Using Pivot Properties Controls for Graphs in OnePager for Version 8.0
Introduction
Illustrations used in this article are from OnePager Pro Add-in and Standalone using data from Microsoft Project, however, Graphs & Data Cells features, functions, controls, and editing apply equally to other OnePager Add-in and Standalone editions that import from data sources like Microsoft Excel, Smartsheet, Oracle Primavera P6, Planisware Enterprise, Asana, and Wrike. At present Microsoft Project for the Web (Planner) source plans do not provide time-series data that can be processed and displayed by the Graphs & Data Cells feature of OnePager.
This article and the articles linked from here describe OnePager’s Graphs & Data Cells feature which provides the capabilities to show graphs of time-series data (e.g., Cost data) in graphic forms along with your Gantt/Timeline Charts. Additionally, the Graphs & Data Cells feature also provides the capability to show time-series data (e.g., cost data) imported from your source plan in tabular forms.
The purpose of this article is to provide a complete discussion on the use of Vertical and Horizontal Pivoting forms available for the creation of Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted Graphs. The Overview discussion below is a primer for this article.
Overview
Graphs produced by OnePager can be Pivoted in two different orientations: Vertically and Horizontally. Further, OnePager support five Graphs as listed below:
- Area
- Column
- Line
- Smooth Line
- Smooth Area
Examples of these Graphs can be found at the links in the table below:
Pivoted Graphs
OnePager has the capability to help you create Pivoted Graphs where another imported field is used as the basis of the Pivoting operation. OnePager supports Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted Graphs for the Graph types shown in the table below:
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Preparing Source Plan Data for Vertical or Horizontal Pivoting
It is important to understand how OnePager gathers the information from your source plan in order to create a Vertically or Horizontally Pivoted Graph in the configurations shown in the above table. This sub-section details the gathering process.
Caution 1 – Selecting Pivot Fields Where There Are Unwanted/Irrelevant Values
When you set up the controls in the Graph ‘’Vertical’’ or ‘’Horizontal’’ Pivoting – Panel #n, Series x form and click the OK button on the form, OnePager uses the field (column) you selected in the form’s dropdown list to return to the source plan and build one Conditional Formatting Rule for EVERY unique value found in the source plan for the selected Pivoting field (column).
As a result, and depending on the selected Pivoting field’s type and the extent that it is populated in the source plan, OnePager may create a large set of Conditional Formatting Rules in the form’s grid. We recommend that the grid in the Graph “Vertical” or “Horizontal” Pivoting – Panel #n, Series x form be carefully reviewed so that entries that are not necessary for the specific goals and objectives of your Chart are turned OFF before the Pivoting operation is started. That is before you click the OK button on the completed Graph “Vertical” or “Horizontal” Pivoting – Panel #n, Series x form.
Caution 2 – Selecting Pivot Fields Where Values are Unconstrained
To emphasize this further, we recommend that fields (columns) selected for Pivoting be chosen where there are a relatively small number of unique values, say a handful, which become used and displayed in the Pivoted Graph Panels. For example, recommended choices are fields such as those related to Resources (names or groups) and most Text fields where the number of individual unique contents are constrained. Poor choices, in our opinion, include any Date fields, Percent Complete fields, or Numeric fields where the contents may be unlimited.
Supported Combinations – Multiple Series
Where multiple series are used in a Panel, you have the capability to further Pivoted Graphs using the Combined Series control group which is enabled whenever two or more Series have Horizontally or Vertically Pivoted.
You can also create up to three (3) Graphs in a single Panel. This can be done using the methods described from creating multiple Graphs in multiple Panels. However, when creating multiple Graphs within a single Panel, please be aware that if you use the same Cost Field for two or more of the Series in the single Panel and the Graphs option are the same, one of the Graphs may be obscured and you may not achieve the visual representation desired for your schedule conversation.
Additionally, we do NOT recommend using different X-Axis units in Graph mode Panels as OnePager supports only one X-Axis per Panel.
Unsupported Combinations – Multiple Series
OnePager does not support the situation in a Graph mode Panel where there are two or more Column Graphs using different Pivoting options. For example, OnePager provides a Warning Message when an attempt is made to Stack Vertically a Vertically Pivoted Column Graph in Panel #1, Series A and a Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph in Panel #1, Series B. When this is attempted, OnePager issues the Warning Message shown below within the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab for the offending Panel:
-03092026.png)
As stated in the Warning Message, corrective actions include (1) changing the Combine Series radio button to Splay Horizontally or (2) switch the Horizontally Pivoted Series to Vertically Pivoted.
