How to Set Up Graph Properties

Configure and Customize Charts for Any Synoptix Report

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Introduction

Synoptix makes it easy to turn report data into meaningful visualizations. From single-value gauges and thermometers to multi-series bar, line, and pie charts, our flexible graphing tools allow you to create a wide range of visualizations that can be used throughout your dashboards and reports.

In this guide, you'll learn how to:

• Define your data range
• Enable supported chart types
• Configure display settings
• Customize chart behavior
• Prepare charts for dashboard deployment.

‍Whether you're creating a simple KPI indicator or a detailed analytical chart, we'll walk you through everything you need to build dynamic, dashboard-ready visualizations that bring your data to life.

1. Open Graph Properties

1. In the report designer, identify the output cell(s) you want to graph.
   
2. Click the gear icon (top right).
   
3. Select the Display Options tab.
   
   

Note: This tab contains all Graph Property settings, even though the name does not explicitly say “Graph.”

2. Define Your Output Data Range

In the Output Data Set section:

1. Enter the Begin Cell of your dataset.
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2. Enter the End Cell of your dataset.
   
   • For a single-cell graph, both values will be the same (e.g., E14 → E14).
     
   • For multi-cell graphs, select the full range (e.g., B12 → E18).
     

Important: Always verify the range manually. Synoptix sometimes auto-detects incorrectly, and the chart types available depend entirely on this selection.

3. Populate Available Chart Types

Click Populate Charts.

Synoptix will analyze your selected range and determine which chart types are compatible.

Examples:

• Single-cell selections typically allow:
  
  • Circle Gauge
    
  • Gauge
    
  • Thermometer
    
    
• Multi-cell selections unlock additional options:
  
  • Bar (vertical/horizontal)
    
  • Line
    
  • Area / Stacked Area
    
  • Pie, Donut Pie, 3D Pie
    
  • Data Grid
    

Note: Some specialized types, such as radar or scatter are not supported for standard datasets.

4. Enable All Chart Types

Click Select All Charts.

This ensures all chart types identified by Synoptix become available later in the Dashboard Designer.
There’s no downside to enabling everything—best practice is to always turn them all on.

5. Set Default Display Properties

These settings apply to every chart type unless overridden within a specific chart configuration.

You may configure:

Title

• Appears above each chart.
  
• The same title is applied across all formats you enable.
  

Color Theme

• Determines the default color scheme for charts.
  
• Available themes vary by chart type.
  

Font

• Affects the chart title and certain chart labels.
  

Background Color

• Applies to supported chart types.
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These defaults give your charts a consistent appearance before you fine-tune individual formats.

6. Configure Each Chart Type (Left to Right)

After setting your defaults, configure the available chart types one at a time.

Each format includes its own set of properties, such as:

Gauges (Circle, Gauge, Thermometer)

Ranges

Define the color zones for performance thresholds.
Example:

• 0–30% = green
  
• 30–79% = yellow
  
• 80–100% = red
  

Font Size

Controls the numeric label size inside the gauge.

Orientation (Thermometer)

• Vertical or horizontal
  
• Horizontal thermometers require a smaller font size (generally 50 or lower) to avoid clipping.
  

Min/Max Values (Gauge)

Set measurement scale (e.g., 0–100).

Bar / Line / Area Charts

(Available only when using multi-cell ranges.)

You may configure:

• Axis labels
  
• Gridlines
  
• Stacked vs. unstacked variations
  
• Different line or fill formats depending on chart type
  
• Pie → Donut → 3D Pie options
  

Charts showing multiple series will always preview the first series by default.
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Note: Preview images in this window are static examples — they do not show your real data.

7. Save and Run (Required Step)

Before you can use any graph on a dashboard:

1. Click Save
   
2. Click Run, and choose a date
   

Running the report processes the dataset so that:

• Chart types become valid for dashboard use
  
• Real data appears when previewing chart results
  

If you attempt to add a graph to a dashboard before running the report, Synoptix will prompt you to run it first.

8. Your Graph Is Now Dashboard-Ready

After running the report:

• You can select any of the enabled chart types from the chart dropdown.
  
• Multi-cell graphs will correctly display their row/column labels (e.g., Housing, Tuition, Fees).
  
• Single-cell gauges will display the formatted number and any ranges you configured.