo charts are most commonly used to show stock market information. However,
these chart types can also be used for scientific data such as indicating changes in
readings over a period of time. The vertical (Y) axis shows values and the
horizontal (X) axis shows categories or dates.
First Impression supports three variations of the basic hi-lo charts. They are: hi-lo-
close, with the close marker crossing the data point or extending to the right of the
data point; open-hi-lo-close; and open-hi-lo-close bar.
Hi-lo chart Hi-lo-close chart
Open-hi-lo-close chart Open-hi-lo-close bar chart
The data in the data grid must be organized appropriately for each variation of the
hi-lo chart.
■ A hi-lo chart requires two columns of data: the first column is used for the high
point and the second is used for the low point.
■ A hi-lo-close chart requires three columns of data: the first column is used for
the high point, the second for the low point, and the third for the closing point.
■ An open-hi-lo-close or a open-hi-lo-close bar chart (sometimes called candle
stick charts) requires four columns of data: the first column is used for the open
point, the second for the high point, the third for the low point, and the fourth
for the closing point.
The column label on the first column in each series identifies the series in the
legend. Additionally, any formatting applied to the first series is used to display
the series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the remaining series is ignored.
Gantt Charts
Use Gantt charts to display a range of bars that indicate the relative time required
for various activities within a project. The horizontal axis (Y) shows dates and the
vertical axis (x) shows categories.
This chart type requires two columns of data. The first column holds the start date,
and the second column holds the duration.
2D Gantt chart
3D Gantt chart
Elevation Charts
Elevation charts are commonly used to display topographic data. There are two
types of elevation charts: contour charts and 3D surface charts.
Elevation charts do not have series data. The data grid requires at least two
columns and two rows of data in order to draw a surface or contour chart. If the
data grid is missing data, a value of zero is supplied.
A contour chart is drawn as a two-dimensional area. Changes in the data plotted on
this chart are demonstrated through variations in color known as contours.
Contours are drawn on the chart as either colored bands or lines. Contour bands
can be represented on the chart in dramatic contrast or as a subtle transition in hue
known as gradient. Contour charts do not have a value axis; the variation in color
is represented in the legend instead.
A surface chart is drawn as a rectangular grid with a surface base or floor. The
value axis is drawn perpendicular to the chart base, giving the chart its three-
dimensional quality. Data variations are plotted on this chart at raised elevations
from the surface. The data points themselves are plotted on grid intersections at
the corresponding value axis elevation, thus giving the chart depth.
Contours can be applied to surface charts to display additional information. These

variations in color bands or lines are projected on the chart’s three-dimensional
surface and can demonstrate a separate collection of data, independent of
elevation.
2D contour chart
3D surface chart
3D XYZ Charts
This chart shows variation and relationships over three sets of values plotted on a
three-dimensional grid. Each data point represents the intersection of the X,Y and
Z axes.
Each series on the chart requires three columns of data in the data grid. The first
column holds the X coordinates, the second column holds the Y coordinates and
the third column holds the Z coordinates.
3D XYZ chart
3D Scatter Charts
This chart is drawn as a three-dimensional grid with a base and walls. It plots data
points created by the intersection of three different coordinate values.
Each of the three values that make up a point corresponds to a particular axis in a
3D grid. Each series on the chart requires three columns of data in the data grid.
The first column holds the X coordinates, the second column holds the Y
coordinates and the third column holds the Z coordinates.
C1
C4
3D Scatter chart
Using the Context Menu

Click the right mouse button anywhere within a First Impression chart to display
the context menu. Once the menu appears, use the left mouse button to select a
menu item. Clicking on menu items followed by three periods displays a set of
property pages or a dialog box.
When the application is in edit mode, the context menu provides a subset of the
menu items that are displayed when the application is in design mode. The
following illustration shows examples of the context menu in edit mode and in
design mode.
Design mode Edit mode
The following table includes a description of each menu item on the context menu.
Item Description
Cut Cuts the current chart and places a copy of it on the clipboard in
Windows Metafile (.wmf) format.
Copy Places a copy of the current chart on the clipboard in Windows
Metafile (.wmf) format.
Paste Takes a graphic in Windows Bitmap (.bmp), Windows Metafile
(.wmf) format, or Joint Photographic Experts Group format (.jpg)
from the clipboard and places it in the selected element’s backdrop
or fill.
Delete Removes the current chart.
Bring to Front Places the selected objects in front of other objects.
Send to Back Places the selected objects behind other objects.
View Code Allows you to view the code for the selected object.
Item Description
Align to Grid Aligns the top left of the selected objects on your form to the
closest grid. The objects are not resized.
Properties Displays Property Pages that allow you to format your chart.
Edit Accesses edit mode.
Chart Designer Displays the Chart Designer.
Edit Chart Data Modifies the data, rows, columns, and labels in the data grid.
Wizard Guides you through the chart design process.
Print Displays the Print dialog box.
Save As Saves the current file as a chart file (.vtc), a bitmap (.bmp), a
metafile (.wmf), or a Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg) file.
Open Loads an existing chart file into the current chart control. The chart
you load replaces the chart already in the control.
Selecting Chart Elements in Edit Mode

You can click the left mouse button on a chart element to select it when First
Impression is in edit mode.
➤ To start edit mode:

1. Right-click the chart control on the form.
2. Choose Edit from the context menu.
You are now able to select chart elements. The following table provides
information about selecting each chart element.
To select... Click... Effect
Chart In the chart, but not on a Selection handles appear around the
specific chart element. chart.
Chart title Anywhere in the title Selection handles appear around the title.
area. You can resize or reposition it.
Footnote Anywhere in the footnote Selection handles appear around the
area. footnote. You can resize or reposition it.
Legend In the legend, but not the Selection handles appear around the
legend keys. legend. You can resize or reposition it.
Series On an element in an Selection handles appear on all the
unselected series, or on elements of chart series. Handle also
the legend key identifying appears on legend key.
the series.
Series Label Anywhere in the series Selection handles appear around the
label. label. You can reposition it.
To select... Click... Effect

Plot In the plot, but not on a Selection handles appear around the
specific chart element. chart plot. You can resize or reposition it.
Axis On the axis text, axis line, Selection handles appear on the axis.
or axis ticks. You cannot manually resize the axis.
Axis title Anywhere in the axis title Selection handles appear around the axis
area. title.
Chart grid On any grid line. Selection handles appear around the grid.
2D wall and 3D Any part of the base or Selection handles appear around the wall
wall or base wall other than a grid in a 2D chart, and the base and wall in a
line. 3D chart.
Data point Click on a data point in a Selection handles appear on the single
selected series, or on a data point only.
data point in the same
series as another selected
data point.
Data point label Anywhere in the data Selection handles appear around the data
point label. point label. You can reposition it.
Using the Data Grid Editor

You can easily modify the data in the data grid using the Data Grid Editor. Refer to
Chapter 4, “Using the Data Grid Editor” for more information about editing data
and data grid requirements of various chart types.
➤ To access the Data Grid Editor:

1. Right-click the chart control on the form to display the context menu.
2. Choose Edit Chart Data... from the menu.
Once the Data Grid Editor is displayed, you can easily modify the data in the data
grid without setting property values.
Using the Chart Wizard

The Chart Wizard provides you with another way to design charts. It guides you
through the process required to create a new First Impression chart or modify an
existing chart for use with your application. Using the Chart Wizard, you can
quickly accomplish many design tasks that would otherwise take much longer to
complete.
➤ To access the Chart Wizard:

2. Select Wizard from the context menu.
The Chart Wizard displays. Refer to Chapter 5, “Using the Chart Wizard” for more
information about creating and modifying charts using the Chart Wizard.
Changing Properties
Once a chart is placed in the container, you can access the property pages through
the context menu if the ActiveX container supports it. Not all the containers
behave in the same manner. In Visual Basic, you access the context menu by right-
clicking the chart control.
➤ To display the chart properties:

2. Choose Properties from the context menu.
The chart property pages display, as shown in the following illustration.
Select the tabs to set properties for the chart.
You can format chart attributes using property pages in a similar manner as in the
Chart Designer. Refer to the chapters throughout this book to learn more about
formatting chart attributes.
Applying Properties Using Visual Basic

When using OLE property pages, the ActiveX container controls when properties
are applied to the chart. In Visual Basic, when you set a property for a chart that
property is applied to the chart either when you move to another tab in the
property page dialog, or when you click the Apply button. All the tab changes are
applied when the OK button is clicked to exit the dialog
Using the Chart Designer

After you place a chart in a container, you can use the Chart Designer. The Chart
Designer allows you to select multiple and common chart elements and set
properties interactively and simultaneously for the elements. However, the Chart
Designer does more than just allow you to interactively design your chart. The
Designer’s tree-view outline allows you to select multiple and common chart parts
and set properties for all the selected parts at once.
Accessing the Chart Designer

Once your chart is placed in the container, you can access the Chart Designer in
two ways:
➤ To display the Chart Designer when in design mode:

1. Right-click the chart control on the form and choose Chart Designer from the
context menu. The following illustration shows the Chart Designer.
The tabs that are

displayed depend
upon your
selection in the
tree view. If you
select different
chart elements
simultaneously,
the tabs that are
common to all the
selected elements
are displayed.
The Chart Designer provides a tree view Click this button to reset any chart
that allows you to interactively design a modifications back to the default
chart. settings.
2. When your changes are complete, click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to
reflect the changes.
You can also quickly edit individual chart elements if you access the Chart
Designer from edit mode. For example, if you want to edit the value scale of the Y
Axis on a chart, you could display the Chart Designer with the Y Axis already
highlighted in the Chart Designer tree view, and the current settings displayed in
the Value Scale tab.
Use the following procedure to quickly edit chart elements.
➤ To display the Chart Designer from edit mode:

2. Choose Edit from the context menu.
3. Double-click the chart element that you want to edit.
4. The Chart Designer is displayed showing all the tabs that apply to the chart
element.
5. Make your desired changes, and click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to
reflect the modifications.
Selecting Chart Elements From the Tree View

The Chart Designer provides an organizational tree view for selecting chart
elements and making property changes. The key to working in the Chart Designer
is understanding how to select individual and multiple chart elements, and how
your changes affect those selected elements. This section of the documentation
demonstrates how to select the appropriate chart element and how to make desired
changes.
Selecting the Chart and Plot

The Type tab, which is available when you select Chart from the Chart Designer
tree view, allows you to declare the type of chart you wish to design. However, you
make most of your design decisions for charts when you select Plot from the Chart
Designer tree view. The following illustration describes how to declare a chart type
and set design options.
Select Chart
to display the
Type tab.
Select Plot to
make design
choices for the
chart.
Selecting Chart Title, Footnote, and Legend

The title, footnote, and legend chart elements share four common tabs, so it makes
sense to set common attributes for all these chart elements simultaneously. An
example of setting a common attribute would be to set an identical font style and
size for the chart title, footnote, and legend. The following illustration shows how
to select the chart elements discussed in this section.
Hold down the

CTRL key and
select Title,
Footnote, and
Legend to
display the
common tabs
for these chart
elements.
Selecting Axes
In the Chart Designer tree view you can select a specific axis for a chart or you can
select all the axes and set common attributes from the available tabs. Once the axis
titles are selected, you can make design choices from the available tabs.
Note Not all the chart types contain all the axes. For example, 2D charts do not
have a Z axis. In addition, depending on the type of data in your chart, your axis
might be one of three possible scale types: Category, Value, or Date scale. For
more information about the kind of axes your chart contains, see Chapter 8,
“Formatting Axes.”
The following illustration shows how to select the axes.
Hold down
the CTRL key
and select X
Axis, Y Axis,
Second Y
Axis, and Z
Axis to
display the
common tabs
for these
chart
elements.
Selecting Axis Titles

In the Chart Designer tree view, you can select a specific axis title for a chart or
you can select all the axis titles and set common attributes from the available tabs.
Once the axis titles are selected, you can make design choices from the available
tabs.
Note The Axis Title Object in the First Impression API has a Visible Property that
is not exposed in the Chart Designer. In order to actually place axis titles on your
chart, you must edit or modify the default axis title text that exists in the Text tab,
then click the Apply button.
The following illustration shows how to select the axes titles.
Hold down
the CTRL
key and
select Axis
Title to
display the
common
tabs for
these chart
elements.
Selecting Axis Labels

In the Chart Designer tree view, you can select a specific axis label for a chart or
you can select all the axis labels and set common attributes from the available tabs.
Note Not all the chart types contain all the axes. For example, 2D charts do not
have a Z axis. In addition, depending on the type of data in your chart, your axis
might be one of three possible scale types: Category, Value, or Date scale.
Category axes have text labels identifying the category or series in the chart. Value
axes display numbers as values or percents. Date/time axes display a range of
dates and/or times. For more information about the kind of axes your chart
contains, see Chapter 8, “Formatting Axes.”
The following illustration shows how to select the axis labels.
Hold down
the CTRL
key and
select Axis
Labels to
display the
common
tabs for
these chart
elements.
Selecting Series and Data Points

In the Chart Designer tree view, you can select and format series data and data
points in many ways. For example:
■ To make changes to the attributes that all the series in the current chart have in
common, select the Series level.
■ To make changes to the attributes for a specific series, select an individual
series (such as C1).
■ To make default settings for all the data points in a series, select a default data
point. Any data point that does not have any custom settings inherits the
settings of the default data point.
■ To make custom changes to a specific data point within a series, select an
individual data point (such as R1).
The following illustration identifies the chart elements that are affected when you
select a particular series or data point tree view level.
All chart series

Individual
chart series.
Default data point Individual series

for the series. data point.
Selecting Data Point Labels

In the Chart Designer tree view, you can select and format data point labels in
many ways. For example:
■ To make custom changes to a specific data point label within a series, select an
individual data point label (such as R1) for a specific series (such as C1).
■ To make default settings for all the data point labels in a particular series, select
a specific default data point label. Any data point that does not have any
custom settings inherits the settings of the default data point label.
■ To make default settings for all the data point labels in all the series, select all
the default data point labels (Datapoint Labels) for each series. Any data point
that does not have any custom settings inherits the settings of the default data
point labels.
■ To make custom changes to the selected data point labels for each series, select
multiple data point labels (such as R1) for multiple series (such as C1and C2).
■ To make custom changes to all the selected data point labels, select all the data
point labels (such as R1-R5) for all the series (such as C1-C4). It is important
to note that this is considered a custom data point label, and would therefore,
override any default data point label attributes.
The following illustration further explains how to select data point labels.
Specific
default data
point label
Specific data
point label
Hold down the CTRL key and select Datapoint Labels

to make default settings for all the data point labels in
all the series.
Selecting Series Labels

In the Chart Designer tree view you can select a specific series label for a chart or
you can select multiple series labels and set common attributes from the available
tabs. Once you have selected the appropriate series labels, you can make the
desired design choices from the tabs. The following illustration shows how to
select multiple series labels.
To select
multiple
series labels,
hold down the
CTRL key and
select the
series labels.
Finding No Common Pages

The No Common Pages tab appears when the Chart Designer is unable to display
tabs for the selected chart elements in the tree view. This tab might appear for the
following reasons:
■ One or more of the selected chart elements do not share common tabs. For
example, if you select unrelated chart elements such as footnote and series, the
Chart Designer cannot display common tabs.
■ The Chart Designer cannot display a single tab for the selected chart element.
For example, Series Labels has no Chart Designer pages.
■ The selected chart element does not apply to the current chart type. For
example, if the current chart type does not have a secondary Y or Z axis, this
tab displays when either axis is selected in the tree view.
If this tab appears, try making your selection again or limiting the number of chart
parts you select.
Using the Chart Designer to Apply Changes

When using the Chart Designer, you may select options on each tab displayed for
the selected chart part. The options you select from all the tabs are applied to the
chart when you click the Apply button or the OK button. Changes are not applied
to the chart as you move from tab to tab. Only the Apply button, or the OK button
affects the chart.
69
C H A P T E R 3
Managing Charts
This chapter provides information about managing your charts. For example, it
covers:
■ Manually repositioning and resizing chart elements.
■ Exporting charts.
■ Loading saved charts.
■ Deleting charts.
■ Setting print options and print setup.
■ Linking to a Formula One spreadsheet.
Manually Repositioning and Resizing Chart Elements

You can override the layout of chart elements by selecting and dragging elements
on the screen or by specifying settings in the Chart Designer. When you manually
reposition an element, it is no longer in automatic layout mode. First Impression
no longer considers the element when allocating space for the remaining chart
elements that use automatic layout.
➤ To resize or reposition objects manually:

1. Select the title, footnote, plot, or legend.
2. When the object is surrounded by selection handles, drag it to a new location or
resize it as desired.
What you are actually resizing is not the text or plot itself, but the bounding
rectangle around the object. Based on the size you make the object, First
Impression may have to resize or clip objects to fit the space.
The following illustration shows the results of resizing and repositioning chart
elements.
Automatic Layout Custom Layout
The custom chart was given more impact by enlarging the plot and repositioning it higher in the chart.
The border was also removed from the legend and it was repositioned slightly to better fit with the
resized plot.
Note To reposition or resize a chart element using the Chart Designer, select the
Custom Location radio button in the Location tab for the chart element that you
want to modify.
Exporting Charts
There are two ways to export copies of a chart or chart element from First
Impression: by copying it to the clipboard, or by saving it to a file.
➤ To copy a chart to the clipboard:

1. Click the right mouse button.
Selection handles appear.
2. Choose Copy from the resulting context menu.
A copy of the current chart or chart element is placed on the clipboard in Windows
Metafile format. You can then view it in any application that supports the .wmf
format.
➤ To save the chart to a file:

1. Use the right mouse button to display the context menu and choose Save As.
The Save As dialog box appears.
2. Enter a name and path for the file.
3. Select a file type from the Save File As Type list.
Chapter 3 Managing Charts 71
You can save the chart in the native First Impression format (.vtc), as a standard
metafile (.wmf), as a Windows bitmap (.bmp), or as a Joint Photographic
Experts Group (.jpg) file. By default, the Adobe placeable header information
is included in the metafile.
4. To save the metafile without the Adobe Placeable header information, check
Save metafile without size information.
Do not check this option if you intend to use this metafile in a Microsoft
application such as Word or Excel. These applications expect size information
to be included in metafiles.
5. To save the text on the chart as curves check Save Text As Curves.
You should check this option if you are using an unusual font that might not be
present on other systems using the metafile. This option should also be used to
properly display text if you are deforming the metafile by stretching it.
6. Click Save.
Loading Saved Charts

You can open a chart that was saved in First Impression’s native format into the
current chart control. Any chart that currently exists in the control is discarded.
➤ To load a file:
1. Use the right mouse button to display the context menu and choose Open.
The Open dialog box appears. A list of all the .vtc files in the current directory
is displayed.
2. Select the file you want to open.
3. Click OK.
Deleting Charts
You can delete a chart using First Impression’s context menu. However, you
cannot delete individual chart elements.
➤ To delete a chart:
1. Click the chart using the right mouse button.
2. Choose Delete from the resulting context menu.
The chart is removed.
Printing Charts
You can print a copy of the current chart. You can also set print and page layout
settings.
➤ To print a chart:
1. Use the right mouse button to display the context menu and choose Print to
display the Print dialog box.
2. Make any necessary settings and click Print.
Specific information about the settings that you can access from the Print dialog
box is presented in the following discussion.
Setting Print Options

The Print Layout dialog box allows you to specify print and page layout settings
such as page margins and position, scaling, and orientation.
➤ To access the Print Layout dialog box:

1. Use the right mouse button to display the context menu and choose Print to
display the Print dialog box.
2. Click the Layout button.
The following illustration shows the settings in the Print Layout dialog box.
➤ To specify print settings:

1. In the Orientation section of the Print Layout dialog box, select the Portrait
radio button to specify a Portrait orientation. Alternatively, click the Landscape
radio button to specify a Landscape orientation.
2. In the Scaling section of the Print Layout dialog box, select the Actual Size
radio button to print the chart at the original size it was created. Alternatively,
select the Best Fit radio button to scale the chart proportionally to fit the page.
3. In the Margins section of the Print Layout dialog box enter a value in inches or
centimeters, depending on your Windows settings, to specify the left, top, right,
and bottom margins of the page.
4. In the Layout section of the Print Layout dialog box, select the Screen Layout
radio button to print the chart exactly as it appears on the screen. Select the
Layout for Printer radio button to adjust the chart to best fit the page. Chart
elements such as axis labels and data points are repositioned as they would be
if you had resized the chart on the screen.
5. Click OK to accept the settings.
Changing Printer Setup

If you click the Properties button located on the Print dialog box, you can set
standard Windows settings for selecting the printer, page orientation, and paper
size and source.
Linking to a Formula One Spreadsheet

You can create a link between a First Impression chart control and a Formula One
spreadsheet control. Once the link is activated, the data from the spreadsheet is
imported into the data grid. As long as the link remains active, the spreadsheet
notifies the chart control of any charted data changes. The chart automatically
redraws to reflect the change. To organize your spreadsheet data appropriately, you
must understand the data grid information presented in Chapter 4 and the data grid
requirements of each chart type as outlined at the end of Chapter 4.
The following illustration shows a form containing a First Impression chart control
and a Formula One spreadsheet control. To view the code behind this form, refer
to the Formula One Link demo that is shipped with First Impression.
Notice that the data in the spreadsheet control must be organized in a manner that
the chart’s data grid can understand. In the case of the previous illustration, the
first row of labels are used to identify each series in the legend. The first column
of labels are used to identify each pie. Each column of data in the spreadsheet
represents a different slice of the pie.
For additional information, run the data grid demo supplied with First Impression.
This demo shows the minimum amount of data required for each chart type and
shows how that data should be organized.
Setting Up the Link

First Impression provides three properties to set up the link between the
spreadsheet control and the chart control.
■ Use the SsLinkBook property to identify the spreadsheet.
■ Use the SsLinkRange property to identify the range within the spreadsheet
control that contains the data you want to chart.
■ Use the SsLinkMode property to specify whether or not the link is active and
how First Impression interprets the spreadsheet data.
Identifying the Spreadsheet

You must identify the Formula One spreadsheet you want to use as the data source
for the chart. Identify the spreadsheet by table name and not the handle of the
spreadsheet control. You can determine the table name using the Formula One
TableName property.
Specifying a Data Range

You must also identify the range within the spreadsheet that holds the data you
want to chart. This range can be identified by name or coordinates, although the
use of named ranges is recommended.
There are also a number of other rules that apply when specifying a data range:
■ A defined name used as the source range for the link must contain absolute
references, not relative references.
■ The source range cannot contain external sheet references.
■ First Impression does not interpret “backward” ranges. For example, enter the
range $A$4:$D$19, not $D$19:$A$4.
Controlling the Link Behavior

There are three different modes you can use to link to a spreadsheet control: off,
on, and autoparse.
■ Off. The link is not active. Any changes in the spreadsheet are not automatically
updated in the chart.
■ On. The link is active and changes in the spreadsheet are automatically
displayed in the chart. In this mode, First Impression makes no attempt to
determine if the data in the specified range is text labels or data. You must first
identify how many levels of row and column labels, and how many rows and
columns of data your data range contains. Enter these values in the
ColumnCount, RowCount, ColumnLabelCount, and RowLabelCount
properties to set the dimensions of the data grid. If these dimensions do not
match the data in the spreadsheet range, you may get unexpected results.
■ AutoParse. The link is active and changes in the spreadsheet are automatically
displayed in the chart. In this mode, First Impression analyzes the data in the
specified spreadsheet range and attempts to determine the number of levels of
column and row labels. It also tries to determine how many data columns and
data rows are in the specified range. First Impression then adjusts the settings
of the ColumnCount, RowCount, ColumnLabelCount, and
RowLabelCount properties to match the dimensions of the data imported from
the spreadsheet.
Note AutoParse mode can be very useful when linking to simple ranges of data
that are organized in exactly the way First Impression expects to find the data.
However, using On mode and setting the data grid dimensions yourself is
recommended in most cases that involve more complex data or unusual data
arrangements. For example, if your data does not contain column labels,
AutoParse may become confused and you may not get the chart you expect.
77
C H A P T E R 4
Understanding Data Grids
Data grids hold text for series and category labels and charted values on charts. A
data grid is comparable to an array or table containing chart information.
Charting Grid Data