In a similar manner, OnePager does not support two or more Horizontally Pivoted Column Graphs in the same Panel Stacked Vertically. The Warning Message is provided when OnePager detects this situation.
Organization
This article focuses on the Vertical and Horizontal Pivoting forms that are access primarily from the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab when the Display as option for a Series is in Graph mode. All Graph types available can be Vertically Pivoted but only the Column Graph type may be Horizontally Pivoted.
This article provides two examples that show each step in the process of Pivoting and explains the available editing options for the Vertical and Horizontal Pivoting forms. In each, the Column Graph type is used in the illustrations based on the BlueGrass source plan commonly used in this Wiki.
Using Vertical Pivoting – Example 1 – Column Graph
In this example of Vertical Pivoting, the Column Graph type is used in the context of the BlueGrass project source plan and Vertical Pivoting of the Cost values is based on the Resource Names field populated in the source plan. Additionally, the example Chart is enhanced with two text columns: (1) Resource Names and (2) Cost. The basic starting point is the OnePager Chart shown below:
-02042026.png)
Using the Chart shown above, the exercise is to create a Vertically Pivoted Column Graph of Cost shown Vertically Pivoted by Resource Names.
Chart Properties Form’s Graphs/Data Cell Tab Settings
The first step is to access the Chart Properties form through the OnePager Home tool bar tab and navigate to the Graphs/Data Cells tab as shown below:
-03092026.png)
For the purpose of this example, set up Panel #1 by clicking the Display as checkbox ON and assure that the Graph option is set in the adjacent window. No other settings are required at this point. OnePager automatically checks the Series A checkbox ON and Series A is enabled and the form looks like this:
-03092026.png)
Since we want to display a Column Graph, click the Graph type dropdown and select the Column option. When that is done, the form is updated to look like this:
-04142026.png)
At this point in the process you have the option to click on the Series Style dropdown to access the Standard OnePager Color Chooser as shown here:
-03092026.png)
For the purpose of this example, no change is made to the Color setting in the Series Style dropdown window.
Graph Vertical Pivoting Properties – Panel #1, Series A Form Settings
The next step is to click the Pivot Series A button to access the basic Vertical/Horizontal Pivoting form shown in the illustration below where the Pivot Series A button is clicked:
-03092026.png)
The first appearance of the sub-form above is always with the Vertical Pivot tab selected because the Graph type previously selected in the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab was the Column Graph which can be both Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted. In this example, the selected Column Graph is going to be Vertically Pivoted.
The process continues by checking the Pivot vertically with field checkbox to ON which enables the dropdown window below the checkbox:
-02042026.png)
The form’s dropdown window, now enabled, can be clicked to reveal the Vertical Pivot fields available as shown below:
-02042026.png)
Populated Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form Results
Using the above Pivot vertically with field dropdown list, Resource Names is selected and when this is done OnePager uses this action to go back to the BlueGrass source plan and pull in the required data to create the Conditional Formatting Rules that are used to construct the Vertically Pivoted Column Graph of Cost based on Resource Names. This action takes place automatically and is quite fast. The results are shown below:
-02042026.png)
At this step in the process, the Graph Vertically Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form is complete and ready to be applied to the Chart to create the requested Panel and Series. However, at this point, the form is also available for editing, a subject taken up later.
Creating the Vertically Pivoted Column Graph in the Chart
Without editing the form, clicking the OK button is the next step toward creating a Vertically Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Vertically Pivoted on the Resource Names source plan field. Clicking the OK button closes the form and enables the OK and Apply buttons on the Chart Properties form as shown here:
-03092026.png)
Clicking the Apply button or the OK button applies the defined Vertically Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Vertically Pivoted by the Resource Names source plan field to the Chart to create the Graph area for Panel #1 containing Series A as shown here:
-02042026.png)
Editing Options for the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form
Once the Chart with the Graph Area shown above containing a Vertically Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Pivoted by the Resource Names field is created, you can re-access the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form and edit the Conditional Formatting rules to adjust the Column Graph as needed to support your schedule conversation.
The accessed form is shown below:
-02062026.png)
Each of the numbered section of the form shown above is available to be edited as discussed below for each below:
- 1) Vertical/Horizontal Pivot tab: For the selected Column Graph you have the option to Pivot it either Vertically, as shown above, or Horizontally subject to the restrictions covered in the Overview section above.
- 2) Pivot vertically with field check box: Checking this checkbox ON enables the field selection dropdown list.
