Adding a Secondary Linked Axis

Secondary axes are used to display different scales on the graph. In this example we will add a second Y axis to display temperature in degrees Celsius.

To add a linked axis:

  1. Click on the Graph 1 object in the Object Manager.

  2. Click the Graph Tools | Add to Graph | Axis | Y Axis command to add a second Y axis.

  3. In the Position Y Axis 2 dialog, check the Flip tick marks and labels check box.

  4. Click OK.

  5. Click the Link Axis tab in the Property Manager to link the new axis.

  6. In the Link axis field, click X Axis 1 and select Y Axis 1 from the list.

  7. Check the Link limits check box.

  8. In the Limits Y = F(X) = field, highlight the current text, type (X-32)*5/9, and press ENTER. The axis limits automatically update to apply the equation to the dependent axis limits. X in the equation refers to the controlling axis. So, the values have 32 subtracted from them and then they are multiplied by 5/9 to convert Fahrenheit values to Celsius values for the new dependent axis.

  9. We also want the axis to stay located in the same relative position when the graph moves. Check the boxes next to Link X position and Link Y position. Now, when any portion of the graph is moved, the axis will also move.

  10. Click the Line tab to open the Y Axis 2 line properties.

  11. In the Grid Line Properties section, clear the Major tick grid line option to remove the Y Axis 2 grid lines.

  12. Click the Ticks tab to open the Y Axis 2 tick mark properties.

  13. In the Major Ticks section, select the Show ticks on left option.

 

Now the secondary Y axis is displayed to the right of the graph with a degrees Celsius scale. When the graph is moved or the axis limits change, the Y Axis 2 automatically updates to stay in the same relative location and the same relative axis limits as Y Axis 1. Use the processes from the previous lessons to add an axis title, change the tick mark spacing, and move any overlapping labels if you desire.

 

Tick and label axis example

Add multiple axes to display alternate scales on the graph.

 

Back to Changing the Tick Labels

Next to Lesson 4 - Adding and Editing a Legend