Create Multi-Axis Graphs with a Secondary X or Y Axis in Grapher

Transform your data into compelling visualizations with Grapher's multi-axis graphs. When working with datasets that have widely varying magnitudes or require multiple units, a single axis can obscure valuable insights. Grapher allows you to add multiple X or Y axis, enabling you to effectively separate data series with vastly different scales or display diverse units. This ensures your key findings are immediately clear. With the flexibility to incorporate multiple X and Y axes and even link them for precise, continued relative positioning, Grapher simplifies complex comparisons.

 

 

Topics covered in this article:

Add a new Y axis. Add a new X axis. Linking Axis

 

Add a new Y axis. [TOP]

If your data requires a different vertical scale than your primary Y-axis, especially when dealing with vastly different units or magnitudes, Grapher makes it easy to incorporate a secondary Y-axis. This allows you to visualize multiple sets of vertical data side-by-side for enhanced comparison. First create or open your graph with the first set of X and Y axis, then proceed with the following steps to add an extra Y axis to your graph.

1. Click anywhere on the graph to select it.
2. Click theGraph Tools | Add to Graph | Axis | Y Axis command.
3. In the Position Y Axis 2 dialog, set the location for the new Y axis.

   1. If you want the new Y axis to the right of the existing graph

      Select the radio button At the right end of ...
      In the drop down select, X Axis 1
      Check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those to the right of the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK.
      The new Y axis is created to the right of the existing graph.

   2. If you want the new Y axis to the left of the existing Y Axis

      Select the radio button At data value of ...
      For the value, estimate the approximate X location that you want the new Y axis to be located.
      If desired, check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those to the right of the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK
      The new Y axis is placed to the left of the existing Y axis.

   3. If you want the new Y axis overlapping the existing Y axis

      Select the radio button At the left end of ...
      In the drop down select, X Axis 1
      If desired, check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those to the right of the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK and the axis is placed directly on top of the existing Y axis.
   4. For more detailed information on customized positioning, see the Position Axis help page.
4. Click on the Y Axis 2 to select it.
5. If desired, change the Y position, X position, or Length. Or, use the options on the Link Axis tab to link the axis to an existing axis.

Add a new X axis. [TOP]

Sometimes, your graph benefits from a different horizontal scale for specific data. Adding a second X-axis in Grapher provides the flexibility to display alternative horizontal measurements or timeframes alongside your primary axis. First create or open your graph with the first set of X and Y axis, then proceed with the following steps to add an extra X axis to your graph.

1. Click anywhere on the graph to select it.
2. Click the Graph Tools | Add to Graph | Axis | X Axis command.
3. In the Position X Axis 2 dialog, set the location for the new X axis.

   1. If you want the new X axis on top of the existing graph

      Select the radio button At the right end of ...
      In the drop down select, X Axis 1
      Check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those above the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK.
      The new X axis is created above the existing graph.

   2. If you want the new X axis below of the existing X Axis

      Select the radio button At data value of ...
      For the value, estimate the approximate X location that you want the new Y axis to be located.
      If desired, check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those to the right of the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK
      The new X axis is placed below the existing Y axis.

   3. If you want the new X axis overlapping the existing X axis

      Select the radio button At the left end of ...
      In the drop down select, X Axis 1
      If desired, check the Flip tick marks and labels to move those to the right of the axis.
      If desired, check the Disable tick marks to turn the tick marks off.
      If desired, check the Disable labels to turn the labels off.
      Click OK and the axis is placed directly on top of the existing Y axis.
   4. For more detailed information on customized positioning, see the Position Axis help page.
4. Click on the X Axis 2 to select it.
5. If desired, change the Y position, X position, or Length. Or, use the options on the Link Axis tab to link the axis to an existing axis.

Linking axis  [TOP]

The Link Axis feature in the Property Manager is incredibly powerful for synchronizing axis with different but related units. For example, displaying both Fahrenheit and Celsius on linked Y-axes, or calendar years alongside years since a program started on X-axes. This ensures that when you adjust one axis, all linked axes update automatically, maintaining precise relationships in your visualization.

First create or open your graph with two X or Y axes, then proceed with the following steps to link those axes.

1. Click anywhere on the graph to select it.
2. In the Object Manager select the new axis you want to link to the original.
3. In the Property Manager select the Link Axis tab.
4. In the Axes section, in the Link axis field, click the dropdown and select the axis you want it to be controlled by.
   1. For example Y Axis 1.
5. In the Limits/Spacing section check the Link axis scale, Link tick spacing, and the Link limits field.
6. If using mathematically related units in the different axes, such as temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius input the conversion equation into the Limits Y = F(X) field.
   1. For example (X-32)*(5/9) to convert Fahrenheit axis to a Celsius axis.