topic converting version 8 graphs in Graphics Programming

converting version 8 graphs

frisco — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:27:11 GMT

Some of our end users are reluctant to upgrade their version 8 graph programs because the same code run in version 9 produces a different font size. Does anyone have an FAQ of issues relating to this and their suggested solution? TIA.

Re: converting version 8 graphs

sbb — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:18:22 GMT

Suggest you share some specific SAS code for feedback.

Also, this is a typical SAS version conversion challenge, some say that it's the cost of "progress" and "innovation" -- others may not totally agree. If you have a specific concern, it may be best served by contacting SAS support.

Scott Barry
SBBWorks, Inc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regression_testing - an inclusive vocabulary term/phrase.

Re: converting version 8 graphs

Cynthia_sas — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:07:09 GMT

Hi:
This documentation has the steps you need to follow to make SAS 9.2 SAS/Graph output look the same as earlier versions.
http://support.sas.com/documentation/cdl/en/graphref/61884/HTML/default/a003229310b.htm

If you have continuing issues, after using these settings, your best resource for help is to work with Tech Support.

cynthia

Re: converting version 8 graphs

ChrisNZ — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:26:02 GMT

Unfortunately, it is not only 9.2. It is a pain that versions, devices and destinations alter graphs so much, and I struggle to find a justification.

Why these 2 should yield a different result is beyond me:

goption dev=gif;
proc gchart data=sashelp.class; vbar age;run;quit;
goption dev=png;
proc gchart data=sashelp.class; vbar age;run;quit;

It would be great if a new set of drivers looking the same across all destinations was designed. Even just one driver actually, say PNGIMG, looking roughly like say ACTXIMG.

This way a 10pt font would have a consistent size, unlike:

ods html;
goption dev=gif ftext='arial' htext=10pt;
proc gchart data=sashelp.class; vbar age;run;quit;
goption dev=png;
proc gchart data=sashelp.class; vbar age;run;quit;
goption dev=actximg;
proc gchart data=sashelp.class; vbar age;run;quit;
ods html close; Message was edited by: Chris@NewZealand

Re: converting version 8 graphs

sbb — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:55:33 GMT

This type of version difference has existed non-stop since SAS v6. Unfortunately, the idea of software stability and consistency (upward compatibility) is akin to Microsoft and their persistent attitude with Alt-key behavior changes with various products.

Scott Barry
SBBWorks, Inc.

Re: converting version 8 graphs

ChrisNZ — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:03:31 GMT

The consistency issue looks like an oversight to me.
Another one is some graph tooltips (like GIF ones I think) require '0A'x as EOL character, and some (like activex) require both '0A'x and '0D'x (but if you use both with GIF, you end up with squares being displayed).

So if you want to make 2 set of outputs, one dynamic, one not, a whole bunch of details must be changed for no good reason. The tooltip EOL quagmire might or not be sas' making, the result is the same though.

Devil, details, etc.