Each chart has a data grid associated with it. The data grid portrayed in the
following illustration is a table that holds charted data. The data grid can also
include labels used to identify series and categories on a chart. The person who
designs your chart application fills the data grid with information by inserting data,
or by importing data from a spreadsheet or array.
The following illustration shows the data grid and a chart, as well as the
relationship between them.
Each column in the data grid
represents one series and each
value in the column is a separate
data point in the chart.
Series Labels
Model 421 Model 532 Model 629

East 4 40 62
Central 22 18 62
Category Labels
West 40 10 39
In most cases, each column in the data grid translates to one series on the chart.
However, First Impression supports a number of chart types that require two or
more columns of data to chart a series. These chart types include XY, polar,
bubble, hi-lo, and Gantt charts. Specific information about the data grid
requirements of these chart types is included in the following discussion.
Note You might format a chart in an application designed for you by someone else.
To use one of the chart types that requires more than one column of data for a
series, you might need to have that person familiarize you with the structure of the
chart data.
Using the Data Grid Editor

You can easily modify the data in the data grid using the Data Grid Editor.
➤ To access the Data Grid Editor:

1. Right-click the chart control on the form to display the context menu.
2. Choose Edit Chart Data...
The Data Grid Editor displays as shown in the following illustration.
Since the data grid is initially filled with random data, you can start by resizing the
data grid to agree with the size of the worksheet containing your data. To resize
the grid, indicate the correct number of rows and columns for your worksheet in
the Data Grid Editor. You can also specify the number of levels of labels for the
rows and columns.
Chapter 4 Understanding Data Grids 79
The following example describes how to resize the data grid.
➤ To resize the data grid for eight rows and columns of data:
1. Double-click the mouse cursor in the Rows text box of the Data Grid Editor to
select the current row value.
2. Type the number 8.
3. Tab to the Columns text box and type the number 8.
4. Tab to exit the Columns text box.
5. Click the Apply button.
The data grid displays eight columns and eight rows. The additional column and
row cells appear empty. Once you have resized the data grid to accommodate your
worksheet data, you can modify the grid data.
➤ To change the number of row labels and column labels:

1. Double-click the mouse cursor in the Row Labels text box of the Data Grid
Editor to select the current number of row labels.
2. Type the number of desired row labels.
3. Tab to the Column Labels text box and type the number of desired column
labels.
4. Tab to exit the Column Labels text box.
5. Click the Apply button.
The data grid displays the modified number of column and row labels. Once you
have changed the number of row and column labels, you are ready to modify the
row and column labels.
➤ To modify row and column labels in the grid:

1. Use the mouse, tab key, or left, right, up, and down arrow keys to navigate to
the desired row or column label cell. When a label cell is active, the cell
location is highlighted in black.
2. Type the new label in the active cell.
The cell displays the new label and replaces the previous label when you exit the
cell. You can exit the grid cell using the navigational keys or the Enter key.
➤ To modify grid data:

1. Use the mouse, tab key or left, right, up, and down arrow keys to navigate to
the desired cell. When a cell is active, the cell location is highlighted by a thick
black border.
2. Type the new data value in the active cell.
The cell displays the new value and replace the previous value when you exit the
cell. You can exit the grid cell using the navigational keys or the Enter key.
➤ To apply or cancel data grid changes to the chart:

■ Click the Apply button to apply grid changes to the chart and allow the Data
Grid Editor to remain open.
■ Click the OK button to apply grid changes to the chart and close the Data Grid
Editor.
■ Click the Cancel button to close the Data Grid Editor without applying the
changes.
Using the Data Grid Editor Context Menu

The Data Grid Editor provides a context menu that allows you to:
■ cut, copy, and paste data and labels between cells in the data grid.
■ add or delete data grid rows and columns to and from the data grid.
■ add or delete data grid row and column labels to and from the data grid.
The context menu displays if you right-click the grid in the Data Grid Editor. The
menu items that are displayed vary depending on the selection in the Data Grid
Editor, as described in the following illustration.
The Cut, Copy,
Paste, and Delete
menu items
display when you
right-click a data
grid cell or data
grid label cell.
The Add Row, Add The Add Row, Add Row The Add Column, Add Column
Column, Delete Row, Label, Delete Row, and Label, Delete Column, and
and Delete Column Delete Row Label menu Delete Column Label menu
menu items display items display when you items display when you right-
when you right-click a right-click a data grid row click a data grid column label.
data grid cell. label.
Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Data

Using the context menu available from the Data Grid Editor, you can cut, copy,
and paste data between cells and between labels in the data grid.
➤ To cut data grid row text:

1. Use the mouse or navigational keys to select the desired cell location.
2. When the cell is active, right-click to display the menu.
3. Select Cut from the menu to cut the text from the active cell.
➤ To copy data grid row text:

3. Select Copy from the menu to copy the text in the active cell.
➤ To paste data grid row text:

3. Select Paste from the menu to paste the text in the active cell.
➤ To delete data grid row text:

3. Select Delete from the menu to delete the text from the active cell.
Adding and Deleting Data Grid Rows and Columns

Using the context menu available from the Data Grid Editor, you can easily add or
delete data grid rows and columns to and from the data grid.
➤ To insert a data grid row:

3. Select Add Row > Before or Add Row >After from the menu to add the data
grid row before (above) or after (below) the current row.
An entire data grid row is inserted at that point in the grid, adding the new row
before or after the current row.
➤ To insert a data grid column:

3. Select Add Column > Before or Add Column > After from the menu to add the
data grid column before (to the left of) or after (to the right of) the current
column.
An entire data grid column is inserted at that point in the grid, adding the new
column before or after the current column.
➤ To delete a data grid row:

3. Select Delete Row from the menu to delete the entire data grid row.
The entire data grid row is deleted at that point, moving the row below the current
cell location up to the current position.
➤ To delete a data grid column:

3. Select Delete Column from the menu to delete the entire data grid column.
The entire data grid column is deleted at that point, moving the column to the right
of the current cell location left one position.
Adding and Deleting Data Grid Row and Column Labels

You can use the context menu on the Data Grid Editor to add or delete data grid
row and column labels to and from the data grid.
➤ To insert a column of data grid row labels:

1. Use the mouse or navigational keys to select the desired row label cell location.
When a row label cell is active, it is highlighted in black.
2. Right-click the active row label cell to display the menu.
3. Select Add Row Label > Before or Add Row Label > After from the menu to
add a column of row labels before (to the left of) or after (to the right of) the
current row label cell.
The column of row labels is added before or after the current row label cell
location.
➤ To insert a row of data grid column labels:

1. Use the mouse or navigational keys to select the desired column label cell
location. When a column label cell is active, it is highlighted in black.
2. Right-click the active column label cell to display the menu.
3. Select Add Column Label > Before or Add Column Label > After from the
menu to add a row of column labels before (above) or after (below) the current
column label cell.
The row of column labels is added before or after the current column label cell
location.
➤ To delete a column of data grid row labels:

1. Use the mouse or navigational keys to select the desired row label cell location.
When a row label cell is active, it is highlighted in black.
2. Right-click the active row label cell to display the menu.
3. Select Delete Row Label from the menu.
The entire column of row labels is deleted at that point in the grid, moving the
existing row labels left one position.
➤ To delete a row of data grid column labels:

1. Use the mouse or navigational keys to select the desired column label cell
location. When a column label cell is active, it is highlighted in black.
2. Right-click the active column label cell to display the menu.
3. Select Delete Column Label from the menu.
A row of column labels is deleted at that point in the grid, moving the existing row
labels up one position.
Important Inserting and deleting column and row labels always affects the entire
row or column of labels. A single label cannot be inserted or deleted.
Using Simple Data Grids

Most data can be simply arranged in series of rows and columns. In this format,
each value in the chart can be identified by one column label and one row label.
For example, in the following illustration, the value 4 can be identified by the row
label East and column label Model 421.
The text in these column labels is

Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 used as series labels to identify
East 4 40 the series in a chart legend.
62
Central 22 18 62
West 40 10 39 Data grid rows are represented as
data points within a chart series.
Data grid columns are

The text in these row
represented as series on a chart.
labels is used as data
point labels on the
chart.
In general, data grid columns are represented as series on a chart, and data grid
rows are represented as data points within a chart series. However, in First
Impression, you can specify if you want data grid rows to contain chart series
data.
The organization of information in the data grid varies for each chart type. Specific
information about how the data grid should be organized for different chart types
is presented at the end of this chapter. The following illustration shows a 3D bar
chart based on this simple data grid.
Series Labels

East 4 40 62
Central 22 18 62
Category Labels
West 40 10 39
Using More Complex Data Grids

First Impression can also chart more complex data. In the simple data grid
discussed previously, each value is identified by a column label and a row label.
However, many times it is useful to view chart data that belongs to more than one
category. You can accomplish this by adding levels of labels representing the new
categories in the data grid.
The following illustration expands on the simple data grid discussed earlier in this
chapter. One new level of column labels and one new level of row labels are added
to the original data grid. In addition, three new rows of data have been added to the
data grid.
Notice that the value 4, previously identified by the row label East and the column
label Model 421 can now be identified by the row labels 1994 and East, and by
the column labels Assembled and Model 421. This provides more specific
information about the data being charted.
This new level
of labels Assembled Unassembled This new level of
identifies the labels identifies
year the sale Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 whether the
took place. models were
1993 East 29 60 88 40 52 62 assembled before
Central 79 49 95 66 29 37 they were sold.
West 64 35 57 88 44 77
1994 East 4 40 62 25 55 59
Central 22 18 62 18 12 44
West 40 10 39 54 9 51
Following is an illustration of a 3D bar chart created using this data grid.
Assembled Model 421

Assembled Model 532
Assembled Model 629
Unassembled Model 421
Series Labels
Assembled Unassembled
Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 Model 421 Model 532 Model 629
1993 East 29 60 88 40 52 62
Category Labels
Central 79 49 95 66 29 37
West 64 35 57 88 44 77
1994 East 4 40 62 25 55 59
Central 22 18 62 18 12 44
West 40 10 39 54 9 51
Identifying Data Grid Elements

There are two types of information stored in the data grid: data and labels.
Columns of data are numbered from left to right, beginning with 1. Rows of data
are numbered from top to bottom, beginning with 1.
Assembled Unassembled
Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 Model 421 Model 532 Model 629
1993 East 29 60 88 40 52 62 Row 1
Central 79 49 95 66 29 37 Row 2
West 64 35 57 88 44 77 Row 3
1994 East 4 40 62 25 55 59 Row 4
Central 22 18 62 18 12 44 Row 5
West 40 10 39 54 9 51 Row 6
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6
Note For information about identifying columns in data grids used to draw more
complex chart types, refer to the section titled “Data Grids for Special Chart
Types” on page 95.
Column labels identify the data columns. They are numbered from left to right
within each level. Multiple levels of column labels are numbered from bottom to
top, beginning with 1. Row labels identify the data rows. They are numbered from
top to bottom, beginning with 1. Multiple levels of row labels are numbered from
right to left beginning with 1.
Assembled Unassembled Level 2

Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 Model 421 Model 532 Model 629 Level 1
1993 East Label 1 Column Labels
Central Label 2
West Label 3
1994 East Label 4

Central Label 5
West Label 6
Level 2 Level 1
Row Labels
Using Multiple Level Labels

To accommodate the need for multiple levels of labels, First Impression must
understand the relationship between labels at each level. The following illustration
shows how First Impression interprets two levels of labels.
1993 1994 This data grid reflects

the way most people
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 arrange multiple levels
US Eastern Region of labels in a
29 60 88 40 52 62 spreadsheet or table.
Central Region 79 49 95 66 29 37
Western Region 64 35 57 88 44 77
Europe Northern Region 4 40 62 25 55 59
Southern Region 22 18 62 18 12 44
This data grid

1993 1993 1993 1993 1994 1994
Illustrates how First
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Impression interprets
those labels.
US Eastern Region 29 60 88 40 52 62
US Central Region 79 49 95 66 29 37
US Western Region 64 35 57 88 44 77
Europe Southern Region 22 18 62 18 12 44
In order to properly match lower and higher level labels, First Impression analyses
the text in a label and compares it to the text in the next label. If the text is the
same, or a null string, First Impression assumes the lower level label is still
associated with the same higher level label. It continues associating lower level
labels as long as it encounters the same text or a null string.
When it encounters a new string, it stops associating lower level labels with the old
string and begins associating them with the new string. The following illustration
shows an example of this process.
1993 null string null string null string 1994 null string
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
US Eastern Region 29 60 88 40 52 62
null string Central Region 79 49 95 66 29 37
null string Western Region 64 35 57 88 44 77
null string Southern Region 22 18 62 18 12 44
These null strings tell First Impression that Once First Impression encounters the string 1994,
the labels Q2, Q3, and Q4 are associated it stops associating 1993 with columns and begins
with 1993. associating 1994 with any null strings it finds until
the next string is encountered.
Important When comparing the contents of each column label, First Impression
differentiates between null strings and a string of spaces. If it encounters a string
of spaces, it assumes it is a new label. Information on how to ensure a column
label contains a null string is provided in “Manipulating the Data Grid Using
Properties” on page 90.
Creating the Data Grid

The data grid is created when you draw the chart control on a form. First
Impression uses the settings for the RowCount, ColumnCount,
RowLabelCount, and ColumnLabelCount to determine the initial dimensions of
the data grid. When it is first created, the data grid is filled with random data. You
can use this random data to format your chart, or you can modify that data to
represent specific data values.
Manipulating the Data Grid Using Properties

First Impression provides a number of properties that allow you to resize the data
grid, or modify a value, column label, or row label. Changing any of these
properties causes the chart to redraw and reflect the changes in the data grid.
■ Use the ColumnCount and RowCount properties to determine the number of
data columns and data rows in the data grid. Rows and columns containing
labels are not included in the ColumnCount and RowCount. If the new
column or row count is greater or smaller than the current count, columns are
added to or deleted from the right and rows are added to or deleted from the
bottom of the data grid. Any data in the deleted columns or rows is lost.
■ Use the ColumnLabelCount property to set the number of levels of column
labels on the data grid. Use the RowLabelCount property to set the number of
levels of row labels on the data grid. If the new count is greater than the current
count, new levels of labels are added to the top or left side of the data grid. If
the new count is smaller than the current count, levels of labels are deleted
from the top or left side of the data grid. Any labels in deleted levels are lost.
■ Use the Column and Row properties to identify a specific point in the data
grid. Data columns are numbered from left to right beginning with 1. Rows in
the data grid are numbered from top to bottom beginning with 1. Any labels in
the data grid are not counted.

Column = 3
East 4 40 62 Row = 1
Central 22 18 62
West 40 10 39
Important In most chart types, each column in the data grid represents a series on
the chart. However, First Impression supports a number of special chart types that
require two or more columns to chart a series. Specific information about the data
grid requirements of these special chart types is provided in “Data Grids for
Special Chart Types” on page 95.
■ Use the ColumnLabelIndex and RowLabelIndex properties to identify a

specific row or column of labels. For example, if you want to change a label in
the second level of column labels, you must set ColumnLabelIndex to 2.
Levels of column labels are numbered from bottom to top, beginning at 1.
Levels of row labels are numbered from right to left, beginning at 1.
■ Use the ColumnLabel and RowLabel properties to change the label
identifying a row or column. ColumnLabel holds the label text on the column
identified by the Column property and in the level identified by the
ColumnLabelIndex property. RowLabel holds the text associated with the
row identified by the Row property and in the level identified by the
RowLabelIndex property.
Note If you are removing an existing label from a column or row, highlight it in the
Properties Window and press Delete. This tells First Impression to place a null
string in the label. If you remove the existing label by highlighting it and pressing
the space bar, you are actually replacing the label with spaces instead of a null
string.
■ Use the Data property to modify an individual value in the data grid. Use
Column and Row properties to identify the data you wish to change before
using the Data property which assigns the new data value. If you assign a value
with the Data property, the RandomFill property is automatically set to
FALSE to prevent you from losing the data you entered.
■ Use RandomFill to generate random data for prototyping a chart.
■ Use the SetSize method to change all the dimensions of the data grid at once.
You can use this function to set the column count, row count, column label
count, and row label count in one operation. This saves you from having to use
four separate functions to set each parameter individually.
Deleting Data Grid Elements

The methods and properties discussed in the previous section are used to delete
columns, rows, or levels of labels from the “end” of each dimension. However,
there are times when you need to delete elements in a specific location within the
data grid. For each method, you must identify the first element to delete by
number. You must also specify the total number of elements to delete.
■ Use DeleteColumns to delete one or more specific columns from the data grid.
Columns are deleted from the first column you specify to the right.
■ Use DeleteRows to delete one or more specific rows from the data grid. Rows
are deleted from the first row you specify down.
Note Both DeleteColumns and DeleteRows delete cells and their labels.
■ Use DeleteColumnLabels to delete one or more specific levels of column

labels from the data grid. Levels of column labels are deleted from the first
level you specify up.
■ Use DeleteRowLabels to delete one or more specific levels of row labels from
the data grid. Levels of row labels are deleted from the first level you specify to
the left.
Inserting Data Grid Elements

You can also use methods to insert new elements at specific locations in the data
grid.
Important When new labels are added to the data grid, either by adding a new level
of labels or adding rows or columns to the data grid, they contain a null string.
When new columns or rows of data are added, their status depends on the current
setting of the RandomFill property. If RandomFill is set to False, the columns
and rows contain a null value. If RandomFill is set to True, the columns and rows
are filled with random data.
■ Use InsertColumns to add one or more data columns to a specific location in

the data grid. The new data columns are added to the left of the column you
specify. You must also specify how many new columns to add.
■ Use InsertRows to add one or more data rows to a specific location in the data
grid. The new data rows are added above the row you specify. You must also
specify how many new rows to add.
■ Use InsertColumnLabels to add one or more levels of column labels at a
specific location in the data grid. The new levels are added beneath the level
you specify. You must also specify how many new levels to add.
■ Use InsertRowLabels to add one or more levels of row labels at a specific
location in the data grid. The new levels are added to the right of the level you
specify. You must also specify how many new levels to add.
Changing Data Grid Values or Text

You can also use functions to change the data or labels in a data grid. When you
use a function to change a data value or label, the data grid is updated internally
and the chart is redrawn to reflect the new value.
■ Use the Data property to return the value currently assigned to a specific point
in the data grid or to set a new value for a specific point. You must identify the
position by row and column number. You can also use this property to insert a
null value in that position or return a null flag to determine if the data grid
holds a null value in that position.
■ Use ColumnLabel and RowLabel properties to return the text currently
assigned to a specific position within the column or row label or to set a new
label for a specific level on a specific row or column. You must identify the
specific row or column which the label identifies and the specific level of label.
To replace an existing label with a null string, you can enter zero as the label
text argument.
■ You can import data from an array by using the CopyDataFromArray method.
You can import data into an array by using the CopyDataToArray method.
Data Grid Requirements of Different Chart Types

Most of the common chart types such as area, line, bar, pie, doughnut, and radar
charts expect the same organization of information in the data grid. The column
labels are used to identify chart series. The row labels are used to identify
categories in the chart. Each column of data in the data grid displays one series on
the chart. Each row value in the column is an individual data point in that series.
The following illustration shows a sample data grid and several charts drawn based
on that data.
Soft Drink A Soft Drink B Soft Drink C

Males 12-16 73 14 50
Males 17-21 Series Labels
99 36 66
Males 22-30 21 55 92
Data Point Labels

Data Grids for Special Chart Types

First Impression supports a number of chart types that require multiple columns of
data to draw a series. For each of these charts, a series is drawn when there are
enough columns of data available. Any extra columns of data are ignored. For
example, on a polar chart, a series requires two columns of data; if there are three
columns of data in the data grid, the third column is ignored. The column label on
the first column in each series is used to identify the series in the legend.
Additionally, any formatting applied to the first column is used to display the
series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second column is ignored.
When columns in the data grid are combined to create a series, the column
identification numbers do not change. If you need to refer to a series in a function,
refer to it by the number of the first column in the series. For example, the data
grid in the following illustration contains six columns and is used to draw an XY
chart. Since it requires two columns of data for each series in the chart, the six
columns results in a chart with three series. These would be identified as series 1,
series 3, or series 5.
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6

Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Temp Humidity Temp Humidity Temp Humidity
10 AM 78 .56 76 .58 80 .53
11 AM 82 .57 77 .57 82 .55
12 AM 83 .56 80 .57 83 .57
1 PM 85 .57 82 .59 85 .57
Series 1 Series 3 Series 5
To turn on the display of guidelines in this series, refer to To change the value in this position in the data grid,
series three in the following code refer to row 2, column 4 in the following code.
Vtchart1.plot.seriescollection.item(3).showguideline With VtChart1
(vtchaxisidx) = True column = 4
row = 2
data = 58
end with
For some chart types, data must be organized in a specific way in the data grid in
order for the chart to display correctly. See the sections below for information
about each special chart type.
XY Charts
An XY chart plots two pairs of numbers as x and y coordinates. Each series on the
chart requires two columns of data in the data grid. The first column holds the x
coordinate and the second column the y coordinate. The partial data grid in the
following illustration shows the organization required for an XY chart.
XY Line Chart
Value Axis (Y)
The series label in the legend

is taken from the first column
in the pair.
Value Axis (X) X Y

0.1963495408 0.163071339
0.3926990817 0.274778261
0.5890486225 0.349624439
0.7853981634 0.39604991
Polar Charts
Polar charts require two columns in the data grid for each chart series: the first
data column holds the distance from the center of the chart (the Radius) and the
second column holds the angle from the zero (0) position of the chart (the Angle.)
The column label on the first column in each series is used to identify the series in
the legend. Additionally, any formatting applied to the first column is used to
display the series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second column is
ignored. The partial data grid in the following illustration shows the organization
required for a polar chart.
Polar Chart
The series label in the legend

is taken from the first column
in the pair.
(Angle)
Rose Radius
.39207 2.8125
.078036 5.625
1.16114 8.4315
1.53073 11.25
Bubble Charts
Each series displayed on a bubble chart requires three columns of data in the data
grid. The first column holds the X coordinate, the second column holds the Y
coordinate, and the third column determines the relative bubble size. The column
label on the first column in each series is used to identify the series in the legend.
Additionally, any formatting applied to the first column is used to display the
series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second and third columns are
ignored.
Since this chart type requires

three columns of data, every first
column of three column labels is
used to identify the series in the
legend.
In this illustration the category
names are being displayed as
data point labels.
(X) (Y) (Size) (X) (Y) (Size)
Men Prices Score Women Prices Score

