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Extending with custom visualization objects

Qlik Sense custom visualization extensions enable new ways of visualizing data and enhance user input and interaction. They are regular Qlik Sense objects that you have added your own rendering code to. They can be charts of different types, or other items like tables or filter panes. In QlikView, this type of extensions are referred to as Object Extensions.

Visualization extensions

Visualization extensions can be integrated with other systems and visual libraries, new selection objects and productivity components can be added, and it can all be done using open standards such as HTML5, JavaScript and CSS.

They use the same set of technologies as standard Qlik Sense visualizations, and if developed properly, the handling of them is identical to standard visualizations. They can be:

  • Added to a sheet using drag and drop
  • Configured to use the same property panel as standard Qlik Sense visualizations, meaning that you can create visualization extensions on top of the data of a Qlik Sense app
  • Resized, copied, pasted and positioned just like any other Qlik Sense visualization
  • Added to and used in data storytelling
  • Responsive and therefore work properly on any device

The Qlik associative engine also treats all visualizations the same and they all use the same interface which is documented in the Qlik Engine JSON API documentation.

Build visualization extensions

Relevant APIs

Qlik Sense provides a number of JavaScript APIs for creating visualization extensions:

  • Extension API
  • Backend API
  • Capability APIs (parts)

In addition to the above, you can also use the Qlik Engine JSON API, which is a WebSocket protocol that uses JSON to pass information between the Qlik associative engine and the clients.

You can also use any external library of choice to create visualization extensions that suit your needs.

Build your first custom object with Dev Hub

Dev Hub is a development toolbox that helps you getting started building solutions with Qlik Sense as well as understanding the APIs.

Information noteThere is no separate installation package or additional license necessary for using the capabilities of Dev Hub. The editors, templates and code examples are provided with your default installation of Qlik Sense.

Dev Hub

Extension editor

The Extension editor is an editor for JavaScript files and QEXT files. It can be used to create new visualization extensions as to edit existing ones. You can use the templates provided with Qlik Sense to get started building your first custom visualization extensions.

Your Qlik Sense installation comes with a number of visualization extension examples which provide guidance for how to build your own visualization extensions.

Extension editor

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