Adjusting the Graph Size

When defining the lattice grid size, you will generally have some idea of a good overall aspect ratio for the graph. For example, if you are creating a one row by three column grid, the graph has a default aspect ratio of 4:3. It would look something like this:

The graph would look better if the graph's height were smaller in relation to its width. You can establish a good default graph size in the template definition by setting the DESIGNWIDTH= and DESIGNHEIGHT= options in the BEGINGRAPH statement. After some experimentation, you might decide that a 2:1 aspect ratio looks good:

begingraph / designwidth=400px designheight=200px ;

The DESIGNWIDTH= and DESIGNHEIGHT= options set the graph size as part of the template definition so that if you later want a larger or smaller version of this graph, you can use the ODS GRAPHICS statement rather than resetting the design size and recompiling the template. You need only specify either a WIDTH= or a HEIGHT= option in the ODS GRAPHICS statement. The other dimension is automatically computed for you, based on the aspect ratio that is specified in the compiled template by the DESIGNWIDTH= and DESIGNHEIGHT= options.

ods graphics / reset width=300px;
proc sgrender data=sashelp.cars template=fitcompare;
run;

If you provide both the HEIGHT= and WIDTH= options in the ODS GRAPHICS statement, you completely override the design aspect ratio. If the WIDTH= or HEIGHT= options are not specified, the design size is in effect.

Setting the DESIGNHEIGHT= and DESIGNWIDTH= options is highly recommended for all multi-cell layouts that contain plots. This recommendation applies to the GRIDDED, LATTICE, DATAPANEL, and DATALATTICE layouts.