Store A 4 2 6 5 3 8
Store B 8 5 13 7 8 15
Store C 9 8 17 6 8 14
Hi-Lo Charts
The data in the data grid must be organized appropriately for each type of hi-lo
chart supported by first impression.
Hi-lo charts require two columns for each data series: the first column is used for
the high point, and the second is used for the low point.
(High)
Stocks R Us Low
Jan 3 10 8
Jan 4 11 9
Jan 5 12 10
Jan 6 13 11
Jan 7 14 12
Jan 10 15 13
Jan 11 16 14
Jan 12 17 15
Jan 13 18 16
Hi-Lo Chart
Jan 14 19 17
Hi-lo-close charts require three columns for each data series: the first column is
used for the high point, the second for the low point, and the third for the closing
point.
(High)
Stocks R Us Low Close
Jan 3 10 8 9
Jan 4 11 9 10
Jan 5 12 10 11
Jan 6 13 11 12
Jan 7 14 12 13
Jan 10 15 13 14
Jan 11 16 14 15
Jan 12 17 15 16
Hi-Lo-Close Chart Jan 13 18 16 17
Jan 14 19 17 18
Open-hi-lo-close charts require four columns for each data series: the first column
is used for the open point, the second for the high point, the third for the low point,
and the fourth for the closing point.
Open Hi-Lo-Close Chart
(Open)
Stocks R Us High Low Close
Jan 3 10 11 8 9
Jan 4 11 12 9 10
Jan 5 12 13 10 11
Jan 6 13 14 11 12
Open Hi-Lo-Close Bar Chart Jan 7 14 15 12 13
Jan 10 15 16 13 14
Jan 11 16 17 14 15
Jan 12 17 18 15 16
Jan 13 18 19 16 17
Jan 14 19 20 17 18
Hi-lo charts with date/time axes require one column that contains date information.
(These are also called charts with computed date/time axes.)
For information about creating this type of chart, see “Formatting Charts with
Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 208.
For information about entering the date and time information in this type of chart,
see “Data Grids for Charts With Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 104.
Gantt Charts
Use a Gantt chart to display range bars that indicate the relative time required for
various activities within a project. This chart type requires two columns of data.
The first column is the start time and the second column is the duration, in number
of days. The column label on the first column is used to identify the series in the
the series on the chart. Any formatting applied to the second column is ignored.
Category Axis (X)
Date Axis (Y)
2D Gantt Chart 3D Gantt Chart
Start Date Duration

Design 34547 14
Build 34561 16
Test 34567 10
Ship 34577 15
Retire 34592 14
First Impression requires you to enter the starting dates in a special format. For
information on how to enter the start dates, see “Data Grids for Charts With
Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 104.
If this chart is linked to a Formula One worksheet, you can enter the dates in the
worksheet in a normal date format, such as 1-23-93. The worksheet automatically
stores that date as the number of days since January 1, 1900.
Also, when entering the duration in a Formula One worksheet linked to your Gantt
chart, you can use an expression to subtract a start date from a finish date to
determine the duration.
Elevation Charts
Use elevation charts to display topographic data. There are two types of elevation
charts: 2D contour charts and 3D surface charts. In contour charts, data values
within a specific range appear on the chart in two-dimensional bands of the same
color. In surface charts, data values within a specific range have the same
elevation. Data values can also be illustrated with contour bands or lines of the
same color projected on the three-dimensional surface model.
9,485’ 10,012’ 9,418’ 9,894’

10,008’ 9,987’ 9,423’ 9,848’
9,789’ 10,003 9,,483’ 9,888’
10,005’ 9,612’ 9,485’ 9,899’ Since contour charts do not
have value axes, data values
2D Contour Chart appear as variations in
pattern or color and are
represented in the legend.
Surface charts have a value
axis perpendicular to the chart
base.
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
legend
3D Surface Chart
The contour chart and the surface chart
both illustrate how the values from the 50
data grid can be plotted as sixteen
points on the chart.
3D XYZ Charts
This chart displays variation and relationships over three sets of values plotted on
a three-dimensional grid. Each series on the chart requires three columns of data in
the data grid.
Triangle Series Star Series
X Y Z X Y Z
45 15 48 50 77 55
47 93 58 53 41 60
75 31 83 55 85 63
80 47 88 75 15 88
Value
Axis (Y) 81 57 89 80 14 89
90 58 90 40 58 90
Value
Axis (Z)
Value
Axis (X)
3D Scatter Charts
This chart is drawn as a three-dimensional grid with a base and walls. It plots data
points created by the intersection of three different coordinate values. Each series
on the chart requires three columns of data in the data grid.
Diamond Series Circle Series

X Y Z X Y Z
15 60 20 0 23 18
2 78 50 20 61 83
Value
18 33 80 30 2 81
Axis (Y)
20 52 100 22 61 82
20 69 89 30 67 100
22 49 81 68 1 65
45 47 92 60 58 90
Value
50 88 95 98 65 97
Axis (Z)
Value
Axis (X)
Data Grids for Charts With Computed Date/Time Axes

Gantt charts and hi-lo charts with a date series have computed date/time axes. This
means that, instead of values or categories, the axis shows dates and/or times.
Setting up the data grid for these charts requires special planning.
Charts with computed date/time axes require at least two columns of data in the
data grid. The first column contains the dates and/or times; the second and
subsequent columns contain the chart data. The column label on the first column
in each series is used to identify the series in the legend. Formatting applied to the
first series is used to display the data on the chart. Formatting applied to the
second and subsequent series is ignored.
In the date/time column of data (the first column), you enter date and time formats
in the same cell as part of a single number. The numbers to the left of the decimal
point represent the date, while the numbers to the right of the decimal point
represent the time.
34970.75 Example date/time entry
September 28, 1995 6:00 p.m.
(number of days that have (fraction of a 24-hour day)

passed since Jan. 1, 1990)
For dates, First Impression considers the integer portion of the number as the
number of days since January 1, 1900. For example, to indicate July 4, 1995, enter
34884.
For times, First Impression considers the numbers behind the decimal point as the
fraction of a 24-hour day. This decimal fraction can range from .0, representing
12:00 a.m., to 0.99999999, representing 11:59:59 p.m. To indicate 12:00 noon,
enter .5. To indicate 6:00 p.m., enter .75.
Note If your chart is linked to a Formula One worksheet, First Impression will
automatically convert the date and time information from the spreadsheet to the
numeric format described above.
For more information about charts with computed date/time axes, see “Formatting
Charts with Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 208.
105
C H A P T E R 5
Using the Chart Wizard
The Chart Wizard is the first step in getting started with First Impression chart
design. The Chart Wizard visually guides you through the process of creating a
new First Impression chart or modifying an existing chart for use with your
application. With the Chart Wizard, you can quickly accomplish many design
tasks without directly setting a property or writing code. You point-and-click
visual cues to design the chart you desire. Once you have created a basic chart,
you can make further modifications by setting properties in code, or using the
Chart Designer.
Accessing the Chart Wizard

When you access the Chart Wizard, the Gallery page is displayed, which allows
you to select a chart type. You can choose other chart settings as you navigate
through the remaining Wizard pages.
➤ To access the Chart Wizard:

2. Select Wizard from the context menu.
The Chart Wizard displays.
Navigating in the Chart Wizard

The Chart Wizard allows you to control various design aspects such as choosing a
chart type, setting chart options, controlling chart layout, and specifying chart and
axis titles. Use the navigation buttons at the bottom of the Wizard pages to
navigate through the Chart Wizard.
Applies modifications and
Displays previous page closes Wizard
Aborts changes and closes Displays next page

Wizard
Using the Gallery Page

The Gallery page allows you to select the type of chart you wish to design. Two
radio buttons allow you to differentiate between 2D chart types and 3D chart
types. The following illustrations show the Gallery page for 2D and 3D charts.
2D Charts 3D Charts
Chapter 5 Using the Chart Wizard 107
Using the Style Page

The Style page lets you set the style for the selected chart type. Using the Style
page, you can easily set chart display options such as series labels, stacking, and
bar gap. The illustration you see will be different depending on the type of chart
you are designing, but the buttons will be the same.
Series Labels
Series Stacking
Bar Gap
Using the Layout Page

The Layout page provides methods for determining the elements and layout of the
chart plot such as chart titles, chart footnotes, and chart legends. The chart preview
image shows you how the chart will look with your settings. The preview will be
different depending on the type of chart you are designing, but the buttons, text
boxes, and drop-down lists will be the same.
Read data from grid

columns
Chapter 5 Using the Chart Wizard 109
Using the Axes Page

The Axes page allows you to optionally label chart axes. The preview you see will
be different depending on the type of chart you are designing, but the buttons and
text boxes will be the same..
Modifying Charts with the Wizard

When you use the Chart Wizard to modify existing charts, the Wizard returns the
chart to its default settings and then restores only those features it controls in the
Gallery, Layout, and Axes pages. This means that formats and properties that you
may have previously set for individual chart elements may be lost when you re-
format using the Wizard. Exercise care when you modify existing charts that were
originally created without the Wizard. You might need to manually adjust some
chart settings after using the Wizard.
Tidestone
111
C H A P T E R 6
Formatting Common Chart Elements
Once you select a chart type, the chart can include a title, a legend, a plot area, and
a footnote. This chapter includes the following topics that describe how to:
■ Select a chart type.
■ Specify a backdrop.
■ Specify a picture backdrop.
■ Add and position chart elements.
■ Format and specify text.
■ Specify text alignment and orientation.
■ Specify text.
■ Format fonts.
Note The Location tab controls whether titles, legends, or footnotes are visible on
charts. For more information about the Location tab, refer to “Adding and
Positioning Chart Elements” on page 123.
Selecting a Chart Type

The Type tab of the Chart Designer controls the chart type and text for printing.
➤ To control the chart type and text for printing:

1. Right-click the chart control on the form and choose Chart Designer from the
context menu.
2. Select Chart from the Chart Designer tree view.
3. Select the Type tab, if necessary. The Type tab displays as shown in the
following example.
Click this button to restore default

settings.
Select the appropriate radio button to

determine if text is optimized for
chart printouts or for screen display.
Chart Type list
Select the 2D radio button to Check the Data in Rows check box
display a list of the 2D chart to read series data from data grid
types in the Chart Type list. rows rather than columns.
Select the 3D radio button to
display the 3D chart types.
4. Select a chart type from the Chart Type list.

5. Select the For Printing radio button to use TrueType virtual font metrics to
optimize text layout for printing. TrueType virtual font metrics might not be
very accurate for text displayed on the screen. Text displayed on the screen
might be larger or smaller than the virtual metrics requested. Larger text might
not fit where it is supposed to and part of a character, a whole character, or even
in some cases words might be clipped.
Alternatively, select the For Display radio button to optimize text layout for the
screen. Text in charts laid out for screen display always fits correctly within its
chart area. The printed text is generally somewhat smaller; therefore, the text
might appear in slightly different places.
6. Click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to reflect the changes.
Chapter 6 Formatting Common Chart Elements 113
Specifying a Backdrop
The Backdrop tab of the Chart Designer controls the display of the backdrop. You
can enhance a chart’s appearance by placing a backdrop on the chart, and on
individual chart elements. A backdrop can include a frame or box around the chart
or chart element, a shadow behind the element, and a pattern or gradient behind
the element. The Backdrop tab applies to charts, axis titles, data point labels,
footnotes, labels, legends, plots, and series labels.
Note If you select a default data point label, these options apply to all the non-
custom data point labels. If you select a specific data point label, these options
apply to only that data point label and override default data point label settings.
The following illustration shows the various chart elements that can be assigned a
backdrop.
The chart is formatted

with a shaded fill, and
a single line frame.
The title, legend, and

footnote have a solid
pattern fill, a single line
frame, and a shadow.
Series labels, axis titles,

and plots which are not
displayed on this chart
can also have
backdrops.
The data point labels have no fill, a A backdrop fill is not specified for A backdrop is not specified for the
single line frame and no shadow. the X Axis labels. plot area.
➤ To edit a backdrop using the Chart Designer:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select the chart element for which you want to
edit the backdrop.
2. Select the Backdrop tab. The following illustration shows the Backdrop tab.
The style, color, and width of a

backdrop frame is determined using
these settings.
The style and offset of a backdrop

shadow is determined using these
settings.
A backdrop fill is determined using these settings.
3. When your changes are complete, click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to
reflect the modifications.
Specific information about backdrop fills, backdrop frames, and backdrop shadows
is provided in the following sections.
Choosing Backdrop Fills

The fill settings in the Backdrop tab allow you to set the gradient type or brush
type, and the fill/from color and the pattern/to color. You can choose among a
number of types of backdrop fills. The following illustrations show examples of
fill types.
Multi-Dimensional Charts This is an example of a solid fill. To specify
a solid fill, select the Brush radio button,
and select a solid pattern.
VisualTools, Inc. Sales
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
Software, Inc. Sales 5

0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
40
35
30
25
20 This is an example of a brush fill. One
15 or two colors are used to display a
10 pattern in the chart control or chart
5 element.
0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
This is an example of a gradient fill. A gradient blends two colors to

create the fill. The colors can be blended from top to bottom, left to
right, in concentric rectangles, or concentric ovals.
Note You can specify that the chart control or chart elements have no fill. For
example, any formatting applied to the surface behind them shows through. To
specify this, select the No Fill radio button. A picture can still be applied to an
element without a fill. Refer to “Specifying a Picture Backdrop” on page 120 to
learn more about using pictures as backdrops.
Refer to the following procedures to learn how to specify fill settings.
➤ To specify a brush fill:

edit the backdrop.
2. Select the Backdrop tab.
3. Select the Brush radio button.
4. Select a pattern or solid fill from the Brush list.
Patterns are bitmaps. A low resolution version of each bitmap displays the
pattern on the screen. When you print a chart, a high resolution version of the
bitmap is used if the output device prints at more than 144 dpi. The higher the
resolution of the output device, the smaller the copies of the bitmaps that make
up the patterns are reproduced.
At high resolutions, First Impression adjusts the patterns to prevent the lines
from getting too close together. Hatches are not bitmaps, but actual lines drawn
to fill the object. They always appear the same regardless of the output
resolution. Hatches can be used to output First Impression charts on a plotter.
The following illustration shows which patterns in the Pattern list are bitmaps
and which are hatches.
Bitmapped patterns
Hatched patterns
5. In the Fill/From Color list, select a predefined color or click Custom to create
your own color. The fill color is used to create a solid pattern.
6. In the Pattern/To Color list, select a color or click Custom to create your own
color. The pattern color is drawn on top of the fill color.
➤ To specify a gradient fill:

edit the backdrop.
3. Select the Gradient radio button.
4. Select a type of gradient from the Gradient list. The following illustrations
show examples of the various types of gradients.
Horizontal Gradient Vertical Gradient
Rectangle Gradient Oval Gradient
5. Select the color used as the top color in a horizontal gradient, the left color in a
vertical gradient, and the center color in a rectangle or oval gradient from the
Fill/From color list.
6. Select the color used as the bottom color in a horizontal gradient, the right
color in a vertical gradient, and the outer color in a rectangle or oval gradient
from the Pattern/To Color list.
Creating Backdrop Frames

The settings in the Frame section of the Backdrop tab allow you to create a frame
for the current backdrop.
➤ To create a frame:
edit the backdrop.
3. Select a frame style from the Style list in the Backdrop tab. The following
illustrations show the various types of frames around the plot area of the chart.
No Frame Single Line
Double Line
Thick Inner Line Thick Outer Line

4. Select a color for the frame lines from the Color list.
5. Enter the number of points to be used as the width for the frame lines in the
Width text box. A point is 1/72 of an inch. For the Thick Inner and Thick Outer
frames, the width sets the thick line.
Specifying Backdrop Shadows

The settings in the Shadow section of the Backdrop tab allow you to create a
shadow for the current backdrop. The following illustration shows shadows around
the chart control, plot, title, legend, and footnote.
➤ To specify a shadow:
edit the backdrop.
3. Select Drop from the Shadow list in the Backdrop tab.
4. In the Offset text box, enter the number of points the shadow is offset from the
frame.
Specifying a Picture Backdrop

The Picture tab of the Chart Designer specifies a graphic image to use as the
picture backdrop, previews the picture, selects a method for fitting the picture into
the background, and specifies whether the graphic is saved with the chart.
You can specify a picture backdrop for the same chart elements as other
backdrops. You can use a picture fill on an element regardless of its pattern or
gradient setting. If the graphic does not cover the entire backdrop area, any
specified pattern or gradient covers the remaining area.
Note Although the VtPicture object can be used to display many chart types, any
chart part that is rendered in 3D perspective does not support pictures. This
includes 3D bars, 3D axis label backdrops, 3D axis title backdrops, 3D data point
label backdrops, and 3D markers. Backdrops for charts, plots, titles, footnotes, and
legends on 3D charts can support pictures because these chart parts are not
rendered in 3D perspective. Refer to the First Impression on-line Help for more
information about the VtPicture object.
The following further describes the options available in the Picture tab:
■ Picture. This setting displays a preview of the graphic. When you enter a valid
path and file name in the File text box, or paste a graphic from the clipboard,
the picture is previewed in the Picture control.
Note If you use a Windows metafile for the graphic, it does not show up if you use
the copy command to copy the chart to the clipboard. Windows limits you from
having a metafile that contains a metafile. If you plan to copy the chart to the
clipboard, use a bitmap for the graphic instead of a metafile.
Some graphics products output bitmap files in an older format that is compatible
with OS/2. First Impression does not support these bitmaps. If you attempt to use
one of these files, you receive an error, “Invalid picture format.” You can read
these files into PaintBrush and save them as BMPs to convert them to the newer
bitmap format. First Impression can then use these files without any problems.
■ Picture Size. These setting provide various methods to fit the graphic into the
backdrop space. The following illustrations show each of the options:
Presidential Election Giving
30
25
20
15
10
0
’72 ’74 ’76 ’78 ’80 ’82 ’84 ’86 ’88 ’90 ’92
Actual Size Best Fit
30 Presidential Election Giving
30
25 25
20
20
15
10
15
5
0
10 ’72 ’74 ’76 ’78 ’80 ’82 ’84 ’86 ’88 ’90 ’92
0
’72 ’74 ’76 ’78 ’80 ’82 ’84 ’86 ’88 ’90 ’92
Stretch to Fit Crop Fitted
30
25
20
15
10
0
’72 ’74 ’76 ’78 ’80 ’82 ’84 ’86 ’88 ’90 ’92
Tiled
➤ To specify a picture for a backdrop:

specify a backdrop picture.
2. Select the Picture tab. The following illustration shows the Picture tab.
Click the Clear button to remove the

picture from the backdrop.
You can preview the picture in the

Picture control of the Picture tab.
To save the picture file with the chart, check the Embed Picture check box. To save space,
you should not embed pictures unless they are not going to be available later.
3. Enter a valid path and file name in the File text box, or click the Browse button
to select a file name from the Open Picture dialog box. To paste a .wmf, .bmp,
or .jpg file from the clipboard into the current backdrop, click the Paste button.
The picture is previewed in the Picture control.
Note You can also paste a graphic into an existing backdrop by selecting the
backdrop on the screen and selecting the Paste command from the context menu.
Select the graphic file you want to paste into the backdrop and click OK.
4. Select the appropriate radio button to select a fit method from the Picture Size
section. These options allow you to fit the graphic into the backdrop space. The
following table lists the options for fitting graphics:
Constant Description
Actual Size Displays the graphic at the original size it was created. If the original size of
the graphic is too large to display in the backdrop, the graphic is cropped. If
the original size of the graphic is too small to fill the backdrop, it is
centered in the backdrop.
Best Fit Scales the graphic proportionally to fit entirely within the backdrop.
Stretch to Fit Scales the graphic to fit backdrop regardless of its original proportions.
Tiled Duplicates the graphic repeatedly to fill the backdrop.
Crop Fitted Centers the graphic and scales it proportionally to fill the backdrop. Any
part of the image that falls outside the backdrop is cropped.
Note Some graphics files can be very large. In order to minimize performance
problems on some systems, it is recommended that you always clear one picture
from the backdrop before specifying a new one. This prevents the system from
having to deal with two large graphics files simultaneously.
Adding and Positioning Chart Elements

The Location tab of the Chart Designer applies to footnotes, legends, and titles.
Use this tab to make chart elements visible and move chart elements to custom or
predefined positions.
The Position tab of the Chart Designer only applies to plots. Use this tab to move
plots to a custom or predefined position.
➤ To show or hide titles, footnotes, or legends:

show or hide.
2. Select the Location tab, if necessary.
3. Check the Visible check box to make the chart element visible. Alternatively,
uncheck the Visible check box to hide the chart element.
By default, when you add a title, footnote, plot, or legend, First Impression puts
the object in a specific location. The following illustration shows the default
position for these objects.
The following illustrations show the results of resizing and repositioning chart
elements.
Automatic Layout Custom Layout
The custom chart was given more impact by enlarging the plot and repositioning it higher in the chart.
The border was also removed from the legend and it was repositioned slightly to better fit with the
resized plot.
➤ To move a title, footnote, or legend to a new predefined position:

move to a new predefined position.
3. Check the Visible check box to make the chart element visible.
4. In the Location section of this tab, select the appropriate radio button to specify
the new position. The following illustration shows the position of the available
options.
Top Left Top Top Right
Left Right
Bottom Left Bottom Bottom Right

➤ To move a title, footnote, or legend to a custom position:

move to a custom position.
3. Check the Visible check box to make the chart element visible.
4. Select the Custom Location radio button, if it not already selected.
5. Enter values in the Top, Left, Height, and Width text boxes to describe the
coordinates of the upper left corner of the object and its height and width.
First Impression uses the measurement unit specified in your Windows default
settings.
➤ To move a plot to a custom position:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select the plot for which you want to move to a
custom position.
2. Select the Position tab, if necessary.
3. Uncheck the Automatic Location check box.
4. Enter values in the Top, Left, Height, and Width text boxes to describe the
coordinates of the upper left corner of the object and its height and width.
First Impression uses the measurement unit specified in your Windows default
settings.
Note You can also resize or reposition objects manually. Refer to Chapter 3 for
more information about resizing and reposition objects.
Formatting and Specifying Text

Similar methods are used to format most of the text on a chart. This section
discusses the formatting of fonts used to display all chart text as well as the
orientation and alignment of chart titles, footnotes, legend text, and axis titles.
Specifying Text Alignment and Orientation

The Layout tab of the Chart Designer controls the alignment, orientation, and
word wrap of text for axis titles, data point labels, footnotes, labels, series labels,
and titles. The horizontal and vertical alignment of text is only observed if you
enlarge the rectangle holding the text.
➤ To control the alignment, orientation and word wrap of text:

format the text.
2. Select the Layout tab. The Layout tab is shown in the following illustration.
These options control the

horizontal alignment of text.
The orientation options show

an example of how the text is
displayed.
These options control the Check the Word Wrap check box to wrap text that is too long to fit on one line of
vertical alignment of text. the bounding box. You can also insert line breaks manually by pressing CTRL +
ENTER anywhere in the text.
3. In the Alignment section, click the appropriate button to control the horizontal
alignment of text. You can align text on the left margin, in the center, or on the
right margin.
4. In the Alignment section, click the appropriate button to control the vertical
alignment of text. You can align text at the top margin, in the middle, or at the
bottom margin.
5. In the Orientation section, click the appropriate button to control the orientation
of the text.
Specifying Text
The Text tab of the Chart Designer specifies the text of axis titles, data point
labels, footnotes, and series labels.
➤ To specify text:
specify text.
2. Select the Text tab.
3. In the Text text box, enter the text that you want to display for the chart
element.
Formatting Fonts
The Font tab of the Chart Designer specifies the font, font style, font size, and
special effects used to display text elements on a chart. You can specify font
formats for axis titles, data point labels, footnotes, labels, series labels, titles, and
legends.
apply to only that data point label and override any default data point settings.
➤ To specify the format of text fonts:

format the font.
2. Select the Font tab. The Font tab is shown in the following illustration.
A sample of the font format is

displayed in this area of the tab.
3. Select a font from the Font list. A list of fonts installed on your Windows
system is available.
4. Select a style from the Font Style list. A list of supported styles for the font you
selected is available.
5. Select a size from, or type a valid size in the Size combo box.
6. Check either or both of the Strikeout and Underline check boxes to apply those
effects to the text.
7. In the Color list, choose a predefined color or click Custom to create your own
color.
129
C H A P T E R 7
Formatting Plots
There are a number of formatting options that you can specify for 2D and 3D
charts. This chapter discusses how to:
■ Format chart plot walls.
■ Format chart plot bases.
■ Customize the appearance of chart plots.
■ Control chart direction.
■ Control bar spacing.
■ Change the 3-D view.
■ Change the 3-D lighting.
Some tabs in the Chart Designer are available for all the charts. However, some
tabs only apply to certain charts such as 3-D charts. The following sections
describe which tabs apply to certain charts, as well as how to use the tabs to apply
chart settings. For more information about pie, bubble, contour, and elevation
charts, refer to Chapter 11.
Formatting Chart Plot Walls

