topic Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots in Discussions

Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

babn — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:38:12 GMT

Hi All,

I am submitting this again because the response I initially accepted didn't actually solve the problem. My problem is that when I create a graph in graph builder with continuous data in the Y and the X axis, and use one categorical in the Overlay, I get continuous lines. But as soon as I put a second categorical in "Color," the lines change to dotted, etc even though the line style shows an uninterrupted line. This didn't use to happen, and I don't know why it is happening now. I tried changing the Overlay encoding to color but while that gives me continuous lines, it changes the markers to identical dots.

I am attaching a sample file from the JMP help index to which I saved the script for a couple of graphs that show what I mean.

Any help with this issue is much appreciated!

Barbara

Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

christian-z — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:48:06 GMT

Hi Barbara,

What you are describing sounds like the correct function to me. The Overlay Variable encodes the Style of the Lines and Markers. Could you clarify what your desired result is? Thank you for including the sample dataset; could you give a bit more context about what the example graphs are aiming to communicate?

If you do not wanted dotted lines: have you tried setting overlay encoding to None? Now only the Color variable will affect the appearance of the lines and markers.

If your concern is that the legend doesn't match the graph: you can edit the legend to show the missing dotted line entries by double-clicking on the legend.

Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

hogi — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:24:07 GMT

link to previous post:

Overlay encoding:

Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

babn — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:33:04 GMT

Hi Christian,

I also submitted this problem to JMP support. I turns out that under Preferences - Platforms - Graph Builder, I had to set the Overlay Auto Line Style Limit to 1. If I run into this problem again or find that this setting causes other problems, I will try setting the Overlay Encoding to None.

Thanks,

Barbara

Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

hogi — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:26:24 GMT

Thanks @babn & JMP support for this super cool trick.

Nevertheless:
Please be aware that it's dangerous to change settings in the preferences!
If several colleagues in a company use JMP, or if you install JMP on more than one computer you will run into unexpected issues:

To avoid different plots on different computers, everyone/every computer in the company must (!) share the same settings in the preferences.

Re: Graph builder problem with lines, markers, and dots

hogi — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:24:40 GMT

On the other hand:
Overlay with same line style : sounds familiar - here are some related topics:

"jump-back-lines" in line plots - and the wish for an easy option to remove them:
-> issue will be fixed in a future version of JMP:
https://community.jmp.com/t5/JMP-Wish-List/Graph-Builder-Line-possibility-to-add-breaks/idc-p/921029/highlight/true#M8150
Do you know
it looks so innocent! Very surprising how complicated it is to create the plot in Graph Builder!
If it's your Job to create such plots, you wish there was an easier way - some

And a bit off-topic: