Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium are provided for applying a global formatting scheme to a chart in an electronic document. According to a system, a chart application program receives a selection of a chart object in the electronic document and a document theme. The document theme includes a combination of formatting schemes including a color scheme, a font scheme, and a style matrix. The chart application program then automatically applies the selected document theme to the selected chart object in the electronic document. In applying the selected document theme to the selected chart object, the chart application program automatically updates a number of properties of the chart object including color, font, line, effect, and fill.

Abstract: An algorithm is provided for optimizing the layout of labels associated with a visual data object such as a chart. The labels are first placed into a chart definition file that defines the labels as a shape. An initial layout of the labels is created and scored. The shapes are then manipulated iteratively until an optimal layout of the labels is obtained that corresponds to the layout having the score closest to an optimal score. The optimal layout is then used in rendering the visual data object on a screen.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that enhance chart customization. As one non-limiting example, a chart style reader reads the settings associated with available chart styles from one or more style files. A chart layout reader reads the settings associated with available chart layouts from one or more layout files. The chart style and layout files can be custom-defined by a user, and/or can be system-defined (built-in). Menu options can be displayed in the user interface to allow a user to select a particular chart style and/or layout. When the user selects a particular chart style and/or layout, the settings stored in the file are applied to a chart in the document by a chart object renderer.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that enhance the creation of charts. The number of steps it takes to fine-tune a chart can be reduced by providing various element variation layouts that the user can select, such as with a single selection on a toolbar. When the user selects a chart element layout for a given chart, the system performs one or more steps to format the chart with the selected elements. For example, the system removes elements that are not shown in the selected variation but that are currently on the chart. The system adds elements shown in the selected variation that are not currently on the chart. The system selectively leaves elements shown in the variation that are already on the chart unchanged. The system adjusts the location of elements to look like the selected variation.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium are provided for applying a global formatting scheme to a chart in an electronic document. According to a system, a chart application program receives a selection of a chart object in the electronic document and a document theme. The document theme includes a combination of formatting schemes including a color scheme, a font scheme, and a style matrix. The chart application program then automatically applies the selected document theme to the selected chart object in the electronic document. In applying the selected document theme to the selected chart object, the chart application program automatically updates a number of properties of the chart object including color, font, line, effect, and fill.

Abstract: An algorithm is provided for optimizing the layout of labels associated with a visual data object such as a chart. The labels are first placed into a chart definition file that defines the labels as a shape. An initial layout of the labels is created and scored. The shapes are then manipulated iteratively until an optimal layout of the labels is obtained that corresponds to the layout having the score closest to an optimal score. The optimal layout is then used in rendering the visual data object on a screen.