Getting Started with Graphs and Charts
- Updated2026-03-31
- 2 minute(s) read
Graphs and charts display and update data differently. Understand the basics to get started with using and customizing graphs and charts in LabVIEW.
Use graphs when you want to display a complete set of data and subsequently export the graph. Graphs are best for fast processes that acquire data continuously.
Use charts when you want to collect and display the data simultaneously. Charts are best for slow processes that only plot a few data points per second.
Refer to What Is the Difference between Waveform Graphs and Waveform Charts in LabVIEW? on ni.com for more information about the differences between graphs and charts.
Use the following to get started with graphs and charts.
Choosing and Creating a Graph or Chart
Customizing Your Graph or Chart
Modifying the Plot Legend of a Graph or Chart
Navigating a Graph or Chart
Exporting and Clearing Graph or Chart Data
Related Information
- What Is the Difference between Waveform Graphs and Waveform Charts in LabVIEW?
- Types of Graphs and Charts
LabVIEW includes specific types of graphs and charts. Different types of data suit each type of visualization.
- Creating a Graph
VIs with a graph usually collect data in an array and then plot the data to the graph. This process is similar to a spreadsheet that stores the data and generates a plot.
- Creating a Chart
A chart appends new data points to those points already in the display to create a history. On a chart, you can see the present reading or measurement in context with data previously acquired.
- Configuring a Graph or Chart with the Shortcut Menu
You can access basic configuration options for graphs and charts by right-clicking the graph or chart and opening the shortcut menu.
- Customizing Graphs and Charts
Each graph and chart in LabVIEW includes many options that you can use to customize appearance, convey more information, or highlight specific data.
- Changing the Format and Precision of Graph and Chart Axes
Change the format of an axis to display a different numeric format or time format on the axis of a graph or chart. Change the precision to specify the number of digits the axis displays.
- Configuring the X-Axis and Y-Axis on a Graph or Chart
Understand the basic configuration options for the axes and scales of graphs and charts.
- Adding Custom Markers to X- and Y-Scales on a Graph or Chart
By default, LabVIEW automatically creates scale markers for graphs and charts. You can instead set your own markers on custom values you define along the scale.
- Adding Multiple Scales to Graphs or Charts
Use multiple scales on a graph or chart to accommodate plots that do not share a common x-scale or y-scale. Only certain types of graphs and charts support multiple scales.
- Adding a Plot to a Plot Legend
You can allocate a plot in the plot legend for data that LabVIEW will draw to the graph or chart, as well as customize the allocated plot.
- Setting the Number of Plots in a Plot Legend
You can specify the number of plots to show in a plot legend at run time.
- Scrolling through a Graph or Chart
You can add a scroll bar to the x-axis of a graph or chart to review data that previously appeared in the plot area.
- Zooming and Moving the View of a Graph or Chart
Use the graph palette of a graph or chart to zoom in and out on data and pan the view of the plots.
- Exporting Data and Images
You can export data from graphs, charts, tables, and arrays. You also can export an image of a graph, chart, or table.
- Clearing the Data on Graphs and Charts
You clear the data from a graph or chart by interacting with the graph or chart on the front panel or by creating code to clear the data in the conditions you specify.