Chapter 11. Templates

Name

Description

Unit Value

Sets the unit value for the y axis. You should probably keep the unit short as to keep it

readable.

Unit Exponent Value

Sets the 10^e scaling of the y axis. Valid values for this field are between  18 and 18.

For example, you could use 3 to display everything in 'k' (kilo) or  6 to display

everything in 'u' (micro).

Vertical Label

The text to print on the left edge of the graph. Usually is the units the data on the

graph is measured in.

Note: For most graph templates, you will want to check the Use Per Graph Value checkbox for the title field so each

graph using this template has its own unique title. It also makes sense to enter an initial value in this field that includes

the variable |host_description| for organizational purposes.

When you are finished filling in values for the graph template, click Create and you will be presented with a page

similar to the graph edit page.

Figure 11 1. Adding a Graph Template

11.1.1.1. Graph Items

The first thing you should do is create graph items for this graph template, just like for a regular graph. One dif 

ference you will notice is that the Data Sources dropdown will contain a list of data template items rather than data

source items. It is important that Cacti can make this association here, so that Cacti doesn't have to make unnecessary

assumptions later.

Table 11 2. Field Description: Graph Template Items

Name

Description

Data Source

If this graph item is to represent some sort of data, you must select a your data source

here. Keep in mind that not all graph items have a data source. Graph item types such

as COMMENT, VRULE, and HRULE typically do not.

Color

Depending on the graph item type, you can select a color for the graph item. This field

only applies to the graph item types AREA, STACK, LINE1, LINE2, and LINE3.

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