- 3) On column: When a cell is checked ON in this column, the Conditional Formatting Rule is applied to the Graph. Unchecking a cell in this column turns OFF the application of the Conditional Formatting Rule.
- 4) Editable grid columns: The Operator, Value, Graph Series Style, Legend Text, and Priority columns may be edited.
- 5) Rule management buttons: The Add Rule, Copy Rule, and Delete Rule(s): The three buttons operate on selected grid rows when selected by clicking the desired cell in the left most column of the grid (the On column in the grid).
In the illustration above, the Resource Names field is selected from the dropdown list. When the selection is made, OnePager populates the grid area with grid rows for each option available for the Resource Names field. Accordingly, once the Conditional Formatting Rules are added to the form, the Pivot Field column is no longer editable.
For more information on editing Conditional Formatting Rules, please see the articles in the series listed in the table below:
| Conditional Formatting (Portal) |
| Conditional Formatting Rules for Horizontal & Vertical Pivoted Graphs |
Enhancing the Graph – Y-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders
Going back to the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab’s Graph Elements control group, you have the option to enhance the Graph area with edits to the Y-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders. Since the Graph Area in this discussion is Vertically Pivoted the X-Axis Properties controls are disabled.
For more information on the Graph Elements control group and its controls, please see the articles in listed in the table below:
Using Horizontal Pivoting – Example 2 – Column Graph
In this second example for Horizontal Pivoting, the Column Graph is used in the context of the BlueGrass project source plan and Horizontal Pivoting is based on the Resource Names field populated in the source plan. The Cost field is used as the basis of the Graphing exercise. Additionally, the example Chart is enhanced with two text columns: (1) Resource Names and (2) Cost. The basic starting point is the OnePager Chart shown below:
Using the Chart shown above, the exercise is to create a Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph of Cost shown Horizontal Pivoted by Resource Names.
Chart Properties Form’s Graphs/Data Cell Tab Settings
The first step is to access the Chart Properties form through the OnePager Home tool bar tab and navigate to the Graphs/Data Cells tab as shown below:
For the purpose of this example, set up Panel #1 by clicking the Display as checkbox ON and assure that the Graph option is set in the adjacent window. No other settings are required at this point. OnePager automatically checks the Series A checkbox ON and Series A is enabled and the form looks like this:
Since we want to display a Column Graph, click the Graph type dropdown and select the Column option and when that is done, the form is updated to look like this:
At this point in the process, you have the option to click the Series Style dropdown to access the Standard OnePager Color Chooser form as shown here:
For the purpose of this example, no change is made to the Color setting in the Series Style dropdown window.
Graph Horizontal Pivoting Properties – Panel #1, Series A Form Settings
The next step is to click the Pivot Series A button to access the basic Vertical/Horizontal Pivoting form shown in the illustration below where the Pivot Series A button is clicked:
-02062026.png)
The first appearance of the sub-form above is always with the Vertical Pivot tab selected because the Graph type previously selected in the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab was the Column Graph which can be both Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted. In this example, the selected Column Graph type is going to be Horizontal Pivoted.
The process continues by checking the Pivot horizontally with field checkbox to ON which enables the dropdown window below the checkbox:
-02062026.png)
The form’s dropdown window, now enabled, can be clicked to reveal the available Horizontal Pivot fields available as shown below:
-02062026.png)
Populated Graph Horizontal Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form Results
Using the above Pivot vertically with field dropdown list, Resource Names is selected. When this is done OnePager uses this action to go back to the BlueGrass source plan and pull in the required data to create the Conditional Formatting Rules that are used to construct the Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph of Cost based on Resource Names. This action takes place automatically and is quite fast. The results are shown below:
-02062026.png)
At this step in the process, the Graph Horizontally Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form is complete and ready to be applied to the Chart to create the requested Panel and Series. However, at this point, the form is also available for editing, a subject taken up later.
Creating the Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph in the Chart
Without editing the form, clicking the OK button is the next step toward creating a Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Horizontally Pivoted on the Resource Names source plan field. Clicking the OK button closes the form and enables the OK and Apply buttons on the Chart Properties form as shown here:
Clicking the Apply button or the OK button applies the defined Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Horizontally Pivoted by the Resource Names source plan field to the Chart to create the Graph area for Panel #1 containing the Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph as shown here:
-02062026.png)
Editing Options for the Graph Horizontal Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form
Once the Chart with the Graph area shown above containing a Horizontally Pivoted Column Graph of Cost Pivoted by the Resource Names field, you can re-access the Graph Horizontal Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form and edit the Conditional Formatting Rules to adjust the Column Graph as needed to support your schedule conversation.
