topic Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group in Discussions

Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

anne_sa — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:21:18 GMT

Hello everybody,

I would like to know if it is possible to define separated reference lines on the X axis when we have Y groups.

Here is an example using the BigClass data table.

I can define two reference lines, but I would like to display the red one only on the top graph and the blue one on the bottom graph.

Here is what I get:

Here is what I would like to get:

Is there a way to do that without playing with the menu Customize > Script ...?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

ian_jmp — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:45:15 GMT

Graph Builder is designed to facilitate comparisons within and between groups. So, if you have multiple FrameBoxes from using grouping variables then, as you say, the x and y axes (and any reference lines associated with these) will always be common. So I believe the answer is 'no', not without resorting to JSL.

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

hogi — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:06:43 GMT

Fortunately, it's less JSL than one might expect:

right click / customize / + / type:

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

hogi — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:20:51 GMT

and here an option with no JSL:
use a "bar" graph (with "float" style) with Response axis = X

"no JSL" - but here it is:

Names Default to Here(1);
dt = Open( "$SAMPLE_DATA/Big Class.jmp" );
// via right click - new formula column
New Column( "Mean[height][sex]",	Formula( Col Mean( :height, :sex ) )); 


Graph Builder(
	Variables(
		X( :height ),
		X( :"Mean[height][sex]"n, Position( 1 ) ),
		Y( :weight ),
		Group Y( :sex ),
		Color( :sex )
	),
	Elements(
		Points( X( 1 ), Y),
		Smoother( X( 1 ), Y ),
		Bar( X( 2 ), Bar Style( "Float" ), Response Axis( "X" ) )
	)
);

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

anne_sa — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:06:36 GMT

Hi @hogi ,
That's a very nice way to answer the problem, thanks! But if I understand correctly, it works only if we want to highlight a summary statistic value (mean, median...) and not a user defined threshold?

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

hogi — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:51:09 GMT

The basic step is

Bar Style( "Float" )

It can also be used for user defined thresholds. Jus store it in a column and plot it as Bar chart with Bar Style("Float")

Re: Graph Builder: reference line, different for each Y group

anne_sa — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:56:00 GMT

Clear, thanks for your help @hogi !