Editing charts can be risky: make a color change, hate it, make another change, lose track of original settings, end up with a chart worse than where you started. Mini preview in Operator10 chart properties solves this by showing a separate preview chart while you experiment, so you can test changes freely without affecting the original until you’re ready to commit.
Why use mini preview?
When you open chart properties in Operator10, a smaller version of your chart appears in the properties window. This mini preview updates in real-time as you adjust settings—change series colors, add constant lines, switch palettes, modify titles. The preview shows exactly how those changes will look, but the main chart in the background remains unchanged until you click Finish. This lets you experiment without fear of ruining a working chart.
How mini preview works
Open a chart and click Properties. The properties dialog opens with sections listed on the left (General, Appearance, Series, etc.). In the center-right area, you’ll see a smaller version of your chart—this is the mini preview. As you click through property sections and adjust settings, the preview updates instantly. Click a different palette? Preview changes colors. Add a constant line? Preview shows it. The main chart behind the properties window stays frozen until you decide to apply changes.
Test multiple settings before committing
Let’s say you want to change your chart from a line graph to a bar chart, apply a new palette, and add an average line—but you’re not sure if all three changes will look good together. With mini preview, you make all three adjustments, see the combined result in the preview, and decide if you like it. If yes, click Finish and the main chart updates. If no, click Cancel and the main chart stays exactly as it was before you opened properties.
Preview shows real data
The mini preview isn’t a generic placeholder—it uses your actual chart data. If your chart shows influent and effluent BOD over 30 days, the preview displays those same values. This accuracy is critical when testing formula changes (daily interpolated vs hourly average) or constant line calculations (average vs maximum). You see real results, not abstract examples, so you know immediately if a change works with your data.
Avoid accidental overwrites
Without mini preview, changing chart settings would immediately overwrite the saved chart. If you made a mistake or didn’t like the result, you’d have to manually undo multiple changes or reload the chart from scratch. Mini previewcreates a sandbox: test freely, see results, commit only when satisfied. The main chart is protected until you explicitly finish.
Useful for training new users
When training operators or lab staff on chart customization, mini preview reduces anxiety about “breaking” charts. New users can click through all property sections, try different palettes, add lines, change formulas—all while the original chart remains safe. They learn by experimentation without risk. Once comfortable, they click Finish to apply changes for real.
Compare before-and-after
If your monitor or screen layout permits, position the properties window so both the mini preview and the main chart in the background are visible simultaneously. This side-by-side comparison shows before (main chart) and after (preview) at the same time, making it easier to decide if changes improve readability, aesthetics, or data presentation. If the preview looks worse, cancel immediately without guessing.
Properties guide at the bottom
The mini preview is paired with a tutorial guide at the bottom of the properties window (visible by default the first time you open properties). This guide walks through each property section step-by-step. As you follow the guide and make adjustments, the mini preview updates to show the effect of each step, reinforcing learning through immediate visual feedback.
Click Finish to commit changes
After testing changes in the mini preview and confirming they look correct, click Finish at the bottom of the properties window. Operator10 applies all changes to the main chart, saves the updated configuration, and closes the properties dialog. The chart now displays with your new settings. Click Save in the main chart window to write changes to the database permanently.
Cancel reverts all changes
If you experiment in the mini preview and decide you don’t like any of the changes, click Cancel instead of Finish. The properties window closes, and the main chart reverts to its state before you opened properties. All adjustments you made in the preview are discarded—no cleanup required. This makes mini preview a true zero-risk experimentation environment.
Why this feature reduces errors
Chart customization involves dozens of settings: colors, formulas, lines, labels, legends. Changing them blindly and hoping for the best leads to mistakes. Mini preview turns guesswork into informed decisions by showing exact results before committing. Fewer errors, less rework, faster chart creation.
Next Steps: Master Operator10 chart customization with confidence →
