Quick Flash graphics

Deadline graphics are generally jpg versions of the print graphic. XML/SWF Charts, a free application, can change that, giving you Flash-based graphics fairly quickly. Warning, though, it’s a little more code-based than most graphic designers might be used to.

Graphics are built from XML files, which are pretty simple to write (and easy to debug with Firefox). There are certain parameters, but the site’s tutorial goes through them well. You can create bar charts, column charts, fever charts, pie charts, area charts, candlestick graphics, scatter charts, polar charts or combine a couple of them. There is a ton of potential there.

To get started, download the application and put the files (one file, one folder) on your Web server, then jump into the tutorial. Additional features are available for licensed users, including click-able charts with editable links and drill-down. Registration is only $45.

I created the chart above in a couple of hours. Now that I know what I’m doing, I’m sure I can do it quicker. That, of course, is the benefit to XML/SWF Charts.

The company behind this application, Maani, also has other free applications:
• XML/SWF Gauge
• PHP/SWF Charts
• XML/SWF Slideshow
• PHP/SWF Slideshow