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Diagram Widget Types

Legacy Diagrams

Pre-built diagrams for common engineering visualizations including cross-sections, free-body diagrams, load diagrams, and XY plots

Interactive Diagrams

Custom interactive diagrams with dynamic elements, custom shapes, and real-time data binding

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When to Use Each Type

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Legacy Diagrams

Use legacy diagrams when you need:
  • Standard engineering visualizations (cross-sections, free-body diagrams)
  • Quick implementation with pre-built templates
  • Consistent styling across all ClearCalcs templates
  • Proven reliability with battle-tested functionality

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Interactive Diagrams

Use interactive diagrams when you need:
  • Custom visualizations specific to your calculation
  • Dynamic elements that update with calculation results
  • Interactive features like tooltips and clickable elements
  • Complex layouts with multiple diagram components

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Implementation

Both diagram types are implemented as widget types in the ClearCalcs builder:
  • Drag “Diagram” from the widget palette for legacy diagrams
  • Drag “Custom Diagram” from the widget palette for interactive diagrams

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Key Features

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Common Capabilities

  • Real-time updates when calculation inputs change
  • Unit awareness with automatic unit conversion and display
  • Conditional display based on template logic
  • Export support for PDF generation and load linking

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Legacy Diagram Features

  • Pre-built templates for common engineering use cases
  • Standardized styling consistent across the platform
  • Simple configuration with minimal setup required

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Interactive Diagram Features

  • Custom elements with full design control
  • Dynamic data binding to calculation results
  • Interactive components like tooltips and navigation
  • Flexible layouts with custom positioning

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Best Practices

  • Choose legacy diagrams for standard engineering visualizations
  • Use interactive diagrams for custom or complex visualizations
  • Consider user experience and clarity when designing diagrams
  • Test diagram updates with various calculation scenarios
  • Ensure diagrams are accessible and well-documented
Both diagram types are fully supported and maintained. Legacy diagrams provide reliability and consistency, while interactive diagrams offer flexibility and customization.