Using Metro implicit theme with RadChart?

[Sam]

Hi there,

We're considering moving to the Metro theme with implicit styles, as we are experiencing a lot of friction trying to customize the theme styles using the previous approach (StyleManager). With implicit styles we will be able to customize the base styles of controls more easily than we can now.

However, in your current documentation you mention that the RadChart does not support implicit styles - we use this control heavily.

My question is, is it possible to use implicit styles for the Metro themes in tandem with explicit styles for the RadChart?

My current understanding is that I can add a reference to Binaries.NoXAML/Silverlight/Telerik.Windows.Themes.Metro.dll, and merge the required XAML resource files into App.xaml using the component URI syntax:

<Application
    xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
    xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
    x:Class="RadControlsSilverlightNoXaml.App">

    <Application.Resources>
        <ResourceDictionary>
            <ResourceDictionary.MergedDictionaries>
                <ResourceDictionary Source="/Telerik.Windows.Themes.Metro;component/Themes/System.Windows.xaml"/>
                <ResourceDictionary Source="/Telerik.Windows.Themes.Metro;component/Themes/Telerik.Windows.Controls.xaml"/>
                <ResourceDictionary Source="/Telerik.Windows.Themes.Metro;component/Themes/Telerik.Windows.Controls.Navigation.xaml"/>
                <ResourceDictionary Source="/Telerik.Windows.Themes.Metro;component/Themes/Telerik.Windows.Controls.Docking.xaml"/>
Etc…

What would I need to do to also enable the theming of RadChart alongside this approach? Is it even possible?

Thanks for your help,

Sam

[Sia]

Hello Sam,

Indeed you are correct -- RadChart does not provide support for implicit styling as the rest of the controls due to the specifics and limitations of its theming mechanism (but RadChartView does). Unfortunately currently it is not possible to use a mix of controls styled with implicit styles and with our proprietary StyleManager mechanism in the same project (as implicit styling currently requires setting StyleManager.IsEnabled to false, while RadChart would require this property set to true).

So you have two options at the moment if your project uses RadChart:

• Keep the old styling mechanism with StyleManager and do not use implicit styling for all controls.
• Migrate your charting code from RadChart to RadChartView and use implicit styling for all controls.

Here are some of the most important highlights of RadChartView that might help you to make the decision to switch (we would also assist you in the process, should you have any specific problems).

All the best,
Sia
the Telerik team

[Sam]

Thanks Sia,

That's a shame, but not unexpected. I've had a look at the RadChart vs. RadChartView notes in your documentation, and while some of the new features are great,  some of the omissions in RadChartView would make it difficult for us to migrate:

- No legend or chart title support
- No StepLine series - this is a crucial component in most of our charts

Are you able to provide me with any indication of when these features will be available in RadChartView? I won't really be able to consider the newer control until the StepLine series is available at a minimum.

Thanks,

Sam

[Sia]

Hello Sam,

Unfortunately these two features are not in our plans for the next release.
As for the Legend, please check some of our examples:

• First Look
• Appearance

where it is shown how such can be achieved.

Currently having a Step Line can be achieved only by using a Line series. 
Please excuse us for the inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,
Sia
the Telerik team

[Sam]

Hi Sia,

Thanks for the reply. I agree that the legend and title elements can be easily reproduced with simple XAML, not really an issue there at all, but the lack of a StepLine series will prevent us from considering the RadChartView control for the time being.

If there is a way for me to vote this up as a feature request, then I would like to do that, as I think it is an important series to have, and we're certainly having performance problems with the existing RadChart that might be solved by moving to RadChartView.

Thanks,

Sam

[Evgenia]

Hi Sam,

You can vote for StepLine series type to affect its priority and our developers will consider whether the votes are enough for it to be made.
You can follow the PITS Issue by its ID: 12209 or Public URL.

Regards,
Evgenia
the Telerik team