Graph Updating
Up-to-the-Minute and Accurate in Less Time
We all seem to have a few graphs or control charts that we create over and over again. Repeating these tasks over and over again is time consuming, and can lead to errors. With Minitab's graph updating, you can watch a single chart evolve over time as new data are added to the worksheet, rather than re-create countless charts by hand. And because data entry errors often seem to go unnoticed until after you've created your graph, Minitab graph updating allows you make corrections to the worksheet and then corrects the graphs for you. Graph updating is a great way to save time in your next Minitab session without writing complex macros and without sacrificing accuracy.
| Stay Current When up-to-the-minute graphs and charts are critical, Minitab's graph updating ensures that your graphs and charts always represent the most current data available. |  |
| Stay Accurate Mistakes happen. But luckily, spotting an error in a worksheet doesn't mean re-creating complex graphs. When you correct errors in the worksheet, graphs correct themselves accordingly. |  |
| Save Time Graphs and charts that must be constructed every week or every day when new data are recorded can re-create themselves, saving you time and eliminating the chance of error. |  |
A Signal to Update
There's no trick to knowing when a graph is out-of-date. Each Minitab graph is linked to the worksheet that was used to create it. If a worksheet changes, all of the graphs linked to it signal you with an icon in the upper left corner of the graph. This way, you know at a glance if your graph is current. |  |
Standard Updating Icons
Graph updating is only available with graphs made from the Graphs menu, and with control charts. In these cases, you encounter these three icons:
 Green | The graph is up to date. |
 Yellow | The worksheet has changed and the graph is now out of date. |
 Red | The worksheet has changed in a way that prevents the graph from updating. Causes include unequal column lengths and unacceptable data values. You must resolve the problem before the graph can update. |
Special Icons When Updating Isn't Available
Even in cases where graph updating isn't available, Minitab still displays icons to let you know whether your graph is up to date.
 Green | The graph is up to date. However, it cannot be updated if it becomes out of date. |
 White | The graph is out of date and cannot be updated. This situation might occur because the graph isn't from the Graph or control chart menu, or because the variables used to create the graph have been moved or deleted. |
Updating, Four Ways
So how does graph updating work? Minitab offers a number of simple updating options. You can choose to update your graphs manually or automatically, individually or all at once.
Manual Updates
Consider manual updates if you want to save a copy of a graph before updating it, or if you're concerned that your worksheet may be altered in error.
To manually update an individual graph:
- Right-click the graph and choose Update Graph Now.
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To manually update all out-of-date graphs:
- Choose Editor > Update > Update All Graphs Now.
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Automatic Updates
Consider this option to make updates even faster. Your graphs update themselves instantly whenever the worksheet changes.
To automatically update an individual graph:
- Right-click the graph and choose Update Graph Automatically.
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To update all graphs automatically:
- Choose Tools > Options > Graphics > Other Graphics Options.
- Check On creation, set graph to update automatically when data change.
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Putting Graph Updating to Use
Just because you've added new data to your worksheet doesn't mean you have to re-create all of your graphs from scratch. Minitab's graph updating feature can remedy this common situation in just a few clicks, and eliminates the errors and wasted time associated with re-creating such graphs by hand. (Those with ODBC connectivity can make use of graph updating to even greater effect. See Minitab Help for details.) Whether you use it to automate your most frequently created graphs, or just to correct the occasional worksheet error, graph updating can help you save time intelligently each time you use Minitab.