What's new in Chart FX for Java 6.2

New Features

The majority of the new features enabled for Chart FX for Java 6.2 are related to data analysis. Some of the new features implemented include:

  • Smart Axis Labeling - Chart FX now allows you more control over your axes with improved axis labeling functionality.
  • Data Driven Labeling - Chart FX also offers more dynamic labeling based on data.
  • Conditional Attributes - Marker and Axis Labels attributes can now be changed automatically, based on a given condition. Simply setup your conditions at design time or code it as complex as you require.
  • Extended URL Linking Capabilities - The new version of Chart FX for Java will allow you to configure URL linking from each of the Legend and DataEditor entries.
  • Multiple Panes - Chart FX for Java 6.2 allows you to render multiple panes within the same chart. Now you can compare multiple unrelated entities which share a Y axis, all on the same chart.
  • Annotations: Add floating objects, arrows, comment, etc. in the charts.
  • Crosstab: The Crosstab Data Provider allows conversion of data from tabular to columnar format.
  • Polar Gallery: Add-On which allows to preate Polar charts by ploting polar coordinates.
  • Maps: Chart FX for Java Maps is a powerful way to integrate geographical maps into your applications

There are many new features that have been added to Chart FX for Java 6.2. Some of these implementations are enabled in by default, which makes the chart behave differently than the previous Chart FX for Java version.

Notable Changes for Developers

Highlight Feature
The first of these notable changes is the Highlighting feature. Chart FX now includes a highlighting feature which allows end users to hover over chart elements to highlight them in the chart. This feature is only available for .NET and ActiveX Charts, charts generated as images do not include this functionality.

Although this data analysis feature may be beneficial to many users, some developers may choose not to include this functionality. Using the Chart FX for Java API, developers can enable or disable highligthing, and also fully customize the highlighting actions.

Anti-Aliasing (ClearType detection)
Chart FX for Java 6.2 now by default uses the system settings of your computer to determine if you have ClearType enabled for your machine. With Windows XP, ClearType delivers improved font display resolution over traditional anti-aliasing. It improves readability on LCD monitors with a digital interface, such as those in laptops and high-quality flat panel desktop displays. Readability on CRT is also improved.

If you do not have ClearType enabled, the default behavior is to display text in the chart without utilizing any anti-aliasing features. If you wish to instruct your charts to use anti-aliasing and disregard the ClearType default, the SmoothFlags property may be used as follows:


chart1.setSmoothFlags(SmoothFlags.TEXT Or SmoothFlags.FILL Or SmoothFlags.BORDER);

New Palettes
Chart FX for .NET now in includes four new palettes:

  • Natural.Sky
  • Natural.Adventure
  • Mesa
  • Vivid

New Image Borders
Five additional ImageBorders have been included:

  • AQUA
  • BUTTERFLY
  • GEL
  • MUSEUM
  • PULSAR