After you acquire or generate data, use a graph or a chart to display data in a graphical form.

Graphs and charts differ in the way they display and update data.

  • VIs with a graph usually collect the data in an array and then plot the data to the graph. This process is similar to a spreadsheet that first stores the data then generates a plot of it. When the data is plotted, the graph discards the previously plotted data and displays only the new data.

    You typically use a graph with fast processes that acquire data continuously.

  • In contrast, a chart appends new data points to those points already in the display to create a history. On a chart, you can see the current reading or measurement in context with data previously acquired. When more data points are added than can be displayed on the chart, the chart scrolls so that new points are added to the right side of the chart while old points disappear to the left.

    You typically use a chart with slow processes in which only a few data points per second are added to the plot.