Waveform Chart Y-Scale Cannot Be Swapped Sides in LabVIEW

Updated Jun 29, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW

Issue Details

I am unable to change the side of a duplicated Y-axis scale on a Waveform Chart. When I create a new scale, it appears directly on top of the original scale, and I am experiencing the following symptoms:
  • The Swap Sides option is grayed out.
  • Duplicated Y-scales overlap in the same location.

               

 

Solution

This behavior occurs because the Auto-Adjust Scales setting is disabled, which prevent LabVIEW to manage the chart layout and allow the swapping of scale sides. While this setting is inactive, you cannot change the side on which the Y-scales are displayed.


To enable the Swap Sides option, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click the Waveform Chart on the front panel.
  2. Select Advanced>>Auto-Adjust Scales to select the option.
     
  3. Right-click the specific Y-scale you wish to move and select Swap Sides to change its position to the opposite side of the chart.

Additional Information

If the Swap Sides option remains grayed out after following the steps above, check the LabVIEW.ini configuration file:
  1. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments\LabVIEW 20XX\LabVIEW.ini.
  2. Search for the line EnableAutoScales=False.
  3. Modify the value to True or delete the entire line.
Changing this configuration setting will restore the ability to swap the sides of the Y-axis scales.

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