The Walls tab of the Chart Designer changes the colors and patterns applied to the
walls of 2D and 3D charts, the colors used to draw wall lines, and the widths of
walls. This tab applies to all the 2D and 3D charts. The following illustrations
show a 3D chart formatted without a wall and a 3D chart formatted with a wall.
A wall setting is not specified for this chart. This chart is drawn with a five point wall width, a
solid pen style, a four point pen width, and a black
pen color.
➤ To specify wall widths for 3D charts:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format the chart walls.
2. Select the Walls tab.
3. In the Wall Width text box, enter the number of points for the wall width.
➤ To format a wall pen style:

3. Select a line style for the lines that frame the walls from the Style list.
4. In the Width list, choose a predefined width or click Custom to create your own
width.
5. In the Color list, choose a predefined color or select Custom to create your own
color. The fill color is used to create a solid pattern.
Chapter 7 Formatting Plots 131
➤ To format a wall fill:

3. Select a pattern or solid fill from the Pattern list.
Refer to “Choosing Backdrop Fills” on page 115 to learn more about patterns.
4. In the Fill Color list, select a predefined color or click Custom to create your
own color.
The fill color is used to create a solid pattern. It is used as the background color
for any other type of pattern. By default, the line color for an element matches
this fill color.
5. In the Pattern Color list, select a color or click Custom to create your own
Formatting Chart Plot Bases

The Base tab of the Chart Designer changes the colors and patterns applied to the
bases of 3D charts, the colors used to draw base lines, and the heights of bases.
The Base tab applies to all the 3D charts. The following illustrations show a 3D
chart formatted with the default base setting and a 3D chart formatted with
additional base settings.
The default base setting (18 points) is applied to This chart is drawn with a 36 point base height, a
this chart. solid pen style, a two point pen width, and a black
pen color.
➤ To specify a base height:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format the chart base.
2. Select the Base tab.
3. In the Base Height text box, enter the number of points for the base height.
➤ To format a base pen style:

3. Select a line style for the lines that frame the base from the Style list.
4. In the Width list, choose a predefined width or click Custom to create your own
width.
5. In the Color list, choose a predefined color or select Custom to create your own
color.
➤ To format a base fill:

3. Select a pattern or solid fill from the Pattern list.
Refer to “Choosing Backdrop Fills” on page 115 to learn more about patterns.
own color.
this fill color.
Customizing the Appearance of Chart Plots

The Other tab of the Chart Designer changes the gap ratios of bars on bar and hi-lo
charts and the chart elements of doughnut, radar, polar, and pie charts. This tab is
available to all the 2D and 3D charts; however, all the options might not apply to
the different types of charts. The following illustration shows the Other tab.
These options control the spacing

between bars.
Check this check box to specify

whether the unit scale for all value
axes in a chart is uniform.
This option lets you add multiple Y axes to the chart.
These options control the chart direction of doughnut, radar,

polar, and pie charts.
The following sections describe how to customize the appearance of chart plots
using the options in this tab.
Controlling Chart Direction

The options in the Radar/Polar/Pie section of the Other tab control how pie,
doughnut, polar, and radar charts are drawn. Settings that you specify using the
controls in the Radar/Polar/Pie section of the Other tab are:
■ Clockwise. This setting allows you to control the direction of charts. The
following illustrations show pie charts in a clockwise and counterclockwise
position.
Clockwise Counter Clockwise Clockwise Counter Clockwise

■ Start Angle. This setting allows you to specify the start position of charts. A
start angle of 0 indicates a 3 o’clock position. A start angle of 90 degrees
moves the starting position to 12 o’clock if the direction is set to
counterclockwise, or to 6 o’clock if the direction is set to clockwise. The value
is displayed in degrees, radians, or grad, depending on your selection in the
Angle Units list in the Other tab. The following illustrations show start angles
specified at different degrees
Start Angle 0 Start Angle 90
■ Scale Angle. This setting specifies where you want to display the scale on the
chart. Angles are measured in the direction specified by the Clockwise check
box. A value of 0 starts at the 3 o’clock position.
■ Angle Units. This setting allows you to select the unit of measure for all the
angles in the chart. This affects the unit of measure used for: drawing the angle
(Y coordinate) in a polar chart; the starting angle for polar, pie and doughnut
charts; scale angle for radar and polar charts; and the rotation and elevation of
3D charts. Choose degrees, radians, or grads.
➤ To control chart direction:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format the chart.
2. Select the Other tab.
3. Check the Clockwise check box to draw pie, doughnut, polar, and radar charts
in a clockwise direction. Alternatively, uncheck the check box to draw the
charts in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Enter a value between -360 and 360 degrees in the Start Angle text box to
indicate the point on a circle at which drawing starts for pie, doughnut, polar,
and radar charts.
5. Enter a value between -360 to 360 degrees in the Scale Angle text box to
choose where you want to display the scale on a chart.
6. Select a unit of measure from the Angle Units list to choose the unit of measure
for all angles in the chart.
Controlling Bar Spacing

The options in the Bar section of the Other tab control the gap ratios of bars on bar
and hi-lo charts. The settings that you specify using the controls in the
Radar/Polar/Pie section of the Other tab are:
■ Bar Gap Ratio. The Bar Gap Ratio controls the distance between bars within a
category. The default bar gap of 50 percent places a space between each bar
that is half as wide as the bars. The following illustrations show the results of
bar gap settings.
Bar Gap of 0. Bar Gap of 100 percent. Bar Gap of -50 percent.
■ X Gap Ratio. The X Gap Ratio controls the distance between individual bars on
the X axis of a 3D bar chart and the space between categories of bars on 2D bar
and hi-lo charts. The following illustrations show various X Gap settings.
Bar Gap of 0 X Gap of 0 X Gap of 500

and X Gap of 0. Z Gap of 100 percent. Z Gap of 100 percent
■ Z Gap Ratio. The Z Gap Ratio controls the distance between series of bars on
the z axis of a 3D chart. The following illustrations show various Z Gap
settings.
X Gap of 0 X Gap of 0
Z Gap of 0 Z Gap of 300
➤ To control bar gap ratios:

2. Select the Other tab.
3. Enter a bar gap value between 10,000 and -100 in the Bar Gap Ratio text box to
control the distance between bars within a category.
4. Enter a value between 0 and 10,000 in the X Gap Ratio text box to control the
distance between individual bars on the X axis of a 3D bar chart and the space
between categories of bars on 2D bar and hi-lo charts.
5. Enter a value between 0 and 10,000 in the Z Gap Ratio text box to control the
distance between series of bars on the Z axis of a 3D chart.
Controlling Axis Display Options

The Axis options in the Other tab let you add multiple Y axes to the chart and
make any secondary Y axis display a different scale than the primary Y axis. For
more information on multiple and secondary Y axes, see “Multiple Y Axes and
Secondary Y Axes” on page 209.
➤ To create multiple Y axes on the chart:

1. Enter the number of Y axes you want in the Y Axis Count box.
➤ To make the secondary Y axis show a different scale than the primary Y axis:
1. Uncheck the Uniform Axes check box.
3. To change the axis scale display for the secondary Y axis, select the secondary
Y axis node in the tree view, then change the settings on the Value Scale tab.
For more information on axis scaling, see “Specifying Settings Common to All
Axes” on page 151.
Changing the 3-D View

The 3-D View tab changes how 3D charts are viewed. The settings that you specify
using the controls in the 3D View tab are:
■ Elevation. This setting specifies the relative height from which the chart is
viewed. If you set the elevation to 90, you look directly down on the top of the
chart. If you set the elevation to 0, you look directly at the side of the chart. The
following illustrations show the same chart with elevation settings of 0 degrees
and 30 degrees.
This chart has an elevation of 0. This chart has the default elevation of 30 degrees.
■ Rotation. This setting specifies the angle the chart is turned from the viewer. If
you are using an angle measurement other than degrees, enter the proper
equivalents. The following illustrations show rotation settings at 90 degrees and
60 degrees.
This chart has a rotation of 90 degrees. This chart has the default rotation of 60 degrees.
■ Viewing Distance. This setting represents the distance from which the chart is
viewed as a percentage of the depth of the chart. The perspective of an object
changes as you move closer to it or farther away from it. The same is true of a
3D chart. By default, 3D charts are viewed from a distance of 200 percent of
the chart’s depth. The following illustrations show the same chart at viewing
distances of 50 percent and 200 percent.
This chart is drawn with a viewing distance of 50 This chart is drawn with the default viewing distance of 200
percent. percent.
■ Width To Height and Depth To Height. These settings represent the percentage of
the chart’s height used to draw the chart’s width and depth. The following
illustrations show the same chart at two different width and depth settings.
This chart has a width ratio of 100 and a This chart has a width ratio of 200 and a depth
depth ratio of 200. ratio of 100.
■ Projection. This setting specifies the projection method of the chart. When you
look at a 3D chart on a computer screen or a printed piece of paper, you are
looking at an object that is specially drawn to give a 3D appearance in a 2D
plane. The following illustrations show the same chart drawn using perspective,
oblique, and, orthogonal projection methods.
100
100 80
80 60
60 40
40 20
20 0
0
1993
Oblique
Perspective
Orthogonal
➤ To change the 3D view:

2. Select the 3D View tab. The following illustration shows the 3D View tab.
The default elevation is 30

degrees. If you are using an
angle measurement other than
degrees, enter the proper
equivalents.
Rotation does not apply to 3D pie or doughnut charts.
3. Enter a number between 0 and 90 degrees in the Elevation text box to control
the relative height from which a chart is viewed.
4. Enter a number between 0 and 360 degrees in the Rotation text box to specify
the angle that the chart is turned from the viewer.
5. Enter a positive number that represents the distance from which the chart is
viewed as a percentage of the depth of the chart in the Viewing Distance text
box.
6. Enter a positive number in the Width to Height and Depth to Height text boxes
to represent the percentage of the chart’s height used to draw the chart’s width
and depth.
7. Select a projection setting from the Projection list. The following table
describes the settings:
Projection Description
Oblique This is sometimes referred to as 2.5 dimensional. The chart has depth,
but the XY plane does not change when the chart is rotated or elevated.
Orthogonal Perspective is not applied to the chart. The advantage of using this type
of projection is that vertical lines remain vertical, making some charts
easier to read.
Perspective This provides the most realistic 3D appearance. Objects farther away
from you converge toward a vanishing point.
8. Click OK or Apply to redraw the chart reflecting the changes.

Changing the 3-D Lighting

The 3-D Lighting tab of the Chart Designer changes the lighting of all the 3-D
charts. For example, when light falls on a 3D object some areas of the object are
brightly illuminated, and other areas are in shadows. You have complete control of
how much light strikes the chart, and from what direction. Settings that you
specify using the controls in the 3D Lighting tab are:
■ Ambient light. Ambient light shines on all the sides of chart elements and is cast
in addition to light from fixed light sources. If ambient light is set to 100
percent, all sides of the chart elements are illuminated equally no matter what
light sources you turn on. If ambient light is set to 0, only the sides of chart
elements facing the active light sources are illuminated. The following
illustrations show charts displayed with ambient light set at 50 percent and 100
percent.
Ambient light 50 percent Ambient light 100 percent

No edge lights No edge lights
No light sources No light sources
■ Edge Intensity. Edge lights vary the illumination of the edges of the chart
elements. An edge light intensity of 0 draws the edges as black lines. An edge
light intensity of 100 percent fully illuminates the edges using the edge pen’s
color. The default edge pen color is the same as the series fill color. The
following illustrations show charts displayed with edge light set at 0 percent and
100 percent.
Ambient light 100 percent Ambient light 100 percent

Edge lights on at 0 Edge lights on at 100 percent
No light sources No light sources
■ Light sources. Light sources control infinite light. An infinite light source
means that while there is a direction towards which the light shines, there is not
a fixed distance from which the light is shone. The position of the light source
is at infinity with reference to the chart. This allows a more uniform
illumination and shading of the chart surfaces. At an intensity of 100 percent,
chart surfaces perpendicular to the light source are fully illuminated. At an
intensity of 50 percent, these surfaces receive 50 percent illumination from this
light. You can “turn on” or “turn off” up to nine preset infinite light sources on
your chart. A setting of 0 turns off the light source. The following illustrations
show charts displayed with various light source settings.
Ambient light 15 Ambient light 15 Ambient light 15

Edge Lights on at 50 Center Edge Lights on at 50 Edge Lights on at 50
Light Source at 100 High Left Light Source at 100 Low Right Light Source at 100
➤ To change the 3D lighting on a chart:

2. Select the 3D Lighting tab. The following illustration shows the 3D Lighting
tab.
The default setting for ambient light

is 15 percent.
These labels indicate the direction

from which the light shines on the
chart.
These values indicate the intensity

of the light. 0 turns the source off.
100 provides full illumination.
3. Enter a number between 0 and 100% in the Ambient Light text box to control
how light shines on all sides of chart elements, and is cast in addition to light
from fixed light sources.
4. Check the Edge Intensity check box to use edge lights. Alternatively, uncheck
the Edge intensity check box to disable edge lighting.
Enter a number between 0 and 100 percent in the Edge Intensity text box to
specify the amount of lighting applied to the edges of 3D objects such as bars,
lines, pies or doughnuts.
5. For each of the light sources, enter a value between 0 and 100 percent in the
Light Source Intensities text boxes.
Important A chart surface’s total illumination is the sum of the contributions of the
ambient light and each of the infinite lights.
Tidestone
145
C H A P T E R 8
Formatting Axes
You can format a number of axis settings on 2D and 3D charts. In addition to

setting the backdrop or picture backdrop, layout, text, and font, you can:
■ Change the axis scaling, settings, and type.
■ Specify formatting for dates and times on axis labels.
■ Change the color, width, and style of pens.
Axis Terminology
Axes can be identified by their position or by their function.
Position In terms of their position, axes can be identified as X, Y, and Z axes. In
general, X axes are horizontal and show category information, while Y axes are
vertical and show value information. Z axes appear only on 3D charts to show
depth. They usually display series information. For special chart types like polar,
radar, pie, and Gantt, the X, Y, and Z axes function differently. See “Common Axis
Elements” on page 147 for information on axes and special chart types.
Function In terms of their function, axes can be identified as value axes, category
axes, or date/time axes. Category axes have text labels identifying the category or
series in the chart. Value axes display numbers as values or percents. Date/time
axes display a range of dates and times.
It is important to know the position and function of the axes in your charts,
because any formatting applied to an axis is maintained when you switch to a new
chart type.
The following table shows which functions correspond to the X, Y, secondary Y,

and Z axes for each chart type.
Chart Types X Y 2nd Y Z

2D Area Category Value Value N/A
2D Bar/Pictograph Category Value Value N/A
2D Combination Category Value Value N/A
2D Contour Category Value N/A Category
2D Gantt Category Date/Time N/A N/A
2D Horizontal Bar Category Value N/A N/A
2D Line Category Value Value N/A
2D Pie N/A N/A N/A N/A
2D Step Category Value Value N/A
3D Area Category Value Value Category
3D Bar (Column) Category Value Value Category
3D Clustered Bar Category Value Value Category
3D Combination Category Value Value Category
3D Doughnut N/A N/A N/A N/A
3D Gantt Category Date/Time Date/Time Category
3D Horizontal Bar Category Value Value Category
3D Line (Tape) Category Value Value Category
3D Pie N/A N/A N/A N/A
3D Scatter Value Value Value Value
3D Step Category Value Value Category
3D Surface Category Value Value Category
3D XYZ Value Value N/A Value
Bubble Value Value N/A N/A
Hi-Lo Date/Time or Value Value N/A
Category
Polar Value Value N/A N/A
Radar Category Value N/A N/A
XY (Scatter) Value Value N/A N/A
Chapter 8 Formatting Axes 147
Common Axis Elements

The axis elements that appear on a chart vary from one chart type to another. The
following illustration shows the common axis elements on 2D and 3D bar, line,
area, and step charts.
Ticks
Major Divisions
Minor Divisions
Grid Lines
Value (Y) Category (X) Value (2nd Y) Axis

Axis Axis
Value (2nd Y)
Value (Y) Axis
Axis
Category (Z) Axis
Category (X) Axis

Almost all charts display the category (X) axis horizontally. However, both Gantt
and horizontal bar charts display the category (X) axis vertically along the left side
of the chart. Gantt charts display the date/time (Y) axis along the bottom of the
chart. Horizontal bar charts display the value (Y) axis along the bottom of the
chart.
Category (X) Axis
Date/Time (Y) Axis
Category (X) Axis
Value (Y) Axis

The axis elements on radar and polar charts are slightly different. The following
illustration shows the axis elements displayed on these two types.
Radar Chart
Perf.
10
Service 2 Price
Value Axis
grid lines Radar Axis grid lines
Ease
Polar Chart
90
4.0
Angle Axis grid120 60
lines 3.0
150
2.0
30 Value (Y)Axis
1.0
180 0.0 0
Angle Axis
210 330
240 300
270
Value Axis grid
lines
Note Pie and doughnut charts have no axis information. They use the format
settings for X axis labels to format the labels on the pieces of the pie or doughnut.
Chart Designer Tabs for Chart Types and Axes

The tabs that the Chart Designer displays for formatting axes vary for the different
chart types and axes. The tabs available for 2D and 3D chart types are listed in the
following table:
Chart Types X Axis Y Axis 2nd Y Axis Z Axis
2D Bar Category Scale Value Scale Value Scale None
2D Line Pens Scale Type Scale Type
2D Area Pens Pens
2D Step
2D Combination
2D Hi-lo
3D Bar Category Scale Value Scale Value Scale Category Scale
3D Line Pens Scale Type Scale Type Pens
3D Area Pens Pens
3D Step
3D Combination
3D Horizontal Bar
3D Clustered Bar
3D Surface
2D Scatter Value Scale Value Scale None None
2D Polar Scale Type Scale Type
2D Bubble Pens Pens
2D Horizontal Bar Category Scale Value Scale None None
2D Radar Pens Scale Type
Pens
2D Gantt Category Scale Date Scale None None
Pens Date Formats
Pens
3D Gantt Category Scale Date Scale Date Scale Category Scale
Pens Date Formats Date Formats Pens
Pens Pens
2D Contour Category Scale Value Scale None Category Scale
Pens Scale Type Pens
Pens
3D Scatter Value Scale Value Scale Value Scale Value Scale
Scale Types Scale Type Scale Type Scale Type
Pens Pens Pens Pens
3D XYZ Value Scale Value Scale None Value Scale
Scale Types Scale Type Scale Type
Pens Pens Pens
2D and 3D Pie None None None None
3D Doughnut
Specifying Settings Common to All Axes

The Category Scale tab, Value Scale tab, and Date Scale tab of the Chart Designer
are similar. They include options that are specific to the type of axis for the chart.
They also include options that are common to all types of axes.
The Category Scale tab, Value Scale tab, and Date Scale tab of the Chart Designer
provide the following common settings for formatting axes:
■ Show. This setting allows you to show or hide the axis scale, value scale or
date/time scale. When you use the Category Scale tab, this setting also allows
you to show or hide lines, ticks, and titles on the axis. The following
illustration shows the same chart, first with the X axis scale on, and then with
the X axis scale turned off.
Stock Growth in 1993 Stock Growth in 1993
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 0
■ Automatic (Scale). This setting allows you to let First Impression scale the axis
based on the data being charted.
■ Ticks (Style). These settings allow you to select a style to specify the position of
the tick on the axis.
■ Ticks (Length). This setting allows you to enter a length in points for the major
tick marks. Minor tick marks are drawn at half the length of the major tick
marks.
■ Automatic (Intersection). This setting allows you to automatically have the axes
intersect at their usual position.
■ Cross At. This setting allows you to specify the position where you want the
current axis to cross its intersecting axis.
■ Labels Inside Plot. This setting allows you to move the axis labels with the axis
to the new intersection point or leave the labels in their original position. If you
move axis labels, labels might display on top of the chart plot. Only the axis
line and tick marks are drawn at the new intersection point. The following
illustrations show a moved axis intersection.
200 200
100 100
0 0
-100 -100
-200 -200
-300 -300
-400 -400
-500 -500
’84 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’84 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93
Normal Axis Position X axis intersection has been moved to 0 on the Y axis.
Axis labels are still drawn in the original axis position.
200
100
0
’84 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93
-100
-200
-300
-400
-500
X axis intersection and axis labels have been moved to O
on the Y axis.
➤ To display the Category Scale tab, Value Scale tab, or Date Scale tab:
1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select the appropriate axis to format the scale
settings.
2. Select the Category Scale, Value Scale tab, or Date Scale tab.
3. Once the appropriate tab is displayed, format the axes using the procedures
listed in the following sections.
➤ To show or hide the axis scale, value scale or date/time scale:

1. In the Scale section of the tab, check the Show check box. Alternatively,
uncheck the Show check box to hide the axis elements.
When you are using the Category Scale tab, this setting also applies to lines,
ticks, and titles.
2. Click Apply or OK to redraw the chart to reflect the changes.
➤ To position the tick on the axis:

1. In the Ticks section of the tab, select the appropriate radio button for a tick
position. The following table lists the available tick position settings.
Position Description
None No tick marks are displayed on the axis.
Center Tick marks are centered across the axis.
Inside Tick marks are displayed inside the axis.
Outside Tick marks are displayed outside the axis.
➤ To specify a custom intersection setting:

1. In the Intersection section of the tab, uncheck the Automatic check box.
2. In the Cross At text box, enter the position where you want the current axis to
cross its intersecting axis. If the intersecting axis is a value axis, enter the value
where you want to place the current axis. If the intersecting axis is a date/time
or category axis, enter the division number at which you want to place the
current axis.
3. If desired, check the Labels Inside Plot check box to move the axis labels with
the axis to the new intersection point.
Specifying Axis Pen Color, Width, and Style

The Pens tab of the Chart Designer, which applies to X axes, Y axes, 2nd Y axes,
and Z axes, changes the line width and color of the axis line, and the style, width,
and color of minor and major grid lines.
➤ To change the style and color of the axis pen:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select an axis to format a chart.
2. Select the Pens tab. The Pens tab is shown in the following illustration.
3. In the Axis Pen section of the Pens tab, select a predefined width from the
Width list, or select Custom to define your own width.
4. From the Color list, select a predefined color or click Custom to create your
own color.
➤ To change the style, width, and color of the minor or major grid pen:
1. In the Minor Grid Pen or Major Grid Pen section of the Pens tab, select a pre-
defined style from the Style list, or select Custom to define your own width.
2. Select a predefined width from the Width list, or select Custom to define your
own width.
3. From the Color list, choose a predefined color or click Custom to create your
own color.
Specifying Category Axis Settings

This section discusses axis settings specific to category axes.
Specifying Category Axis Label and Tick Settings

The Category Scale tab, shown below, lets you specify label and tick settings for
category axes.
Check the Show check box, and

uncheck the Automatic check box to
enter the number of label and tick
divisions in the Divisions text boxes.
Check this check box to center each label on a tick mark, or

uncheck it to center each label between two tick marks.
The following includes specific information about these category scale settings.
■ Per Label. This setting allows you to set divisions for labels. A value of 1 labels
every division. A value greater than 1 labels the first division and skips the
labels for the extra divisions.
■ Per Tick. This setting allows you to set divisions for ticks. A value of 1 places a
tick mark at every division. A value greater than 1 places a tick mark at the first
division and skips the tick marks for the extra divisions.
Skipping labels and tick marks can help reduce the clutter of labels that can occur
when you have a large number of divisions. The following illustration
demonstrates the use of this option.
100 100 100 100
90 90 90 90
80 80 80 80
70 70 70 70
60 60 60 60
50 50 50 50
40 40 40 40
30 30 30 30
20 20 20 20
10 10 10 10
0 0 0 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Apr Jul Oct
In order to minimize the clutter of labels on the first chart, Divisions per label is set to 3. The
first label is displayed, two are skipped, and then another label displayed. Ticks are still
displayed at every division
➤ To specify divisions per label:

1. In the Scale section of the Category Scale tab, check the Show check box and
uncheck the Automatic check box.
2. In the Per Label text box, enter a value for the number of divisions for each
label.
➤ To specify divisions per tick:

1. In the Scale section of the Category Scale tab, check the Show check box and
uncheck the Automatic check box.
2. In the Per Tick text box, enter a value for the number of divisions for each tick.
➤ To position labels on tick marks:

1. In the Scale section of the Category Scale tab, check the Labels on Ticks check
box to center each label on a tick mark. Alternatively, uncheck this check box
to center each label between two tick marks.
Note Labels on tick marks only applies to certain chart types.

