Overview
Analytics is one of the two sections inside the Chart Designer. Where Visualization renders data into chart shapes, Analytics computes on the data — overlaying reference lines and conditional formatting (Metrics) and producing statistical and machine-learning outputs (Analysis). The Analytics tab exposes two families of capabilities; this page is the orientation to both.
Analytics is accessed by switching to the Analytics tab inside the Chart Designer. The tab shares the same data context as Visualization — the Datasource, Dimensions, Measures, and Filters configured on the Chart all apply. Switching tabs does not redefine the data; it changes what the active tab does with it.
When to use it
- A Chart needs benchmark lines (minimum, maximum, average, threshold) overlaid on its data — use Metrics.
- A Chart’s data needs a statistical summary, distribution analysis, or correlation calculation — use Analysis.
- A Chart needs predictive output — clustering, regression, classification, or time-series forecasting — use Analysis (model-building flows).
- A Chart needs conditional formatting on values (e.g., highlight cells that exceed a target) — use Metrics (Threshold).
- Multiple analytical capabilities should be combined on one Chart — Metrics and Analysis can coexist.
Families
Analytics is organized into two families. Each family contains multiple capabilities; the dedicated PD pages document each capability in full.
| Metrics | Visual overlays on top of the Chart’s existing rendering. Reference lines marking statistical positions, or conditional formatting on values that match a criterion. | Minimum Line, Maximum Line, Average Line, Constant Line, Linear Line, Median Line, Threshold. |
| Analysis | Computational outputs against the data behind the Chart. Statistical summaries, distributions, correlations, fitted models, forecasts. | Summary, Box Plot, Correlation, Histogram, Cluster, Regression, Classification, Time Series Forecasting. |
Distinguishing Metrics from Analysis
| Does it change the data? | No — overlays only. | Yes — produces computational output that may replace or augment the chart’s content. |
| Does it need configuration? | Yes — each metric type has its own field set (Measure, Label, Line Style, Color, etc.). See the Metrics PD page. | Yes — varies by analysis type. Three (Cluster, Regression, Classification) follow a Build Model pattern with algorithm choice. |
| Where does the result appear? | Visually on the Chart as a line, color, or formatted cell. | In the Chart preview — as a summary, distribution, correlation matrix, cluster scatter, fitted model, or forecast line. |
| Can it be combined with the other family? | Yes. | Yes. |
Key behaviors
Two families, shared data context. Metrics and Analysis share the Workbook’s Data Model, Dimensions, Measures, and Filters with each other and with Visualization. A Designer can switch among the three (Visualization / Metrics / Analysis) without redefining the data — what changes is what the active section does with it.
Combinable on a single Chart. Metrics and Analysis are independent capabilities and can apply to the same Chart simultaneously. A histogram from Analysis plus an Average Line from Metrics is a typical combination — the histogram shows distribution, the line marks the mean.
Chart-type compatibility varies. Not every Metric or Analysis type works on every chart type. Threshold works on tables but not on bar charts, for example. Each capability’s PD page documents its chart-type support; the full compatibility matrix is.
Saved with the Chart. Metrics overlays and Analysis configurations are saved with the Chart and apply wherever the Chart is rendered.