KB224043: How to remove redundant attribute labels in the graph legend in MicroStrategy Developer 9.x

SUMMARY:
This document show how to remove redundant attribute labels in a graph legend, which display when there are multiple attributes in the grid rows of a report in Strategy Developer or Web 9.x.  For data integrity reasons, the unwanted legend values should only be removed if the remaining value in the legend accurately describes the data shown in the graph.
 
SYMPTOM:
When creating a graph in Developer with multiple attributes in the grid rows, all of the attributes show in the graph legend.  If these attributes are related, this can lead to redundant and non-unique values being displayed in the graph legend.  One such example below is with attributes “Category” and “Subcategory” in the rows in Strategy Tutorial Project.

There is no option in Graph Options -> Legend that allows a user to eliminate the unnecessary attribute from displaying in the legend without removing the attribute from the grid altogether.  In addition, in Graph Options -> Options, the Graph Label setting “Suppress last level labels” does not suppress the unwanted attribute values.
 
CAUSE:
The Graph Option “Suppress last level labels” only works on columns, and will not suppress the values if the attributes are in the rows.  More information can be found in the following technote:
KB36563: "Suppress last level labels" option works on column labels but not row labels in MicroStrategy Desktop 9.0.x
 
ACTION:
Swap the rows and columns such that “Suppress last level labels” can work correctly on the attribute values.
Below is an example in Strategy Tutorial Project.  The initial legend is below:

The desired result is to only have the Subcategory values displayed in the legend.

1. Swap the rows and columns in the grid, such that the attributes you want in your legend are in the columns. The attribute whose values you want to display in your legend must be on top, as "Subcategory" in the below screenshot:

1. Ensure that the series is set "By Column." To check this, in Web in Interactive Mode, right-click the graph and select "Format." Click on "Advanced" and under "Set series" select "By Column" if not already selected.

1. In Developer, right click on the graph and select "Graph Options..." and then Options -> General. Check the option "Suppress last level labels" under "Graph Labels"

1. The labels will now display only the values for the top attribute in the columns, in this case "Subcategory"

Note that if the attributes in the columns are not related, the “Suppress last level labels” option can result in a non-unique identifier displayed in the legend and can lead to data integrity issues.  Ensure that the values to display in the legend accurately describe the data before suppressing attribute values.