Specifying Category Axis Hiding Settings

The Multiple Y tab lets you hide one or more of the X axes displayed on multiple
Y axis charts. This avoids repeating unnecessary axis information, since all sub-
charts on multiple Y axis charts use the same X axis.
The Multiple Y tab is only available on charts that have multiple Y axes.
➤ To use the Chart Designer to hide an X axis on a multiple Y axis chart:

1. Select the X axis node and click on the Multiple Y tab, shown below.
2. Select the Y axis that you DON’T want to display an X axis. Y axes are stacked
by ascending order of their numbers, so Y1 is on the bottom, Y2 above that, Y3
above that, etc. You may select more than one.
3. Click Apply or OK to redraw the chart to reflect your changes.
➤ To use properties to hide an X axis on a multiple Y axis chart:

■ Use the HideXAtYIndex property.
Specifying Value Axis Settings

This section discusses axis settings specific to value axes.
Specifying Value Axis Minimum and Maximum Values

The Value Scale tab, shown below, lets you specify minimum and maximum
settings for value axes.
You must uncheck the Automatic check box in the

Scale section to enable these options.
The minimum and maximum values represent the lowest or beginning value and
the highest or ending value that is displayed on the scale. You can also specify the
major divisions that you want on the axis, and the number of minor divisions
between each major division of the axis.
Note The only scaling change you can make for a radar axis is to turn the display
of the axis on or off. Unchecking the Show check box turns off the category labels
at the end of each value axis. The value axes on a radar chart can be formatted like
any other value axis.
Note The radius axis on a polar chart can be formatted just like any other value
axis. Scaling the polar axis allows you to control the number of radial grid lines
and labels that are displayed around the perimeter of the chart.
➤ To enter values for scaling a value axis:

1. In the Scale section of the Value Scale tab, uncheck the Automatic check box.
2. Check the Show check box, if necessary.
3. Enter the lowest or beginning value for the scale in the Minimum text box.
4. Enter the highest or ending value for the scale in the Maximum text box.
5. Enter the major divisions that you want on the axis in the Major text box.
6. Enter the minor divisions that you want between each major division of the axis
in this text box.
Specifying Value Axis Scale Types

The Scale Type tab of the Chart Designer, which applies to X axes, Y axes, 2nd Y
axes, and Z axes, provides settings for formatting scales that include:
■ Scale Type. The settings in this section of the tab allow you to select the type of
scale, such as linear, logarithmic, or percent that you want to use on the value
axis. The following illustration shows an example of a chart using a logarithmic
scale.
Species That Become Extinct Each Year

100000
10000
1000
100
10
1
1700 1800 1900 1950 1970 1990 2000
■ Log Base. This setting specifies the logarithm base for a logarithmic scale axis.
The default base is 10.
■ Percent Basis. This setting specifies a methods for calculating percentages.
■ Axis Length (% of Plot). This setting lets you determine how much space each
multiple Y axis takes up in the plot of the chart. For charts that do not have
multiple Y axes, this option does nothing. For more information on multiple Y
axes, see “Formatting Charts with Multiple Y Axes” on page 209.
➤ To specify axis scaling:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select an axis to format a chart.
2. Select the Scale Type tab. The Scale Type tab is shown in the following
illustration.
Click the Logarithmic radio

button to specify a log base.
Click the Percent radio button to specify a percent basis.
3. Select the appropriate radio button for axis scaling. The following table
describes the choices:
Type Description
Linear Data points are plotted in a linear scale with values ranging from the
minimum to the maximum chart value. This is the default scale type.
Logarithmic Data points are plotted in a logarithmic scale with values based on a
specific log scale. Logarithmic axes are not appropriate for zero or
negative data.
Percent Data points are plotted in a linear scale as percentages of the chart
values. Changing the percent basis of a chart is useful for determining
overall the trends in data rather than specific values.
4. If you select the Logarithmic radio button, enter a number in the Log Base text
box for the logarithm base.
5. If you select the Percent radio button, select a percentage type from the Percent
Basis list. The following table describes the options:
Percentage Type Description
Chart Maximum The largest value in the chart is considered 100 percent and all
the other values on the chart are displayed as percentages of that
value.
Category Maximum The largest value in each category is considered 100 percent and
all the other values in that category are displayed as percentages
of that value.
Series Maximum The largest value in each series is considered 100 percent and
all the other values in that series are displayed as percentages of
that value.
Chart Total All the values in the chart are added together, and that value is
considered 100 percent. All the values in the chart are displayed
as percentages of that value.
Category Total All the values in each category are added together to give a total
value for each category. All the values are displayed as a
percentage of their category total.
Series Total All the values in each series are added together to give a total
value for each series. All the values are displayed as a
percentage of their series total.
➤ To specify axis length as a percentage of the total plot size:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select one of your multiple Y axes. The bottom
Y axis is Y1, with Y2 on top of it, Y3 on top of that, etc.
2. Select the Scale Type tab, shown above.
3. In the Axis Length (% of Plot) box, enter the percentage of the plot length that
you want this axis to take up. For example, to make this axis half of the plot
length, enter 50.
If the numbers you enter here for all the Y axes on your chart add up to less
than 100, there will be extra space between your Y axes. If the numbers add up
to more than 100, then Y1 will display normally and Y2 and any other Y axes
will be truncated.
Specifying Date/Time Axis Settings

This section discusses axis settings specific to date/time axes.
Specifying Date/Time Axis Minimum and Maximum Values

The Date Scale tab, shown below, lets you specify minimum and maximum
settings and tick settings for date/time axes.
Check this check box to not display dates that fall on weekends. Uncheck
this check box to display all the dates regardless of the day of the week.
The Minimum and Maximum values represent the lowest or beginning date and/or
time and the highest or ending date and/or time that is displayed on the scale. You
can also specify how many intervals pass before a tick mark is placed on the axis.
➤ To set minimum and maximum values for the scale:

1. Uncheck the Automatic check box in the Scale section of the Date Scale tab.
3. Enter the lowest or beginning date and/or time in the Minimum text box.
4. Enter the highest or ending date and/or time in the Maximum text box.
➤ To specify when tick marks are displayed:

1. Uncheck the Automatic check box in the Scale section of the Date Scale tab.
3. In the Major Intervals and Minor Intervals text boxes, enter a number to specify
how many intervals pass before a tick mark is placed on the axis.
4. Select an interval type from the list to specify when tick marks are displayed.
The major ticks and grid lines appear at major intervals, and the minor ticks
and grid lines appear at minor intervals. Axis labels are drawn at major
intervals. The following table describes the settings for these options.
Type Description
None No tick marks or axis labels appear.
Yearly A tick mark appears on January 1.
Monthly A tick mark appears on the 1st of the month.
Semi-monthly A tick mark appears on the 1st and 15th of the month.
Weekly A tick mark appears on Mondays.
Daily A tick mark appears per day.
Hour A tick mark appears per hour.
Minute A tick mark appears per minute.
Second A tick mark appears per second.
Millisecond A tick mark appears per millisecond.
For example, to make the major interval be a quarter of a year, set the number
of major divisions to 3 and set the interval to months.
Specifying Date/Time Axis Extra Intervals

The Extra Intervals tab of the Chart Designer allows you to indicate how often tick
marks and axis labels (if desired) appear on the date/time axis. These intervals are
marked in addition to the Major and Minor interval markings entered on the
Designer Date Scale Tab, discussed above.
The following illustration shows the use of the Major Format, Extra Interval 1, and
Extra Interval 2 options.
Major interval
Extra interval 1
Extra interval 2
➤ To display extra interval axis labels on a date/time axis:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select the Date/Time axis node and select the
Extra Intervals tab, shown below.
2. In the small text box, enter the number of time units that must pass before the
interval is marked.
3. Select a time unit from the list box. For example, if you enter 6 in the small text
box and choose Months in the Interval list box, a tick mark and axis label (if
desired) will appear every six months. The intervals are the same as the Major
and Minor intervals, described in the table above.
4. Click OK or Apply to redraw the chart and see your changes.
To label the tick marks, choose the appropriate date and/or time label format in the
Designer Date Formats Tab, discussed below.
Specifying Date/Time Axis Label Formats

The Date Formats tab of the Chart Designer allows you to format labels for
computed date/time axes for Gantt and hi-lo charts. For more information on
computed date/time axes, see “Formatting Charts with Computed Date/Time
Axes” on page 208.
The Date Formats tab, which applies to date/time axes, includes the following
settings.
■ Major Format. This setting specifies a date/time format that displays the first
level of axis labels. You can add additional levels of labels to indicate
additional date/time intervals on the date/time axis.
This setting applies to the major interval established in Date Scale tab. If the
Show box on the Date Scale tab is unchecked, the major interval tick marks and
labels will not appear on the date scale, and the label format you choose here
will not appear, either.
■ Extra Interval 1. This setting specifies a format to indicate the second level of
date/time axis labels.
■ Extra Interval 2. This setting specifies a format to indicate the third level of
date/time axis labels.
The settings in the Extra Interval 1 and 2 boxes apply to the intervals defined in
the Extra Intervals tab. If those intervals have not been defined, the extra
interval tick marks and labels will not appear, any label format you set here will
not appear, either.
Note First Impression displays dates and times in this tab using the Windows
environment date format assigned though the Control Panel. A confusing situation
can occur when using dates earlier than 1920. If you have your date format set to
not show centuries, the Date Scale tab assumes the date displayed is between
1/1/1920 and 12/31/2019. So, if you have a date axis minimum of Jan 1, 1905,
displayed as 1/1/05, First Impression converts it to Jan 1, 2005. The solution is to
use centuries in your Windows date format if you want to deal with dates outside
the range 1/1/1920 to 12/31/2019.
➤ To specify date/time formats on axis labels on computed date/time axes:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select the Date/Time axis node.
2. Select the Date Formats tab, shown below.
3. Select a date/time format from the Major Formats list to indicate the major
date/time distinction.
4. If you want to apply a second level of labels, select a format from the Extra
Intervals 1 list to indicate the interval.
5. If you want to apply a third level of labels, select a format from the Extra
Intervals 2 list to indicate the interval.
Note Label formats for date/time axes can also be set by selecting the Axis Labels
node for the date/time axis and clicking on the Format tab. Changes you make in
the Date Formats tab will be reflected in the Format tab, and vice versa.
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C H A P T E R 9
Formatting Series and Data Points
There are a number of things that you can do to format series data or data points in
a chart. You can:
■ Plot series data from rows or columns in the data grid.
■ Change how series data is displayed.
■ Reorder series data.
■ Hide or exclude a series.
■ Plot the series on a secondary Y axis.
■ Add or modify markers used to identify series elements or individual data
points.
■ Change the appearance of the elements that make up the series.
■ Add guidelines or statistics lines to highlight series information.
■ Change the fill and line colors used to display series elements or individual
data points.
■ Change the color and pattern of the edge pen used to display series elements.
■ Control data point markers for a series.
■ Reset data points to their default settings.
Supplying Series Data

When you chart series data, you might first want to indicate that the data being
plotted on the chart is read from rows in the data grid rather than from columns.
➤ To read chart data from rows:

1. Select Chart from the Chart Designer tree view and select the Type tab, if
necessary.
2. Check the Data in Rows check box.
3. Click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to reflect the modifications.
Formatting Series Type

The Series Type tab of the Chart Designer specifies how series data is displayed.
For many charts, you will want to (or are required to) display each series on the
chart in the same way. But for some special chart types, First Impression gives you
the option of displaying different series in different ways.
The following chart types allow you to display different series on the chart
differently.
Chart type Series can be displayed as
Bar Bar, Hi-Lo Bar
Combo Bar, Line, Area, Step, Hi-Lo
Horizontal bar Horizontal Bar, Hi-Lo Horizontal Bar
Radar Line (radar), Area (radar)
Hi-lo Bar, Line, Area, Step, Hi-Lo, Hi-Lo Close, Hi-Lo Close R, Open Hi-Lo
Close, Open Hi-Lo Close Bar, Hi-Lo bar, Dates
Clustered Bar Clustered Bar, Hi-Lo Bar
➤ To change how series data is displayed:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Series.
2. Select the Series Type tab, if necessary. The following illustration shows the
Series Type tab
The options in this list can be

applied to all the series data or to
individual rows or columns.
Row labels or column labels, depending on your selection

in the Type tab, are displayed in the Series list.
3. Select All Series from the Series list to change the display of all the Series data.
Alternatively, select an individual row or column label to change the display of
the data for it.
Chapter 9 Formatting Series and Data Points 171
4. In the Display As list, select the series type you want to use to display data
from the Display As list.
Reordering Series
The Order tab of the Chart Designer changes the order in which the series in a
chart is displayed. This can be particularly useful if one series obscures the view
of the data in another series. By rearranging the series, you can find the most
aesthetically pleasing way to present your data.
➤ To reorder the series in a chart:

2. Select the Order tab, if necessary. The following illustration shows the Order
tab
The Series Order list shows the list of all the series in
the order they are drawn on the chart.
3. Select a series from the Series Order list.

4. Click the Up button to move the selected series up one position in the list.
Alternatively, click the Down button to move the series data down one position
in the list.
The following illustrations show the result of moving the series labeled Europe in
front of the series labeled Asia.
Notice that
more data is
visible in the
new drawing
order.
Before After
You can also use the buttons on the Order tab to stack and unstack series and to
change the order of stack series.
➤ To stack series data:

1. Select the last series in the Series Order list.
2. Click the Stack button.
The series that you highlighted is shown as stacked with the preceding series.
3. Select <Stack> from the Series Order list and click the Stack button again.
The two stacked columns are now stacked with the preceding series. The order
in which they appear in the stacked list is the order in which they are drawn,
first series on the bottom of the stack. The following illustration shows an
example:

To unstack the series, select the stack associated with the series in the Series Order
list and click Unstack.
Setting Series Options

The Options tab of the Chart Designer specifies options for charts that display
series data. The options discussed in the following sections include:
■ hide series, exclude series, and plot on second Y axis
■ show markers and automatic markers
■ bars
■ Y axis index
■ smoothing
■ hi-lo close
➤ To display the Options tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, open the Series node and select the series for
which you want to change display options.
2. Select the Options tab, if necessary. The following illustration shows the
Options tab.
Use the Show Markers and Automatic Markers check boxes to set defaults
for any data points that you display.
3. Specify the options as described in the following section, and click OK or

Apply to redraw the chart to reflect the changes.
Hiding Series, Excluding Series, and Plotting on Second Y Axis

The Hide Series, Exclude Series, and Plot on Second Y Axis check boxes are
available in the Options tab. The following describes these check boxes in detail.
■ Hide Series. Check this box to turn off display of the current series. The space
occupied by the series is still shown on the chart, but the data is not displayed.
Uncheck this box to redisplay a hidden series. In pie and doughnut charts, room
is still reserved for hidden series pie slices, even though they are not displayed.
■ Exclude Series. Check this box to remove a series from a chart. The data is not
displayed and the space occupied by the series is removed from the chart.
Uncheck this box to return an excluded series to the chart.
The following illustration shows the difference between hiding and excluding a
series.
The last series in each category is hidden. The last series in each category is excluded.
The following illustration shows how hiding a series in a stacked chart can produce
floating chart elements.
■ Plot On 2nd Y Axis. Check this box to plot the current series on the secondary Y
axis, which is the axis drawn on the right side of the chart. (Do not confuse the
secondary Y axis with multiple Y axes. For more information, see “Multiple Y
Axes and Secondary Y Axes” on page 209.)
After plotting a series on a secondary Y axis, you may want to change the
scale, type, or format of the secondary axis to best display the series data.
Showing Markers and Using Automatic Markers

The Show Markers and Automatic Markers options allow you to set marker
options for a series, and automatically determine the type of marker used by the
series.
➤ To show and set markers for a selected series:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select a series as shown in the following
illustration:
When you select an
individual series, the Show
Markers check box
determines that markers
are displayed for that series
on a chart.
Individual series selection
When an individual series is selected, the Automatic Markers check box determines that
the series automatically assigns a marker to all the non-custom data points in a series. A
non-custom data point is any data point that does not have custom attributes.
2. Check the Show Markers check box to display markers for the currently
selected series.
You can also set this option for the series at the data point level.
3. Check the Automatic Markers check box to automatically assign a marker to all
the non-custom data points in a series. Uncheck this check box to select your
own choice of marker.
Custom marker settings for a specific series disable the Automatic Markers
setting. For more information about specifying custom marker settings, refer to
“Controlling Data Point Markers” on page 188.
Specifying Bar Shapes

The settings in the Bar section of the Options tab control the appearance of bars in
3D bar charts; including horizontal bar charts, Gantt charts, and clustered bar
charts. The following describes the Sides and Top Ratio options, in detail.
■ Sides. The following illustration shows a number of different bar styles that can
be created by changing the number of sides.
■ Top Ratio. The following illustration shows the effects of changing the top ratio
on several bars.
Top Ratio of 200
Top Ratio of 100
Top Ratio of 0
➤ To specify the shape of bars:

1. In the Bars section of the Options tab, enter a value between 1 and 360 in the
Side text box to indicate the number of sides for the bars.
If you enter 1, First Impression determines how many sides are necessary to
create a round column, given the size of the bar.
2. Enter a number between 0 and 10,000 in the Top Ratio text box to indicate the
percent of the bottom diameter used to draw the top of the chart.
Values less than 100 result in a top smaller than the bottom. Values greater than
100 result in the top wider than the bottom.
Choosing the Y Axis

The Y Axis Index box on the Options tab controls which of the sub-charts of a
multiple Y axis chart this series will display on. For more information about
multiple Y axes, see “Formatting Charts with Multiple Y Axes” on page 209.
Once you have set up your 2D chart to have multiple Y axes, you must choose
which Y axis to plot each series on.
➤ To specify which Y axis to plot a series on:

1. In the Y Axis Index box of the Options tab, select the number of the Y axis
where you want this series to appear. Y axis number Y1 appears at the bottom
of the chart plot, with Y2 above it, Y3 above that, etc.
Smoothing Series Data

The options in the Smoothing section of the Options tab control the smoothing of
series data. Smoothing is the process of using one of several mathematical
formulas to divide the chart data into a number of facets. When the chart is drawn
using these facets, the result is a smoother curve to the series lines.
You can smooth line and area series chart types. The following illustration shows
the results of smoothing the series in a 3D area chart.
No smoothing is applied to this chart. Cubic B-Spline smoothing with 12 facets

is applied to each series in this chart.
➤ To specify a smoothing type and smoothing factor:

1. In the Smoothing section of the Options tab, select a smoothing type from the
Function list. The following table describes the smoothing types.
Smoothing Type Description
None No smoothing is applied to the data.
QuadraticBSpline A quadratic B-spline formula determines the smoothing applied to
the data. This form of smoothing results in a less-smooth curve that
stays closer to the data points.
CubicBSpline A cubic B-spline formula determines the smoothing applied to the
data. This form of smoothing results in a smoother curve, but varies
further from the data point than a QuadraticB spline curve.
2. If you select Quadratic BSpline or CubicBSpline, enter the number of facets or

points sampled between the chart data points in the Factor text box.
The higher the number, the more smoothing occurs.
Specifying Colors for Hi-Lo Close

The settings in the Hi-Lo Close section of the Options tab control the colors used
to display the elements of a hi-lo chart. The gain color reflects all the elements that
represent a gain, and the loss color reflects all the elements that represent a loss.
➤ To specify a gain and loss in color:

1. In the hi-lo close section of the Options tab, select a color or click Custom to
create your own color from the Gain Color list.
You can also click Automatic to have all the elements that reflect a gain in
value use the fill color defined for the series.
2. Select a color or click Custom to create your own color from the Loss Color
list.
You can also click Automatic to have all the elements that reflect a loss in value
use the fill color defined for the series.
Note Gains and losses are calculated differently between open-hi-lo-close bar
charts and other variations of hi-lo-close charts. A hi-lo-close chart calculates
whether the close value for a point was a gain or a loss from the close value of the
previous point. In other words, the first data point never has a gain or loss color,
but sets the basis for deciding if the next data point displays a gain or loss. The
open-hi-lo-close bar chart calculates whether the close point was a gain or loss
from the open value for the same point.
Formatting Series Lines

The controls in the Lines tab of the Chart Designer format 2D and 3D lines and the
lines in XY, radar, polar, and hi-lo charts. The settings discussed in this section
control the style, width, color, join, and end caps used to display lines.
➤ To display the Lines tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select a row or column label for the series data.
2. Select the Lines tab. The following illustration shows the Lines tab
Check this check box to display

lines on a 2D chart. Uncheck this
check box to hide the lines on the
chart.
3. Specify the options as described in the following steps, and click OK or Apply
to redraw the chart to reflect the changes.
➤ To specify the style, width, and color of lines:

1. In the Lines tab of the Chart Designer, check the Show Series Line check box,
if necessary.
2. From the Style list, select a line style or select NULL to hide the line.
3. From the Width list, select a preset line width or select Custom to assign your
own width.
own color.
➤ To specify a join type:

if necessary.
2. From the Join list, select a join type. Join types are described in the following
table:
Join Types Description
Mitered The outer edges of the two lines are extended until they meet.
Round A circular arc is drawn around the point where the two lines meet.
Beveled The notch between the ends of two joining lines is filled.
Important Very acute mitered joins are automatically beveled to avoid drawing
large spikes along the line.
The following illustration shows an example of each join style.
Rounded
Beveled
Mitered
➤ To specify a cap type:

if necessary.
2. Select a cap type from the Caps list to specify how the ends of lines are
displayed. Cap types are described in the following table.
Cap Type Description
Butt The line is squared off at the endpoint.
Round A semicircle with a diameter of the line thickness is drawn at the end of the
line.
Squared The line continues beyond the endpoint for a distance equal to half the line
thickness and is squared off.
The following illustration shows an example of each cap type.