Please use the link below to access the discussion of editing the grid in the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form which applies equally to editing the Graph Horizontal Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form:
| Editing Options for the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form |
Enhancing the Graph – Y-Axis, X-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders
Going back to the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab’s Graph Elements control group, you have the option to enhance the Graph Area with edits to the Y-Axis, X-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders.
For more information on the Graph Elements control group and its controls, please see the articles in listed in the table below:
Using Vertical Pivoting – Example 3 – Line Graphs, Area Graphs, Smooth Line Graphs, Smooth Area Graphs
The two previous examples covered Column Graphs because Column Graphs can be both Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted. The procedure for Vertically Pivoting the other available Graph types including Line Graphs, Area Graphs, Smooth Line Graphs, and Smooth Area Graphs are the same differing only in that there is only a Vertical tab on the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #n, Series x form as shown in the example below:
-03092026.png)
Vertical Pivoting Example 3 – Line Graph Type
Assuming, for the purpose of this example, that the Line Graph is going to be Vertically Pivoted based on the source plan’s Resource Names field, the expanded Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form looks like this:
-02062026.png)
When these setting are applied through the Chart Properties form, the Graph area and the Chart look like this:
-02062026.png)
Vertical Pivoting Example 3 – Area Graph Type
You can easily change the Graph type and this is illustrated below where the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab is accessed and the Graph Type is changed to the Area:
-03092026.png)
Vertical Pivoting Example 3 – Smooth Line Graph Type
You have the option to edit the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form to alter the Color assignments or to change the logic of the Conditional Formatting Rules. You can easily change the Graph type and this is illustrated below where the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab is accessed and the Graph type is changed to the Smooth Line:
-03092026.png)
Vertical Pivoting Example 3 – Smooth Area Graph Type
You can also easily change the Graph type once more as illustrated below where the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab is accessed and the Graph Type is changed to the Smooth Area:
-03092026.png)
Editing Options for Vertically Pivoted Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs
The options for editing Vertically Pivoted Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs is available as discussed in previous sections by accessing the Graph’s Vertical Pivoting – Panel #n, Series x form.
Please use the link below to access the discussion of editing the grid in the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A form which applies equally to editing Vertically Pivoted Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs:
| Editing Options for the Graph Vertical Pivoting – Panel #1, Series A Form |
Enhancing Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs – Y-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders
Going back to the Chart Properties form’s Graphs/Data Cells tab’s Graph Elements control group, you have the option to enhance the Graph Area with edits to the Y-Axis, Graph Legend, and Borders for Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs.
For more information on the Graph Elements control group and its controls, please see the articles in listed in the table below:
General Cautions
Vertically Pivoting Multiple Graphs in a Single Panel
Although some of the Graph areas shown in this article contain Vertically Pivoted Column, Area, and Line Graphs for both Series A and B, these configurations are not recommended because they may become difficult to distinguish in the single Panel and may not meet your schedule conversation goals and objectives.
Horizontally Pivoting Multiple Graphs in a Single Panel
Likewise, although the Graph Areas shown in this article contain Horizontally Pivoted Column Graphs for Series A and B, these configurations are not recommended because they may become difficult to distinguish in the single Panel and may not meet your schedule conversation goals and objectives.
Summary
This article focuses on creating and editing Vertically and Horizontally Pivoted Graphs specifically the controls available in the Graph Vertical/Horizontal Pivoting forms for Panels and Series. Special attention is provided to caution customers from attempting to construct two or more Column Graphs in a Panel where they differ between Vertical and Horizontal Pivots – this configuration is not supported by OnePager. Two example sets are provided to show Vertical and Horizontal Pivoting for Column Graphs and a third example set is provided to demonstrate Vertical Pivoting for Line, Area, Smooth Line, and Smooth Area Graphs.
Related Links
Links to Detailed Articles on Creating and Editing Graphs & Data Cells
The articles listed in the tables below provide detailed information on how to create and edit graphs & data cells using the OnePager Chart Editor. Illustrations use OnePager Pro, but the features’ work the same in OnePager Express and OnePager Bundle.
Links to Feature Overviews
| Cost and Work Graphs | Data Cells | Pivoted Graphs |
Links to Introductory Graphs & Data Cells Articles
| Getting Started (Portal) | Using Graphs & Data Cells in OnePager |
Links to Detailed Graphs & Data Cell Articles
Links to Articles Supporting the Graphs & Data Cells Feature
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