Round
Squared
Butt
Formatting Series Guidelines

The Guidelines tab of the Chart Designer controls the display and format of
guidelines for the series in 2D and 3D line, area, step charts and bubble charts as
well as 3D XYZ and scatter charts. Guidelines are lines that are drawn from a data
point to one or more axis to better identify the data point position. The following
illustration shows guidelines on several types of charts.
➤ To display the Guidelines tab:

2. Select the Guidelines tab. The following illustration shows the Guidelines tab
Check this box to display guidelines

for the series. Uncheck this box to
remove guidelines
3. After you modify the settings, click OK or Apply to redraw the chart to reflect
the changes.
For specific information about each of these settings refer to “Formatting Series
Lines” on page 180.
Formatting Series Statistics Lines

The options in the Statistics tab of the Chart Designer control the display and
appearance of statistics lines for a series. Statistics lines are useful for analyzing
data by showing information such as minimum value, maximum value, mean
value, standard deviation, and regression trendlines. You can only display statistics
lines on 2D line and XY charts.
The following illustration shows the type of statistics lines that are displayed for
the current series and the appearance of each line.
Maximum Value
Mean Value
Minimum Value
➤ To display the Statistics tab:

2. Select the Statistics tab. The following illustration shows the Statistics tab
The Width and Color lists

become available for each check
box that is checked in the Show
section.
3. Specify the options as described in the following steps, and click OK or Apply
to redraw the chart to reflect the changes.
➤ To specify formatting for statistic lines:

1. In the Statistics tab of the Chart Designer, check the check box for a statistic
type that you want to format. Alternatively, uncheck the check box to remove
the line. The following table describes each type of statistic:
Statistic Type Description
Minimum Shows the minimum Y value in the series.
Maximum Shows the maximum Y value in the series.
Mean Shows the mathematical mean of the Y values in the series.
Standard Deviation Shows the standard deviation of the Y values in the series.
Regression Shows a trend line indicated by the Y values in a series.
2. For each type of statistic, select a line style from the list that uniquely identifies
it.
3. In the Width list, select a preset line width or select Custom to assign your own
width.
4. In the Color list, choose a predefined color or click Custom to create your own
color.
Changing Series Data Point Fills

You can use options on the Fill tab of the Chart Designer to change the color,
pattern, and edge pen for data points.
If you select a default data point, these options apply to all the non-custom data
points. If you select a specific data point, these options apply to only that data
point and override any default data point settings.
➤ To display the Fill tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Datapoint for a series.
2. Select the Fill tab. The following illustration shows the Fill tab.
You can click Automatic to have

the outline drawn in the same
color as the object’s fill color.
3. Specify the options as described in the following sections, and click OK or

Setting Fill Color and Pattern

The controls in the Fill section of the Fill tab control the color and pattern used to
display data points.
➤ To control the fill color and pattern:

1. In the Fill section of the Fill tab, select a pattern or solid fill from the Brush
list. Refer to “Choosing Backdrop Fills” on page 115 to learn more about
patterns.
own color.
this fill color.
Setting Edge Color and Width

The edge pen outlines all the 3D objects and all the 2D elements except the lines in
line, XY, hi-lo, radar, and polar charts.
➤ To control the edge style, color, and width:

1. In the Edge section of the Fill tab, select a line style from the Style list or select
NULL to hide the line.
2. From the Width list, select a preset line width or select Custom to assign your
own width.
own color.
Setting Options for Default Datapoints

Default data points are not tangible data points, but rather a set of characteristics
that serve as default settings for non-custom data points in a series. A custom data
point is any data point that has custom attributes set for it. You can specify default
options by selecting the default data point in the Chart Designer tree view, and
setting options on either the Markers, Fill or Picture tab of the Chart Designer.
Controlling Data Point Markers

The Markers tab of the Chart Designer is used to set default data points, as well as
to set custom attributes for data points. You can modify the style, color, size, and
pen width used to display markers for data points. Markers can be displayed on all
the chart types except pies, doughnuts, 2D contour, and 3D surface.
➤ To set default markers for all the data points in a series:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view select a series data point, and then select the
Markers tab as shown in the following illustration.
When the default data point

is selected, the Show
Markers check box
determines that markers
are displayed for that series
on a chart. This check box
is synchronized with the
Show Markers check box
on the Options tab for the
selected series.
If Show Markers is enabled

from the Options tab, it is
enabled in this tab as well.
Conversely, if it is disabled
in this tab, it is disabled in If you set default settings for data points in this tab, custom settings that you
the Options tab, too. specify for individual data points override the default data point settings.
2. Check the Show Markers check box.

3. From the Style list, select a marker type to identify the data points in the
current series. The following table shows examples of all the markers.
Dash Down Triangle

Plus Filled Circle
X Filled Square
Star Filled Diamond
Circle Filled Up Triangle
Square Filled Down Triangle
Diamond 3D Ball
Up Triangle
own color.
5. From the Size list, select a size for the marker.
6. From the Pen Width list, select a preset line width or select Custom to assign
your own width.
There might be times that you want to highlight one or more data points in a series.
To highlight individual data points, you apply custom settings to them. Custom
settings are defined as any variation to the default data point settings for the series.
➤ To set custom formats for individual data point markers:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select an individual series data point, and then
select the Markers tab as shown in the following illustration.
Custom data point marker

settings override the
Automatic Markers setting
for all the series.
When you select a specific

data point in a series and
apply settings to it, this is
considered a custom setting.
You can turn series markers

off at the data point level by
unchecking the Show
Markers check box.
2. Select the Markers tab to modify the marker options for the data point.
3. Specify the marker settings as described in the previous set of steps.
Resetting Data Points to the Default Setting

Once a data point has custom settings applied to it, it is unaffected by settings that
you make to the default data point. However, you can discard a custom setting and
return the data point to the default setting using the Defaults tab.
➤ To discard a custom data point setting:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select an individual series data point, and then
select the Defaults tab. The following illustration shows the Defaults tab.
Click this button to reset selected data points to their default

settings. This discards any custom settings you have made for the
data points and resets all the options to the series defaults.

Changing Series Pictures

If the series is a 2D bar type, you can specify a graphic image to use as the fill for
the bars. For more information, refer to “Specifying a Picture Backdrop” on
page 120.
The following illustration shows an example of a different graphic used to identify
each series in a chart using the stacked fit method.
Note You can also fill 2D bars with pictures interactively. First copy the picture
you want to fill the bar with onto the clipboard. Then display the chart. Go into
edit mode by selecting Edit from the context menu. Select the bar you want to fill
on the chart, click the right mouse button to display the context menu, and select
Paste.
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C H A P T E R 1 0
Formatting Labels
You can change the format of labels for axes, for individual data points, or for
series of data points. In addition, you can use series labels instead of a legend to
identify each series on a line, area, step, XY, polar, or radar chart. This chapter
discusses how to:
■ Change the display and format of axis labels.
■ Use and format data point labels, including location, number formats, and line
styles.
■ Use and format series labels, including location and line styles.
Using Axis Labels

You may change the location and format of axis labels. You may apply built-in
number formats to the labels, or you may make your own custom formats. You can
make these changes using the Display and Format tabs of the Chart Designer.
Changing Axis Label Location

The Display tab of the Chart Designer provide settings for changing the display of
labels. These settings include:
■ Automatic Rotation. This setting allows First Impression to rotate the labels if
necessary to optimize the chart layout.
■ Standing Labels. This option rotates labels up on the text baseline to stand in
the Y plane. Standing text can make the labels more legible if you are viewing
the chart at very low elevations. This option applies only to labels on an X or Z
axis on most charts, and the Y axis on horizontal charts.
The following illustration shows a chart with standing label text and non-standing
label text.
Multi-Dimensional Charts
Standing Label Text Non-Standing Label Text
➤ To change the display of labels:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Axis Labels for an axis to format the
labels on a chart.
2. Select the Display tab, if necessary.
3. Check the Automatic Rotation check box for First Impression to rotate the
labels to optimize the chart layout. Alternatively, uncheck this box to set a
specific horizontal and vertical alignment and orientation for the label text.
4. Check the Standing Labels check box to rotate labels up on the text baseline to
stand in the Y plane. Alternatively, uncheck this box to return labels to their
standard position in the X or Z plane.
Chapter 10 Formatting Labels 195
Assigning Built-in Number Formats to Axis Labels

The Format tab of the Chart Designer provides built-in number formats for
formatting the display of axis labels.
➤ To assign a built-in number format to labels:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Axis Labels for an axis to format the
labels on a chart.
2. Select the Format tab. The following illustration shows the Format tab.
The option selected in the Category list determines the

options that are displayed in the Format Codes list.
3. From the Category list, select a category to display a pre-set list of format
strings appropriate for the type of label in the Format Codes list.
4. Select one of the predefined formats from the Format Codes list. The Built-in
Number Formats table, below, shows results of applying each format.
Note Label formats for date/time axes can also be set by selecting the Date Axis
node for the date/time axis and clicking on the Date Formats tab. Changes you
make in the Date Formats tab will be reflected in the Format tab, and vice versa.
Built-in Number Formats

This table shows the built-in number formats for a US English locale and the result
after the format is applied to a positive, negative, and decimal number.
Category and Format 3 -3 .3
General 3 -3 .3
Currency
$#,##0_);($#,##0) $3 ($3) $0
$#,##0_);[Red]($#,##0) $3 ($3) in red $0
$#,##0.00_);($#,##0.00) $3.00 ($3.00) $0.30
$#,##0.00_);[Red]$(#,##0.00) $3.00 ($3.00) $0.30
in red
_($* #,##0_);($* #,##0);_($* "-"_)
;_(@_) $ 3 ($ 3) $ 0
_($* #,##0.00_);($* #,##0.00);_($* "-"??_)
;_(@_) $ 3.00 ($ 3.00) $ 0.30
Fixed
0 3 -3 0
0.00 3.00 -3.00 0.30
#,##0 3 -3 0
#,##0.00 3.00 -3.00 0.30
#,##0_);(#,##0) 3 (3) 0
#,##0_);[Red](#,##0) 3 (3) in red 0
#,##0.00_);(#,##0.00) 3.00 (3.00) 0.30
#,##0.00_);[Red](#,##0.00) 3.00 (3.00) 0.30
in red
_(* #,##0_);(* #,##0);_(* "-"_);_(@_) 3 ( 3) 0
_(* #,##0.00_);(* #,##0.00);_(* "-"??_)
;_(@_) 3.00 ( 3.00) 0.30
Percent
0% 300% -300% 30%
0.00% 300.00% -300.00% 30.00%
Fraction
# ?/? 3 -3 2/7
# ??/?? 3 -3 3/10
Scientific
0.00E+00 3.00E+00 -3.00E+00 3.00E-01
##0.0E+0 300.0E-2 -300.0E-2 300.0E-3
The following table shows the built-in date formats for a US English locale and the
result after the format is applied to a date.
Format 04/18/95
m/d/yy 4/18/95
d-mmm-yy 18-Apr-95
d-mmm 18-Apr
mmm-yy Apr-95
m/d/yy h:mm 4/18/95 0:00
The following table shows the built-in time formats for a US English locale and the
result after the format is applied to a time.
Format 12:02:02
h:mm AM/PM 12:02 PM
h:mm:ss AM/PM 12:02:02 PM
h:mm 12:02 PM
h:mm:ss 12:02:02
m/d/yy h:mm 4/18/95 12:02 PM
mm:ss 02:02
[h]:mm:ss 12:02:02
mm:ss.0 02:02.0
Assigning Custom Number Formats to Axis Labels

➤ To create a custom number format for labels:
1. In the Format tab of the Chart Designer, enter valid format symbols in the
Custom Format text box. You may use any of the symbols in the Custom
Number Format Symbols table below.
Custom Number Format Symbols

This table lists the format symbols that can be used in a custom format string.
Format Symbol Description
General Displays the number in General format.
0 Digit placeholder. If the number contains fewer digits than the format
contains placeholders, the number is padded with 0’s. If there are more
digits to the right of the decimal than there are placeholders, the decimal
portion is rounded to the number of places specified by the placeholders.
If there are more digits to the left of the decimal than there are
placeholders, the extra digits are retained.
# Digit placeholder. This placeholder functions the same as the 0
placeholder except the number is not padded with 0’s if the number
contains fewer digits than the format contains placeholders.
? Digit placeholder. This placeholder functions the same as the 0
placeholder except that spaces are used to pad the digits.
. (period) Decimal point. Determines how many digits (0’s or #’s) are displayed on
either side of the decimal point. If the format contains only #’s left of the
decimal point, numbers less than 1 begin with a decimal point. If the
format contains 0’s left of the decimal point, numbers less than 1 begin
with a 0 left of the decimal point.
% Displays the number as a percentage. The number is multiplied by 100
and the % character is appended.
, (comma) Thousands separator. If the format contains commas separated by #'s or
0's, the number is displayed with commas separating thousands. A
comma following a placeholder scales the number by a thousand. For
example, the format 0, scales the number by 1000 (e.g., 10,000 would be
displayed as 10).
E- E+ e- e+ Displays the number as scientific notation. If the format contains a
scientific notation symbol to the left of a 0 or # placeholder, the number
is displayed in scientific notation and an E or an e is added. The number
of 0 and # placeholders to the right of the decimal determines the number
of digits in the exponent. E- and e- place a minus sign by negative
exponents. E+ and e+ place a minus sign by negative exponents and a
plus sign by positive exponents.
$ - + / ( ) : space Displays that character. To display a character other than those listed,
precede the character with a back slash (\) or enclose the character in
double quotation marks (" "). You can also use the slash (/) for fraction
formats.
\ Displays the next character. The backslash is not displayed. You can also
display a character or string of characters by surrounding the characters
with double quotation marks (" ").
The backslash is inserted automatically for the following characters:
! ^ & ` (left quote) ' (right quote) ~ { } = < >

* (asterisk) Repeats the next character until the width of the column is filled. You
cannot have more than one asterisk in each format section.
_ (underline) Skips the width of the next character. For example, to make negative
numbers surrounded by parentheses align with positive numbers, you can
include the format _) for positive numbers to skip the width of a
parenthesis.
"text" Displays the text inside the quotation marks.
@ Text placeholder. If there is text in the cell, the text replaces the @ format
character.
m Month number. Displays the month as digits without leading zeros (e.g.,
1-12). Can also represent minutes when used with h or hh formats.
mm Month number. Displays the month as digits with leading zeros (e.g., 01-
12). Can also represent minutes when used with the h or hh formats.
mmm Month abbreviation. Displays the month as an abbreviation (e.g., Jan-
Dec).
mmmm Month name. Displays the month as a full name (e.g., January-
December).
d Day number. Displays the day as digits with no leading zero (e.g., 1-2).
dd Day number. Displays the day as digits with leading zeros (e.g., 01-02).
ddd Day abbreviation. Displays the day as an abbreviation (e.g., Sun-Sat).
dddd Day name. Displays the day as a full name (e.g., Sunday-Saturday).
yy Year number. Displays the year as a two-digit number (e.g., 00-99).
yyyy Year number. Displays the year as a four-digit number (e.g., 1900-2078).
g If you are using a Japanese locale, this displays the Latin letter for an era.
gg If you are using a Japanese locale, this displays the first character of an
era name.
ggg If you are using a Japanese locale, this displays the full era name.
e If you are using a Japanese locale, this displays the full era year.
ee If you are using a Japanese locale, this displays the full era year with a
leading 0 if the year is less than 10.
h Hour number. Displays the hour as a number without leading zeros (e.g.,
0-23). If the format contains one of the AM or PM formats, the hour is
based on a 12-hour clock. Otherwise, it is based on a 24-hour clock.
hh Hour number. Displays the hour as a number with leading zeros (e.g., 00-
23). If the format contains one of the AM or PM formats, the hour is
based on a 12-hour clock. Otherwise, it is based on a 24-hour clock.
m Minute number. Displays the minute as a number without leading zeros
(e.g., 0-59). The m format must appear immediately after the h or hh
symbol. Otherwise, it is interpreted as a month number.
mm Minute number. Displays the minute as a number with leading zeros
(e.g., 00-59). The mm format must appear immediately after the h or hh
symbol. Otherwise, it is interpreted as a month number.

s Second number. Displays the second as a number without leading zeros
(e.g., 0-59).
ss Second number. Displays the second as a number with leading zeros
(e.g., 00-59).
AM/PM 12-hour time. Displays time using a 12-hour clock. Displays AM, am, A,
am/pm or a for times between midnight and noon; displays PM, pm, P, or p for
A/P times from noon until midnight.
a/p
[h] Outputs total number of hours.
[m] Outputs total number of minutes.
[s] Outputs total number of seconds.
s.0, s.00, s.000, ss.0, Outputs fractional part of second.
ss.00, ss.000
[Black] Displays cell text in black.
[Blue] Displays cell text in blue.
[Cyan] Displays cell text in cyan.
[Green] Displays cell text in green.
[Magenta] Displays cell text in magenta.
[Red] Displays cell text in red.
[White] Displays cell text in white.
[Yellow] Displays cell text in yellow.
[Colorn] Displays cell text using the corresponding color in the color palette. n is
a color in the color palette.
[conditional value] Each format can have as many as four sections: one each for positive
numbers, negative numbers, zeros, and text. Using the conditional value
brackets ([ ]), you can designate a different condition for each section.
For example, you might want positive numbers displayed in black,
negative numbers in red, and zeros in blue. The following string formats
a number for these conditions:
[>0][Black]General; [<0][Red]General; [Blue]General
Using Data Point Labels

You can place labels on a series of data points or on individual data points to
annotate the chart or draw attention to a certain chart element. The following
illustrations show several uses of data point labels.
Alaskan Population Bill’s Hardware Store Profits

600 550 100
80
500
60
40
400
300 20
300 0 Profits
-20
200
120 -40
-60
100 60 60 Store closed 2 months
20 -80 due to flood damage
0
0 -100
1870 1890 1910 1930 1950 1970 1990 ’84 ’85 ’86 ’87 ’88 ’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94
Data point labels show the value of each data point. A data point label highlights one data point.
Workstation Market Share
17.7
33.4
Sun
10.1 HP
IBM
DEC
SGI
Other
8.3
10.1
20.4
Data point labels show the value of each pie slice.
The Appearance Tab

The Appearance tab of the Chart Designer controls the display, position, and label
type of data point labels as well as the line style used to connect labels to the data
points.
apply to that data point label only and override any default data point label
settings.
➤ To display the Appearance tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Datapoint Labels.
2. Select the Appearance tab, if necessary. The Appearance tab is shown in the
following illustration.

Controlling Data Point Label Location

To display a data point label on the chart, select a Text Location radio button for a
predefined position. The following table describes the valid positions for series
labels:
Positions Description Applies to chart type
None No label displayed. none
Above Point The label is displayed above the data bar, line, area, step, XY, polar,
point. radar, and bubble
Below Point The label is displayed below the data bar, line, area, step, XY, polar,
point. radar, and bubble
Center The label is displayed centered on the bar, line, area, and step
data point.
Base The label is displayed along the category bar, line, area, and step
axis, directly beneath the data point.
Inside The label is displayed inside a pie or pie and doughnut
doughnut slice.
Outside The label is displayed outside a pie or pie and doughnut
doughnut slice.
Positions Description Applies to chart type

Left The label is displayed to the left of the XY, polar, radar, and bubble
data point.
Right The label is displayed to the right of the XY, polar, radar, and bubble
data point.
Setting Data Point Label Line Style

To display a line connecting a label to the data point it represents, select a Label
Line Style radio button as described in the following table:
Line Styles Description
None No line connects the label and series.
Angled Line An angled line connects the label and series.
Straight Line A straight line connects the label and series.
Specifying Data Point Label Type

You can specify a pre-defined label type or automatically display the data point
value. Check the Automatic check box, in the Label Type section of the
Appearance tab, to automatically display the data point value. To choose a pre-
defined label type, select a Label Type radio button for a predefined position. The
following table describes the valid label types for data point labels:
Label Types Description
Value The value of the data point appears in the label.
Percent The value of the data point is displayed in the label as a percentage
according to the axis percent basis.
Series Name The series name is used to label the data point.
Data Point Name The category name is used to label the data point.
Data Point Label Number Formats

You can specify a built-in or custom number format to control the appearance of
the data point labels.
The number formats for data point labels are the same as the number formats for
axis labels, and the process of choosing and applying them is the same. For more
information about number formats, see “Assigning Built-in Number Formats to
Axis Labels” on page 195.
➤ To apply a built-in or custom number format to your data point label(s):

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select a Datapoint Labels node for the labels
you want to format.
2. If your data points are values, select the Value Format tab. If your data points
are percents, select the Percent Format tab.
3. If you want to apply a built-in number format, select it by clicking on it. For a
list of each format and the result after the format is applied to a positive,
negative, and decimal number, see “Built-in Number Formats” on page 196.
4. If you want to create a custom number format, enter it in the Custom Format
box. For a list of the symbols you can use when creating custom formats, see
“Custom Number Format Symbols” on page 198.
Using Series Labels

In addition to data point labels, you can use series labels to annotate the chart or
draw attention to a certain chart element. The following illustration shows how a
series label can add important information.
90 90
80 80
70 70
60 60
Team 1
50 50
40 40 Team 2
30 30 Team 3
20 20
Winner of Q4
10 Sales Contest 10
0 0
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
A series label provides information about the series.
The Style Tab

Series labels can be used instead of the legend as a way to identify each series on a
line, area, step, XY, or radar chart. Use the Style tab of the Chart Designer to
format series labels.
➤ To format a series label:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, open the Series Labels node and select a series
label.
2. Select the Style tab, if necessary. The Style tab is shown in the following
illustration.

Controlling Series Label Location

To display a series label on the chart, select one of the Text Location radio buttons
that represents a predefined position. The following table describes the valid
positions for series labels:
Positions Description
None Hides the label.
Left The label is displayed to above the first data point in the series.
Center The label is displayed above the middle data point in the series.
Right The label is displayed above the last data point in the series.
Setting Series Label Line Style

To display a line connecting a label to a series it represents, select one of the Label
Line Style radio buttons described in the following table:
Line Styles Description
None No line connects the label and series.
Angled An angled line connects the label and series.
Straight A straight line connects the label and series.
Tidestone
207
C H A P T E R 1 1
Using Complex Charts

First Impression’s robust chart design system works especially well when you
create complex charts such as combination, radar, hi-lo, pie, bubble, contour, and
elevation charts. Sometimes when you change the chart from a simple chart type to
a more complex type, you have additional choices to make. This chapter describes
how to:
■ Format combination charts.
■ Create charts with computaed date/time axes.
■ Create charts with multiple Y axes.
■ Use radar charts.
■ Format hi-lo charts.
■ Manipulate pie charts.
■ Format bubble charts.
■ Set options for a complex elevation chart.
Formatting Combination Charts

If you select Combination as the chart type, you must also specify the series type
used to display each series in the chart.
➤ To change a series type:

2. Select the Series Type tab, if necessary.
3. In the Series Name list, select a series or select All Series to set the same type
for all series in the chart.
The Display As list shows the valid types for the selected series.
4. Select the type you want to use for the selected series.
5. Continue specifying types for each series as necessary.
The following illustration shows the results of changing the Clothing series to a
line chart and the Travel series to an area chart.
Before After
Formatting Charts with Computed Date/Time Axes

You may manually create charts that have date/time axes by naming the categories
with date or time names. You may also create charts with date/time axes that First
Impression computes for you.
➤ To use the Chart Designer to create a chart with a computed date/time axis:
1. Set up the date/time data correctly in the data grid editor, as explained in “Data
Grids for Charts With Computed Date/Time Axes” on page 104. If your chart is
linked to a range of cells in a Formula One worksheet, the date/time data
entered in Formula One does not have to be changed.
2. In the Chart Designer, select the Chart node, click the Designer Chart Type
Tab, and choose hi-lo as the chart type.
3. Select the Series node and click the Designer Series Type Tab.
4. Select the first series in the Series box and choose the Dates type.
5. Select the second series in the Series box and select the chart type to display
that series in. You may choose from among the bar, line, area, step, hi-lo, hi-lo-
close, and open hi-lo-close types. (For detailed information about displaying
different chart series differently, see “Formatting Series Type” on page 170.)
6. Click Apply or OK to redraw the chart and see your changes.
Chapter 11 Using Complex Charts 209
7. To make your date/time axis gridlines and axis labels display the way you want
them to, you will probably want to make formatting changes usting the Date
Scale and Date Formats tabs. (For detailed information about axis settings for
date/time axes, see “Specifying Date/Time Axis Settings” on page 162.)
➤ To use properties to create a chart with a computed date/time axis:

■ Use the Frequency and Interval properties.
Formatting Charts with Multiple Y Axes

You may define more than one Y axis on a chart, allowing you to compare two or
more dissimilar things. For example, you could show the performance of a stocks
over a week’s time on one axis and the volume of trading for that same time period
on another axis. Multiple Y axes are especially helpful when you want to compare
things with scales that are grossly dissimilar.
What Are Multiple Y Axes?

When you create multiple Y axes, First Impression actually draws more than one
sub-chart, one on top of the other. The sub-charts share the same X axis. The
sample chart below has two Y axes to compare test scores and teachers’ salaries
over a number of years.
Multiple Y axes are only supported in 2D charts.

Multiple Y Axes and Secondary Y Axes

Multiple Y axes should not be confused with secondary Y axes. The secondary Y
axis is the axis drawn on the right side of a chart. Multiple Y axes are actually
separate sub-charts. Each of the multiple Y axes can have its own secondary Y
axis.
Creating Charts with Multiple Y Axes

➤ To use the Chart Designer to create a chart with multiple Y axes:
1. In the Chart Designer, select the Plot node, click the Other tab, and enter the
number of Y axes you want in your chart in the Y Axis Count text box. You
may have as many Y axes as you want. (For more information about axis
options, see “Controlling Axis Display Options” on page 136.)
2. Click Apply and watch First Impression create the additional Y axes. First
Impression also creates a Y axis node on the tree view of the Chart Designer
for every Y axis on your chart.
3. To determine which series should appear on which Y axis, select a series by
opening the Series node and clicking on one of the series. Choose the Options
tab. In the Y Axis Index dropdown box, select the number of the Y axis where
you want this series to appear. (For detailed information about matching chart
series with Y axes, see “Choosing the Y Axis” on page 177.)
4. To establish how much of the chart area each Y axis should take up, select a Y
axis node and click on the Scale Type tab. In the Axis Length (% of Plot) text
box, enter the percentage of the chart plot that that Y axis should take up.
Repeat this step for all the Y axes on your chart. (For detailed information
about axis length (% of plot), see page 161.)
5. Since all the Y axis share one X axis, you may choose to hide the X axis for
one or more of the Y axes. To do this, select the X axis node and click on the
Multiple Y tab. Select the X axes that you want to hide and click Apply or OK.
(For detailed information about hiding X axes, see “Specifying Category Axis
Hiding Settings” on page 157.)
➤ To use properties and methods to create a chart with multiple Y axes:

■ Use the YAxisCount, YAxisIndex, LengthRatio, and HideXAtYIndex
properties.
Using Radar Charts

When you select Radar as the chart type, you can specify whether each series is
displayed as a line or filled area.
➤ To change the variation of a radar chart:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Chart.
2. Select the Type tab if necessary, and select the 2D radio button to display a list
of the 2D chart types.
3. Select Radar in the Chart Type list and click the Apply button.
4. Select Series in the Chart Designer tree view, and select the Series Type tab, if
necessary. The following illustration shows the Series Type tab.
The Display As list shows valid

series types for the selected series.
5. Select a series from the Series list.

6. Select a series type from the Display As list.
7. Continue selecting types for additional series as necessary.

The following illustration shows a radar chart with two series displayed as area and
one series displayed as line.
Perf.
10
Service 2 Price
Ease
Formatting Hi-Lo Charts

When you select Hi-Lo as the chart type, you can specify the variation of the hi-lo
chart you want to display, as well as assign different chart types to other series.
➤ To specify a Hi-Lo-Close chart with volume information:

2. Select the 2D radio button to display a list of the 2D chart types.
3. Select Hi-Lo from the Chart Type list.
4. In the tree view, select Series and then select the Series Type tab, if necessary.
The following illustration shows the Series Type tab.
Notice that since the Hi-Lo-Close chart requires three columns of data, the second and third
columns that make up the series are indented to show that they are part of the first series.
5. If a column in the data grid holds dates, select that series name from the Series
list, and then select the Dates series type from the Display As list.
This instructs First Impression to use the values in this column to create a
computed date/time axis for this chart. The series is automatically excluded so
that it is not actually charted. For more information about formatting a
computed date/time axis, “Formatting Charts with Computed Date/Time Axes”
on page 208.
6. Select the first series that holds stock information from the Series list.
7. Select one of the hi-lo-close variations in the Display As list.
The second and third column in every series are indented to show that the series
requires three columns of data to chart a hi-lo-close chart.
8. Select the series that contains volume information from the Series list.
9. Select the series type from the Display As list that you want to use to display
volume data. Bar, Line, and Area are typical choices for displaying volume
data.
Since volume information is usually very different from the high, low, and
close price of stock, you might need to follow the next steps to finish the chart.
11. In the tree view, select the Volume series for the chart.
12. If necessary, select the Options tab.
13. Check the Plot on 2nd Y Axis check box.
Displaying Hi-Lo Bars In Other Chart Types

You can use hi-lo bars to represent a range of values from a beginning point other
than zero. Hi-lo bars are a series type available on bar, combination, horizontal bar,
hi-lo and clustered bar charts. Each bar requires two columns from the data grid: a
beginning value and an end value. The following illustration shows hi-lo bars in a
bar chart.
140 140
The hi-lo bars in this chart show the range of utility
costs over three years.
120 120
100 100
80 80 Phone
Gas
60 60 Electric
40 40
20 20
0 0
1992 1993 1994
Manipulating Pie Charts

The Pie tab of the Chart Designer changes the appearance of pie charts. Settings
that you specify using the controls in the Pie tab are:
■ Area or Diameter Weighting. The area weighting setting weights pies and
doughnuts by the area of the chart element. The diameter weighting setting
weights pies and doughnuts by the diameter of each chart element.
■ Basis. This setting controls the size of each pie or doughnut in relation to the
other pies or doughnuts in the same chart.
■ Label Position. This setting controls where the labels for each pie or doughnut
are placed on the chart. These labels are actually category labels. They use the
font and backdrops defined for the X axis labels.
■ Sorting. This setting controls the order in which the slices of pie and doughnut
charts are drawn.
■ Thickness Ratio. This setting specifies the percentage of the pie or doughnut
radius that determines the height of a 3D pie or doughnut. The higher the
percentage, the taller the pie or doughnut. The following illustrations show
various thickness ratios.
Thickness Ratio of 33
percent
Thickness Ratio of 100 percent
■ Top Radius Ratio. This setting specifies the percentage of the pie radius that is
used to draw the top of a 3D pie. A ratio of 100 draws a cylinder; values less
than 100 result in a tapering of the top of the pie. A value of 0 results in a cone.
The following illustrations show various top radius ratios.
This pie has the default thickness ratio of This pie has a thickness ratio of 60
33 percent and a top radius ratio of 100 percent and top radius ratio 65 percent.
percent.
■ Interior Ratio. This setting describes the ratio of the entire doughnut size that is
used to display the interior “hole” of the doughnut. The following illustrations
show “hole” settings.
This doughnut has an interior This doughnut has an interior This doughnut has an interior
ratio of 30 percent. ratio of 67 percent. ratio of 95 percent.
■ Sides. This setting controls the number of sides used to draw a doughnut. More
sides give the doughnut a rounder, smoother appearance. If you enter a value of
1 in this option, First Impression determines the number of sides needed to
draw a round doughnut based on the size of the doughnut. The following
illustrations show a doughnut with three sides, and a doughnut with 60 sides
This doughnut has 3 sides. This doughnut has 60 sides.
➤ To display the Pie tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format a pie or doughnut chart.
2. Select the Pie tab. The following illustration shows the Pie tab.
A very large number of sides

might impact performance.
3. Once the Pie tab is displayed, format the pie or doughnut chart using the
procedures listed in the following sets of steps.
➤ To specify weighting settings:

1. In the Weighting section of the Pie tab, select the Area radio button to weight
pies and doughnuts by the area of the chart element. Alternatively, select the
Diameter radio button to weight pies and doughnuts by the diameter of each
chart element.
2. Select an option from the Basis list to control the size of each pie or doughnut
in relation to the other pies and doughnuts in the same chart. The following
table lists the options for this setting:
Setting Description
None All pies and doughnuts are drawn the same size.
Total The slice values in each pie are totaled and the pie with the highest
total identified. The size of each pie in the chart is determined by the
ratio of its total value compared to the largest pie.
Series The size of a pie is determined by the relationship of values in the first
series of each pie. The larger the value in the first series, the bigger the
pie. It is most common to exclude this first series so that the values are
not drawn as pie slices.
➤ To position a label:
1. Select a label position from the Label Position list in the Pie tab to position the
chart labels. The following table lists the options for this setting:
Setting Description
None No label is displayed.
Above The label is displayed above the pie or doughnut.
Below The label is displayed below the pie or doughnut.
Center The label is centered on the pie or doughnut.

➤ To specify a sorting setting:

1. Select a sorting setting from the Sorting list in the Pie tab to control the order in
which the slices of pie and doughnut charts are drawn. The following table lists
the options for this setting:
Setting Description
None Pie slices are drawn in the order the data appears in the data grid.
Ascending Pie slices are drawn from the smallest to the largest slice, starting at the
defined starting angle.
Descending Pie slices are drawn from the largest to the smallest slice, starting at the
defined starting angle.
➤ To specify 3D settings:
1. In the 3D section of the Pie tab, enter a value between 0 and 100 percent in the
Thickness Ratio text box to control the thickness of the chart.
2. Enter a value in the Top Radius Ratio text box that represents the pie radius that
is used to draw the top of the chart.
3. Enter a number between 0 percent and 100 percent in the Interior Ratio text
box to size the “hole” of the doughnut.
4. Enter the total number of sides, up to 360, in the Sides text box for a doughnut.
Formatting Bubble Charts

The Bubble tab of the Chart Designer changes the appearance of bubble charts.
Settings that you specify using the controls in the Bubble tab are:
■ Series Size Basis. These settings determine how series data determines the
relative size of bubbles drawn on a bubble chart. Bubble charts require three
columns of data, with the third column determining relative bubble size.
■ Largest Bubble Ratio. This setting applies the percentage of the shortest chart
axis that is used as the diameter of the largest bubble. All the other bubbles are
sized according to their relationship to the largest bubble.
➤ To specify the appearance of a bubble chart:

2. Select the 2D radio button to display a list of the 2D chart types.
3. Select Bubble from the Chart Type list.
4. In the tree view, select Plot to format the chart.
5. Select the Bubble tab. The following illustration shows the Bubble tab
This value is used to draw the largest

bubble. For example, if this value is
50, then 50 percent of the shortest
chart axis length is used as the
diameter or area of the largest
bubble. All other bubbles are sized in
relation to the largest bubble.
With this value selected, a value of

seven would produce a bubble with
half the diameter of a bubble with a
value of 14.
With this value selected, a value of seven would produce a bubble

with half the area of a bubble with a value of 14.
6. Choose either the Bubble Area or Bubble Diameter button to determine

whether bubbles are sized by area or diameter. The series value of each bubble
determines its relative size, as compared to the series value of the largest
bubble.
7. Enter a percentage in the Largest Bubble Ratio text box to set the size of the
largest bubble in relation to the shortest chart axis. All other bubbles are sized
relative to the largest bubble.
Modifying Contour and Elevation Charts

The Type tab of the Chart Designer specifies contour and surface chart settings.
Elevation charts can be drawn as a 2D contour chart or a 3D surface chart. The
following illustrations show a contour chart and a surface chart.
2D Contour Chart
3D Surface Chart
Once you specify the chart type you wish to draw, you can format both elevation
and contour information for the chart. Contour and elevation options are divided
between two tabs in the Chart Designer. The Elevation tab contains basic contour
and surface options. The Contour tab controls the assignment of colors and line
widths used in the actual contour bands and lines. In each tab, the available options
depend on the chart type you have specified and are disabled (grayed) if they do
not apply to the current chart type.
Specifying Contour Options

The Contour tab customizes 2D contour charts and 3D surface charts. The
elements that you can customize include:
■ Contour Style. You can select bands or lines as a contour style. Bands are
displayed as bands of color. Lines are displayed as colored lines.
■ Smoothing. You can use smoothing to create rounder, smoother contours. First
Impression uses the bi cubic B spline formula to determine how to smooth the
chart data based on the smoothing factor you specify. The following
illustrations show various smoothing factors.
Surface chart with no

surface smoothing
Surface chart with surface

smoothing factor of 2
Surface chart with surface

smoothing factor of 4
■ Contour List. You can customize contours by modifying existing contours and
adding or deleting contours when the Automatic Values check box is not
checked. You can also specify value labels, that take the place of contour
values, that you wish to appear in the legend.
■ Colors. You can control how color is displayed on the chart. The options
provided for color types include Automatic, Gradient, and Manual (custom).
The following illustrations demonstrate color types for contour charts.
Contour chart displaying Automatic contour color
Contour chart displaying Gradient contour color
■ Band Styles and Colors. You can specify band styles and colors for contours.
■ Line Widths and Colors. You can specify line widths and colors for contours.
➤ To display the Contour tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format a contour or surface chart.
2. Select the Contour tab. The following illustration shows the Contour tab.
Select Bands or Lines for the

contour or surface chart. You can
control the style and color for the
bands, and the width and color for
the lines.
Uncheck Automatic Values to add values for custom contours. Check this
check box to have each major axis division represent a separate contour.
3. Once the Contour tab is displayed, format the contour or surface chart using the
procedures in the following sections.
➤ To specify a smoothing factor:

1. Type a smoothing factor in the Smoothing text box. The following table
describes valid smoothing factors:
Factor Description
0 The raw grid data is used with no smoothing.
1 This factor samples the spline data only at the original data grid locations.
2-32 A factor of 2 or more breaks the row and column locations into the specified
number of subdivisions. For example, a factor of 2 breaks the row and column
locations into 2 subdivisions.
Note Since smoothing occurs for both rows and columns, a smoothing factor of 2
breaks a surface patch into 4 subpatches while a smoothing factor of 4 breaks a
patch into 16 subpatches. Higher smoothing factors might slow drawing speed
significantly.
➤ To add a contour:
1. Uncheck the Automatic Values check box, if necessary.
2. Enter a contour value in the Value text box.
3. Type a value in the Label text box, if desired.
4. Click the Add button.
The value is added to the Contour list, the values are reordered, and the new
value is displayed in the appropriate location.
➤ To modify a contour:
1. Select a contour value from the Contour list.
2. Double-click the number displayed in the Value text box.
3. Type the new value for the contour
4. Double-click the value label displayed in the Label text box.
5. Type the new label for the contour, if desired.
6. Click the Set button.
The value is modified in the Contour list, and the new value is displayed in the
appropriate location.
Note Values that display as “Over...” can not be modified.
➤ To delete an existing contour:

1. Select a contour value or value label from the Contour list.
2. Click the Delete button.
The value is deleted from the Contour list and the values and labels are
reordered.
➤ To specify a contour style:

1. Select a contour style from the Contour Style list. The following table describes
the options:
Type Description
Bands The surface displays changes in data with contour bands.
Lines The surface is represented by a wireframe and displays changes in data
with contour lines.
➤ To specify how color is displayed on a chart:

1. Select a color option from the Colors list. The following table describes the
options:
Type Description
Automatic The contour colors are displayed as the default series colors.
Gradient The surface is represented by a wireframe and displays changes in data
with contour lines.
Manual Custom contour colors can be specified and modified.

The following sections describe how to modify colors and styles when the Manual
or Gradient option is selected.
➤ To modify manual band styles and colors:

1. Select Manual from the Colors list.
2. Select a value from the Contour list.
3. In the Bands section, select a predefined band color from the Color list or click
Custom to create your own color.
4. Select a pattern style from the Style list.
5. Repeat the steps for each value listed in the Contour list for which you want to
modify the style and color.
➤ To modify manual line widths and colors:

1. Select Manual from the Colors list.
2. Select a value from the Contour list.
3. In the Lines section, select a predefined line color from the Color list or click
4. In the Width list, choose a predefined width or select Custom to create your
own width.
5. Repeat the steps for each value listed in the Contour list for which you want to
modify the width and color.
➤ To modify gradient band colors:

1. Select Gradient from the Colors list.
2. Select the From value in the Contour list.
3. In the Bands section, select a predefined band color from the Color list or click
4. Select the To value in the Contour list.
5. Select a predefined band color from the Color list or click Custom to create
your own color.
➤ To modify gradient line widths and colors:

1. Select Gradient from the Colors list.
2. Select the From value in the Contour list.
3. In the Lines section, select a predefined width or select Custom to create your
own width from the Width list.
4. Select a predefined line color from the Color list or click Custom to create your
own color.
5. Select the To value listed in the Contour list.
6. In the Lines section, select a predefined width or select Custom to create your
own width from the Width list.
7. Select a predefined line color from the Color list or click Custom to create your
own color.
Specifying Elevation Options

The Elevation tab of the Chart Designer customizes 2D contour charts and 3D
surface charts. The elements that you can customize include:
■ Surface Style and Surface Color. Surface styles control how the surface itself is
represented on a 3D surface chart using this setting. The Surface Color setting
specifies a color for the surface. The following illustrations display examples of
the charts with each of the surface styles selected.
Surface chart with surface type None. Surface chart with surface type Bands.
Surface chart with surface type Lines.
Surface chart with surface type Solid. Surface chart with surface type Solid with Lines.
■ Wireframe Styles, Wireframe Widths, and Wireframe Colors. Wireframe styles

control the appearance of the wireframe drawn upon a surface chart. You can
also specify the color and width of the wireframe. The following illustrations
display examples of the charts with different wireframe styles selected
Surface chart with major wireframe surface
Surface chart major and minor wireframe surface

■ Base. Base settings control how the base of a surface chart is represented. The
following illustrations display examples of the charts with each of the base
options selected
Surface chart with pedestal base Surface chart with standard base
Surface chart with contour bands base Surface chart with contour lines base
■ Projection. Projection settings control the appearance of the planar contour

chart projected above a surface chart. The following illustrations show a
projection that displays the contours of the surface chart below it.
Surface chart with contour bands projection method
Surface chart with contour line projection method

■ Contour Data Options. Contour data options control the display of both
contouring and elevation data. A contour chart displays only contour data, but a
surface chart can display both contouring and elevation data. When Use
Separate Contour Data is enabled, a surface chart displays surface contours that
do not necessarily conform to the shape of the surface. For example, a surface
chart displaying separate contour and elevation data might depict snowfall
across a mountain range. The following illustrations demonstrate how the Use
Separate Contour Data check box affects a surface chart display:
Surface chart with Use Separate Contour
Data disabled. The contour bands
conform to the shape of the surface so in
this case, elevation and contour data
illustrate the same thing on the chart.
Surface chart with Use Separate Contour

Data enabled. Contour bands do not
conform to the shape of the surface so in
this case, elevation data and contour data
represent separate information.
➤ To display the Elevation tab:

1. In the Chart Designer tree view, select Plot to format a surface chart.
2. Select the Elevation tab. The following illustration shows the Elevation tab.
When this check box is

checked, the data grid is
divided vertically between
columns into two equal
subranges of data. The left
subrange contains elevation
data, and the right subrange
contains contouring data.
3. Once the Elevation tab is displayed, format the chart using the procedures in
the following sections.
➤ To select a surface style and color:

1. Select a surface style from the Style list in the Style section. The following
table describes the options:
Type Description
None The surface data is represented exclusively by a wireframe.
Bands The surface displays changes in data with contour bands.
Lines The surface is represented by a wireframe and displays changes in data
with contour lines.
Solid The surface is drawn with a solid color.
Solid with The surface is drawn with a solid color. Changes in data are indicated by
Lines contour lines super imposed on the solid color.
2. Select a predefined line color from the Color list.

➤ To select a wireframe style and color:

1. Select a wireframe style from the Style list in the Wireframe section. The
following table describes the options:
Type Description
None The surface is represented by the surface color only.
Major The wireframe indicates the original data grid values.
Major and The wireframe is drawn upon the surface along the original data grid
Minor values and any additional rows or columns generated by the smoothing
process.
2. In the Width list, choose a predefined width or select Custom to create your
own width.
3. Select a predefined line color from the Color list.
➤ To select a base style:

1. Select a base style from the Base list. The following table describes the options:
Type Description
Pedestal The base is displayed as a solid area that rises up to meet the surface.
Standard The base is displayed as a flat area beneath the chart surface.
Bands The base reflects the chart’s contours as a series of contour bands.
Lines The base reflects the chart’s contours as a series of contour lines.
➤ To specify a projection style:

1. Select a projection style from the Projection list. The following table describes
the options:
Method Description
None No projection is displayed above the chart.
Bands The planar chart reflects the chart’s contours in contour bands.
Lines The planar chart reflects the chart’s contours in contour lines.
➤ To separate contour data:

1. Uncheck the Separate Contour Data check box to use all the data in the data
grid for both contouring and elevation. Alternatively, check this check box to
provide separate contour and elevation data.
Setting Options for a Complex Elevation Chart

The following diagram illustrates how surface projection and smoothing can create
realistic elevation charts. This chart plots the elevation data of Carroll County,
Arkansas. The elevation data is displayed as contour bands in the base and contour
lines in the projected surface above the chart.
Contour Map of Carroll County, Arkansas

To create an elevation chart like the one displayed on the previous page, set the
following options in the Elevation tab of the Chart Designer:
Elevation data is plotted in

this chart on a solid surface.
Lines are specified for the

projected surface.
Surface Color is set to white Bands are specified for the

so variations in elevation are contour band base.
displayed as shades of gray.
The base contour colors for this chart are set in the Contour tab of the Chart
Designer:
A smoothing factor of 1 is
applied to the surface to
give the chart a realistic
looking terrain.
The contour lines for the

projected surface are set to
a hairline width and the color
black.
Automatic Values is Each contour value is individually determined and has

unchecked. a corresponding band color in a shade of gray.
Tidestone
237
Index
Numerics Automatic
axis scaling 151
2D charts, elements in 42 data point markers 175
3D charts Axes
depth to height ratio of 139 color of 154
elements in 43 crossing position of 151
elevation of 137 defined 41
projection of 139 examples of 147
rotation of 138 grid lines 147
viewing distance for 138 hiding 151
width to height ratio of 139 intersection of 151
3D lighting major divisions on 147
ambient light for 141 minor divisions on 147
controlling 143 pens for 154
edge intensity for 142 scaling of, automatic 151
light sources for 142 selecting 58
3D Lighting tab 141–143 showing 151
3D scatter charts 55 tabs displayed for 150
axis types that apply to 146 ticks, length of 151
data grid requirements for 103 ticks, positioning 151, 153
3D view titles for
controlling 140 backdrops on 114–119
depth to height for 139 selecting 58
elevation for 137 types of 145
projection for 139 width of 154
rotation for 138 Axes page, in wizard 109
viewing distance for 138 Axis labels 42, 193–200
width to height for 139 automatic rotation of 193
3D View tab 137–140 built-in number formats for 195
3D XYZ charts 55 creating with the Chart Wizard 109
axis types that apply to 146 custom number formats for 197
data grid requirements for 103 divisions by 155, 156
moving 152
positioning on ticks 156
A standing labels for 193
ActiveX controls, adding 15 Axis length (% of plot) 159, 161
Aligning text 126 Axis scale, showing and hiding 152
Ambient light 141 Axis titles 42
Angles fonts for 127
starting 134 placing on a chart 64
unit of measure for chart 134 specifying text for 126
Annotating charts 201
Appearance tab 201–204
Applying changes, using the Chart Designer 68 B
Area charts 44 Backdrop tab 113–119
axis types that apply to 146 Backdrops 114–119
chart 42
defined 113
Backdrops (continued) Chart Designer 60–68

editing 114 accessing 60
fill settings for 115–117 applying changes using 68
frames for 117–119 in edit mode 61
gradients on 116 returning to defaults in 60
pictures for 120–123 tree view of 60
shadows for 119 Chart maximum, setting for percent axis scaling 161
Bar charts 45 Chart total, setting for percent axis scaling 161
axis types that apply to 146 Chart type, declaring 62
clustered 46 Chart wizard, see wizard
data grid requirements for 94 Charts
horizontal 45 3D scatter 55, 103
series display options 170 3D XYZ 55, 103
Bar gap ratio angle measure in 134
controlling 136 annotating 201
defined 135 area 44
Bars backdrops on 42, 114–119
number of sides on 176 bar 45
shapes of 176 clustered 46
top ratio of 176 horizontal 45
Base tab 131 bubble 51, 98
Bases, of 3D charts 43 candle stick 52
fills for 132 categories in 41
heights for 132 changing backdrop of 113
pen styles for 132 changing types of 112
selecting 58 combination 47
Beveled joins 181 contour 53
Boxes on chart elements 117, 119 copying 70
Bubble charts 51, 98, 219–220 data points in 41
axis types that apply to 146 deleting 71
bubble ratios for 219 direction drawn for 133
data grid requirements for 98 doughnut 48
series sizes for 219 elements in 41–43
specifying appearance of 219 2D 42
Bubble tab 219 selecting 57–58
Built-in number formats 196 elevation 53, 102
exporting 70
footnotes on 42
C Gantt 53, 101
Candle stick charts 52 hi-lo 52, 99, 212
Cap styles, of lines 181 hi-lo-close 99
Categories in charts 41 legends on 42
Category axes 145 line 46
hiding 157 loading 71
settings 151–157 moving elements in 124, 125
Category maximum, setting for percent axis scaling 161 open-hi-lo-close 100
Category Scale tab 151–157 pie 48
Category total, setting for percent axis scaling 161 plots on 42
Changing polar 50, 97
backdrops 113 printing 72–73
chart types 112 radar 48
data grid values 93 removing series from 174
edge colors 187 restoring defaults for 112
Index 239
Charts (continued) Contour charts 53, 220

saving 70 see also elevation charts
scatter 103 adding values to 224
series in 41 axis types that apply to 146
step 47 band styles and colors on 222, 225
surface 53 color settings for 222, 225
titles on 42 contour lists for 222
types of 44–55 contour style for 221
values in 41 deleting contour values from 224
XY 49, 96 deleting value labels from 224
XYZ 103 example of 2D 220
Clockwise rotation for charts 133 gradients for 226
Clustered bar charts 46 line widths and colors of 222, 226
axis types that apply to 146 smoothing for 221
series display options 170 specifying contour styles of 225
Colors Contour colors 224
axes 154 Contour tab 220, 223–226
backdrop 115 Converting
backdrop fill 116 2.1 charts to 6.0 39
backdrop gradient 117 MSChart documents to First Impression 39
element edge 187 CopyDataFromArray method 93
font 128 Counterclockwise rotation for charts 133
frame 119 Creating, data grids 89
in contour charts 224 Cross at, axis setting 151, 153
in hi-lo charts 179 Cubic B spline smoothing 178
in number formats 200 Currency, formatting numbers as 196
line 180
selecting 117
statistics line 185 D
Column property 90 Data
ColumnCount property 90 changing format of series 170
ColumnLabel property 91, 93 changing, in chart 80
ColumnLabelCount property 90 modifying, with the Data Grid Editor 80
ColumnLabelIndex property 91 reordering series 171
Columns, in data grid setting options for 173
deleting 82, 91 stacking series 172
identifying 87, 90 Data grid
inserting 82 see also Data Grid Editor
labels on, see data grid labels columns in
Combination charts 47 deleting 82, 91
axis types that apply to 146 identifying 87, 90
formatting 207–208 inserting 82, 92
series display options 170 complex 85
Computed date/time axes, see date/time axes copying data from 81
Conditional values, in number formats 200 creating 89
Context menu cutting data from 81
accessing 56 defined 77
design mode 56 deleting data from 81
edit mode 56 elements in 87
in Data Grid Editor 80 for 3D scatter charts 55, 103
menu items in 56 for 3D XYZ charts 55, 103
for bar charts 94
for bubble charts 51, 98
Data grid (continued) Data point markers

for charts with computed date/time axes 104 custom formats for 189
for doughnut charts 94 displaying 188
for elevation charts 102 formatting 188–189
for Gantt charts 53, 101 hiding 188
for hi-lo charts 52, 99 overriding automatic settings with 189
for line charts 94 types of 188
for pie charts 94 Data points 43
for polar charts 50, 97 custom 188
for radar charts 94 default 188
for XY charts 49, 96 defined 41
labels in, see data grid labels selecting 58
linked to Formula One 73 Data property 91, 93
organization of 94 Date Formats tab 166–167
pasting data from 81 Date formats, specifying 167
resizing 79, 91 Date Scale tab 151–153, 162–163
rows in Date/time axes 145
deleting 82, 91 and Formula One 101
identifying 87, 90 creating charts with 208–209
inserting 81, 92 data grid for 104
simple 84 date formats for labels 167
values in, changing 91, 93 grid lines on 163
Data Grid Editor 78 labels for 166
accessing the 58, 78 settings 151–153, 162–167
applying changes to the chart with 80 tick marks on 162
canceling changes to the chart with 80 Date/time scale, showing and hiding 152
context menu in 80 Dates
labels in, see data grid labels earlier than 1920 166
modifying data with 80 entering in the data grid 104
resizing the grid with 79 formatting numbers as 197, 199
Data grid labels 84–89, 94 in date/time axes 167
changing 93 Default settings
deleting 83, 92 for data point labels 67, 201
inserting 82–83, 92 for data points 190
levels of 79, 87, 88, 90 restoring chart 60, 112
modifying 79 Defaults tab 190
null strings in 89, 91 Deleting
properties for 91 charts 71
Data point fills columns, from data grid 91
color for 186 contour values 224
edge formatting for 187 data grid labels 83, 92
formatting 185–187 data, from the data grid 81
patterns for 186 rows, from the data grid 91
Data point labels 43, 94, 201–204 value labels 224
changing 67 Depth to height ratio of 3D charts 139
fonts for 127 Design mode
line styles for 203 displaying context menu in 56
number formats for 203 displaying the Chart Designer in 60
positioning 202 Direction
selecting 58, 67 clockwise chart 134
specifying text for 126 controlling chart 134
types of 203 counterclockwise chart 134
Display tab 193–194
Index 241
Displaying Elevation charts (continued)

data point markers 188 smoothing for 221
footnotes 123 surface 53
legends 123 surface colors for 227
lines on line charts 180 surface styles for 227
series 174 wireframe 228
text, optimally 112 Elevation of 3D charts 137
titles 123 Elevation tab 220–222, 227
Distance for viewing 3D charts 138 Excluding series 174
Divisions Exporting charts 70
on axes 147 Extra Intervals tab 164–165
on value axes 159 Extra intervals, for date/time axis labels 166
Documentation conventions 13
Doughnut charts 48
axes for 149 F
axis types that apply to 146 Fill tab 186
data grid requirements for 94 First Impression
interior ratio of 215 basic concepts of 15
labels on 214 documentation conventions of 13
number of sides on 216 features 10
sizing of 214 installation of 10–12
sorting slices of 214 Internet application development in 38
starting angle for 134 new features in 6.0 version 9
thickness ratio of 215 technical support of 12
weighting of 214 upgrading to 6.0 38
Drawing charts, direction for 133 Floating menu, see context menu
Font tab 127–128
Fonts
E colors for 128
Edge colors, changing 187 special effects for 127
Edge light 142 specifying 127
Edit mode styles for 127
and Chart Designer 61 Footnotes 42
displaying context menu in 56 backdrops on 114–119
displaying the Chart Designer in 61 creating with the Chart Wizard 108
starting 57 displaying 123
Editing charts fonts for 127
at run time 15 hiding 123
with the Chart Wizard 109 positioning 124
Elements, data grid 87 selecting 57
Elevation charts specifying text for 126
adding contour labels to 224 Format tab 195–200
base settings for 229 Formatting
contour 53 axis labels 195–200
contour colors on 224 backdrops 114–119
contour data options for 231 data point labels 201
contour style for 221 doughnut charts 215
data grid requirements for 53, 102 fonts 127
deleting contours on 224 hi-lo charts 212
example of complex 234 lines, for line charts 180–182
modifying contours on 224 numbers, with built-in number formats 196
projection settings for 230 series 180–183
separate contour data on data grid of 233
Formatting (continued) Horizontal bar charts 45

series labels 204–205 axes on 148
statistics lines 184–185 axis types that apply to 146
Formula One series display options 170
and charts with date/time axes 104
and Gantt charts 101
linking charts to 73 I
Fractions, formatting numbers as 196 Identifying
Frames on chart elements 117, 119 data grid columns 87, 90
Frequency property 209 data grid rows 87, 90
Infinite light sources 142
InsertColumnLabels method 92
G InsertColumns method 92
Gain colors, on hi-lo charts 179 Inserting
Gains, on hi-lo charts 179 data grid columns 92
Gallery page, in wizard 106 data grid labels 92
Gantt charts 53 data grid rows 92
axes on 148 InsertRowLabels method 92
axis types that apply to 146 InsertRows method 92
data grid requirements for 101 Installing, First Impression 10–12
Generating random data 91 Interior ratio, of doughnut charts 215
Gradients, in backdrops 116 Internet applications using First Impression 9, 38
Grid lines 42, 147 Intersection, of axes 151, 153
displaying on date/time axes 163 Interval property 209
selecting 58 Interval types, for date/time axes 163
Guidelines tab 183 Intervals, see extra intervals, major intervals, minor inter-
Guidelines, see series guidelines vals
H J
HideXAtYIndex property 157, 211 Joining
Hiding lines 180, 181
axes 151 types 181
data point markers 188
footnotes 123
legends 123 L
lines on line charts 180 Labels
series 174 axis, see axis labels
titles 123 backdrops on 114–119
X axes on multiple Y axis charts 157 data grid, see data grid labels
Hi-lo charts 52 data point, see data point labels
axis types that apply to 146 fonts for 127
data grid for 52, 99 formatting text for 125
formatting 212 on pie and doughnut charts 214
gain and loss colors of 179 series, see series labels
series display options 170 Labels inside plot, axis setting 152, 153
using in other chart types 214 Landscape orientation, for printing 73
volume information on 213 Layout for printer button 73
with computed date/time axes 100 Layout page, in wizard 108
Hi-lo-close charts 52 Layout tab 125–126
data grid requirements for 99
Index 243
Legends Minimum values

backdrops on 114–119 of chart 185
chart 42 on date/time axes 162
creating with the Chart Wizard 108 on value axes 158
displaying 123 Minor axis divisions 147
fonts for 127 Minor intervals, on date/time axes 162
hiding 123 Mitered joins 181
positioning 124 Moving, chart elements 125
selecting 57 Multiple Y axes 209–211
LengthRatio property 211 and secondary Y axes 210
Levels, of data grid labels 90 creating 136
inserting 92 defined 209
Light sources 142 displaying series on 177
Lighting of 3D charts hiding X axes on 157
ambient 141 sizing each sub-chart 161
edge 142 Multiple Y tab 157
Line charts 46
axis types that apply to 146
cap styles 181 N
colors in 180 No common pages tab 68
data grid requirements for 94 Non-custom data points 175
displaying lines 180 Null strings, in data grid labels 89, 91
formatting 180–182 Numbers
hiding lines 180 as currency 196
joining lines 180, 181 as dates 197
styles of lines 180 as fractions 196
width of lines 180 as percentages 198
Linear scaling 160 as percents 196
Lines as times 197
for data point labels 203 in scientific notation 196, 198
for series labels 205
Lines tab 180
Linking charts to Formula One 73 O
Location tab 111, 123–124
Oblique projection 140
Log base, for axis scaling 159
Open-hi-lo-close bar charts 52
Logarithmic scaling 160
Open-hi-lo-close charts 52
Loss colors, on hi-lo chart 179
Losses, on hi-lo charts 179
Options tab 173, 213
Options, for printing 72
M Order tab 171
Orienting, text 126
Major axis divisions 147 Orthogonal projection 140
Major format, for date/time axis labels 166 Other tab 133–136
Major intervals, on date/time axes 162
Margins, for printing 73
Markers tab 188 P
Markers, see data point markers
Pattern backdrops 115, 186
Maximum values
Pens 154
of chart 185
Pens tab 154
on date/time axes 162
Percent basis, for axis scaling 159
on value axes 159
Percent scaling 160
Mean values of chart, showing 185
Percentages, formatting numbers as 198
Methods, inserting data grid elements using 92
Percents, formatting numbers as 196 PowerBuilder (continued)

Perspective projection 140 providing data using 27
Picture tab 120–123 standalone charts in 36
Pie charts 48 trapping errors in 37
axes for 149 uniform data transfer method in 32–35
axis types that apply to 146 Print Layout dialog box 72
backdrops on labels 114–119 Printing charts 72–73
data grid requirements for 94 optimizing text for 112
label positions for 217 Projection of 3D charts 139
labelling pie slices 201 Properties
labels on 214 applying using Visual Basic 60
shape of 3D 215 displaying 59
sizing of 214 for the data grid 90
sorting settings for 218
sorting slices of 214
starting angle for 134 Q
thickness ratio of 3D 215 Quadratic B spline smoothing 178
top ratio of 3D 215
weighting 214
weighting settings for 217 R
Pie tab 214–218
Radar charts 48
Plot on 2nd Y axis check box 174
axis elements of 149
Plots
backdrops on 114–119
chart 42
scaling axes of 158
drawing direction for 133
series display options 170
positioning 123
starting angle for 134
selecting 58
using 211
Polar charts 50, 97
variation of 211
axis elements of 149
Random data, generating 91
RandomFill property 91, 92
data grid for 50, 97
Regression analysis of chart values, showing 185
scaling axes of 158
Repositioning, chart elements manually 69
starting angle for 134
Resizing
Polynomial smoothing 178
chart elements, manually 69
Portrait orientation, for printing 73
the data grid 79, 91
Position tab 125
Restoring, chart defaults 112
Positioning, data point labels 202
Right-click menu, see context menu
PowerBuilder
Rotating
application windows in 32
3D charts 138
constructor events in 35
axis labels 193
converting syntax for 37
Rounded joins 181
DataWindow objects in
Row property 90
connecting 35
RowCount property 90
creating 33
RowLabel property 91, 93
getting started in 27–38
RowLabelCount property 90
method parameters in 38
RowLabelIndex property 91
methods using 37
Rows, in data grid
OLE 2 presentation method in 28–32
deleting 82, 91
OLE controls in 33
identifying 87, 90
open events in 32
placing the control using 36
properties using 37
Index 245
Rows, in data grid (continued) Series (continued)

inserting 81, 92 removing 174
labels on, see data grid labels reordering data for 171
Run-time changes to charts 15 selecting 57, 66
smoothing data for 178
specifying options for 173
S stacking 172
SaveFileDlg method 38 Series guidelines
Scale type 159 defined 182
specifying 160 formatting 182–183
Scale Type tab 159–161 showing 183
Scaling Series labels 204–205
axes, automatic 151 fonts for 127
changing the scale type 159 line styles for 205
date/time axes 162–163 location of 205
for printing 73 specifying text for 126
linear, logarithmic, and percent 160 Series maximum, setting for percent axis scaling 161
percentage types for 161 Series pictures, specifying 191
value axes 158 Series total, setting for percent axis scaling 161
Scientific notation, formatting numbers as 196, 198 Series Type tab 170, 207, 211
Screen layout button 73 Shapes of bars 176
Secondary Y axes 210 Show Markers check box 175, 188
displaying a different scale than the primary Y axis 137 Sides
plotting data on 174, 213 on bars 176
Selecting on doughnut charts 216
axes 58 Simple data grids 84
axis titles 58 Sizing
backdrops 113 doughnuts 214
base of 3D chart 58 pies 214
chart elements 57–58 statistics lines 185
chart elements in the Chart Designer 61–68 Slices, sorting, of pies and doughnuts 214
chart types 112 Smoothing
data point labels 58 factors, for contour or surface charts 223
data points 58 series data 178
footnotes 57 types 178
grid lines 58 Sorting pie and doughnut slices 214
legends 57 SsLinkBook property 74
plots 58 SsLinkMode property 74
series 57 SsLinkRange property 74
titles 57 Stacking series data 172
walls 58 Standard deviation of chart values, showing 185
Series Standing labels, on axes 193
changing the data display for 170 Starting angle 134
data point fills for, see data point fills Statistics lines
data point markers for 175 color of 185
defined 41 formatting 184–185
displaying 174 types of 184
excluding 174 width of 185
formatting 66, 180–183 Statistics tab 184
hiding 174 Step charts 47
on combination charts 207 axis types that apply to 146
on multiple Y axes 177, 210 Style page, in wizard 107
reading data from rows for 169 Style tab 204
Style, pen, on axes 154 Titles (continued)

Sub-charts 209 positioning 124
Support line, for First Impression 12 selecting 57
Surface charts 53 Top ratio
see also elevation charts of chart bars 176
adding values to 224 of pie charts 215
axis types that apply to 146 Total illumination, defined 143
band styles and colors of 225 Tree view
color settings for 225 selecting axes in 63
data grid of 233 selecting axes labels in 65
deleting contour values from 224 selecting axes titles in 64
deleting value labels from 224 selecting chart elements in 61–68
elevation and contouring data of 233 selecting charts and plots in 62
example of 3D 220 selecting data point labels in 67
gradients for 226 selecting data points in 66
line widths and colors of 226 selecting footnotes in 62
specifying contour styles of 225 selecting legends in 62
surface color of 233 selecting series in 66
wireframe color of 233 selecting series labels in 68
wireframe width of 233 selecting titles in 62
Type tab 112, 169, 211, 220
Types
T of axes 145
Technical support for First Impression 12 of charts 44–55
Text of statistics lines 184
aligning 126 of wireframes 228
optimizing for printing or screen 112
orienting 126
specifying 126 U
specifying fonts for 127 Undoing, changes in the Chart Designer 60
wrapping 126
Text tab 126–127
Thickness ratio, of pies and doughnuts 215 V
Ticks 42 Value axes 145
displaying on date/time axes 162 example of 147
divisions by 155, 156 major and minor divisions on 159
example of 147 scaling 158
interval types for, on date/time axes 163 settings 151–153, 158–161
length for 151 Value Scale tab 151–153, 158–159
positioning labels on 156 Value scale, showing and hiding 152
positioning of 151, 153 Values
Tidestone Technologies, Inc., contacting 12 changing data grid 93
Times chart 41
entering in the data grid 104 plotting of 213
formatting numbers as 197, 199 Viewing distance for 3D charts 138
in date/time axes 167 Visible property 64
Titles Visual Basic
backdrops on 114–119 adding components to projects using 16
chart 42 binding First Impression in 17
creating with the Chart Wizard 108 getting started in 16–19
displaying 123 properties in 17
fonts for 127
hiding 123
Index 247
Visual C++
CFormView-based applications in
X
adding First Impression to 21 X axes 147
creating 20 hiding 157
connecting to a database using 26 X gap ratio
creating ActiveX applications in 19 controlling 136
CView-based applications in, creating 20 defined 135
dialog-based applications in XY charts 49, 96
adding First Impression to 21 data grid for 49, 96
creating 20 XYZ charts
events using 24 data grid organization for 55
getting started in 19–27
member variables in 22
methods in 23 Y
printing in 25 Y axes 147
projects in, adding First Impression to 21 see also multiple Y axes
properties in 23, 25 secondary, see secondary Y axes
remote data control in, adding First Impression to 26 YAxisCount property 211
serializing the chart control using 26 YAxisIndex property 211
sub-objects for First Impression in 23
Visual Studio 9
Volume data in hi-lo charts 213 Z
Z axes 147
W Z gap ratio
controlling 136
Wall tab 130 defined 136
Walls 43
fills for 131
pen styles for 130
selecting 58
widths for 130
Weighting, pies and doughnuts 214
Width
of axes 154
of lines in line charts 180
Width to Height ratio of 3D chart 139
Wireframe types 228
Wizard
accessing the 59, 105
Axes page in 109
Gallery page in 106
initializing chart settings in 109
Layout page in 108
modifying charts using 109
navigating in 106
selecting chart types in 106
selecting style types in 107
Style page in 107
Worksheets, importing data from 73
Wrapping text 126

Activex User'S Guide: First Impression

Uploaded by

Activex User'S Guide: First Impression

Uploaded by

ActiveX User’s Guide

For Microsoft Visual Basic , Visual C++ , and Other Languages

Tidestone Technologies, Inc.™

 1998, Tidestone Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.

TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Using First Impression as a Standalone Chart in PowerBuilder . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Chapter 2 Understanding Chart Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 3 Managing Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Linking to a Formula One Spreadsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 4 Understanding Data Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Chapter 5 Using the Chart Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Chapter 6 Formatting Common Chart Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Chapter 7 Formatting Plots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Chapter 8 Formatting Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Chapter 9 Formatting Series and Data Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Changing Series Data Point Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Chapter 10 Formatting Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Chapter 11 Using Complex Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Welcome To First Impression

First Impression is a powerful, customizable business charting ActiveX

Note First Impression can be used by itself in applications or with Tidestone’s

New Features in First Impression 6.0

Other Features of First Impression

Installing the Product

➤ To install a Tidestone ActiveX control on your hard disk:

What Does The Installation Program Do?

If You Experience Installation Problems

Adding the ActiveX Control to Your Application

Getting Started in Visual Basic

Adding the Component to Your Visual Basic Project

Setting Properties in Visual Basic

➤ To set properties for a component via the component properties pages:

Using First Impression as a Data-Bound Control

➤ To hook First Impression to a Data Control:

➤ To hook First Impression to a Remote Data Control

Getting Started in Visual C++

Creating a Dialog, CFormView, or CView-Based Application

■ To create a CView-based application, select the “Single Document” or

➤ To create a dialog-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

➤ To create a CFormView-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

➤ To create a CView-based application in Visual C++ 5.0 or 6.0:

Adding the First Impression Component to Your Project

Adding the Component to Your Dialog or CFormView

Assigning Member Variables

➤ To assign member variables (for CForm or Dialog-based Applications):

Adding the First Impression Component to Your CView

3. In the Attributes section, as a public member, add the following to create

Change this to the following:

Working With Top-Level Properties and Methods in Visual C++

Accessing First Impression Sub-Objects

//sets the minimum y-axis scale to -10

Handling Events in Your Dialog or CFormView

Handling Events in Your CView

Setting Properties of a Control on a Dialog or a CFormView

➤ To set properties for a control on a dialog or a CFormView:

Setting Properties of a Control on a CView

Handling Printing and Previewing

Serializing the Chart Control

Connecting to a Database With Visual C++

Adding the Remote Data Control to Your Project

where tablename should be the name of the table in the database.

Getting Started in PowerBuilder

Providing Data to the First Impression Control

OLE 2 Presentation Method

➤ To configure the ODBC:

➤ To set the database profile:

5. Choose ODBC in the DBMS field.

Creating an Application via an Application Template

Adding the ActiveX Control to the PowerBuilder

5. Click OK, and then the QuickSelect dialog box appears.

Connecting the DataWindow Object

Creating a Transaction Object for the Application Open

dw_1 represents the DataWindow object; supply the name of your