A new open-source library aims to fill a gap in the Jetpack Compose ecosystem: customizable line charts. Plot, listed on Android Arsenal, provides a Compose-native way to add graphs to Android apps without relying on older View-based charting solutions.
Available through MavenCentral and licensed under Apache 2.0, it addresses a real pain point for developers adopting Compose—but the feature set remains limited.
What's in the library
Plot currently supports line charts only, with more types promised for future releases.
Customization covers the essentials: dot styles, line colors, highlight behavior, and axis labels. Touch interactions include scrolling, zooming, and drag-to-select functionality.
The library also allows overriding default rendering. You can substitute alternatives—for instance, drawing rectangles instead of circles for data points. This flexibility appeals to developers building branded or non-standard visualizations.
Integration steps
Add the MavenCentral repository and include the dependency:
“`
Implementation 'com.github.madrapps:plot:0.1.1'
“`
Then create a LineGraph component, pass it a LinePlot configuration object, and wire up callbacks. The README covers setup; a demo app showcases the customization options.
Why this matters
Compose adoption has accelerated, but charting support has lagged. Many teams still wrap View-based libraries or build custom canvas drawings. A purpose-built Compose solution reduces boilerplate and integrates naturally with modern Android codebases.
The trade-off is maturity. Plot is new, the roadmap includes features not yet available, and long-term maintenance plans remain unclear.
Who should care
| Use case | Verdict |
|---|---|
| New Compose project needing basic line charts | Worth evaluating |
| Complex visualizations (bar, pie, candlestick) | Wait for expanded feature set |
| Existing app with established charting solution | Hold until library matures |
| Open-source contributors | Check GitHub for contribution opportunities |
Our analysis
Plot targets developers who want lightweight line charts without importing heavy charting engines. For dashboards, analytics UIs, and data-heavy productivity apps, it fits well.
The Apache 2.0 license permits commercial use without restrictions—a meaningful advantage for teams shipping paid apps. However, "more types will be added soon" signals an evolving project rather than a finished one.
Open-source means contributions drive future development. Teams with specific needs could extend the library themselves—a common pattern in the Android ecosystem. The permissive license makes this legally straightforward.
What remains unclear: release cadence and maintenance commitment. Evaluate the GitHub repository for recent activity before committing to a production app.
What to watch next
Monitor the repository for new chart types and stability improvements. Watch for performance optimizations as the library sees real-world use. If your team is starting a fresh Compose project with charting needs, Plot is worth a look. For established apps, wait for the feature set to mature.
Key takeaways
- Plot offers a Compose-native line charting solution with solid customization options
- Currently line charts only—check the roadmap before choosing for complex visualization needs
- The Apache 2.0 license permits commercial use without restrictions
- Best suited for teams adopting Compose who want lightweight charting without View interop
Frequently asked questions
Does Plot work with traditional Android Views or only Compose?
Plot is built specifically for Jetpack Compose. If you need View-based charting, look at MPAndroidChart or similar libraries.
Can I use Plot in a production app?
Yes, the library uses Apache 2.0 licensing. However, review the documentation and test thoroughly since it's relatively new.
How do I contribute to the project?
Check the GitHub repository for contribution guidelines and open issues where you can submit pull requests.
What about other chart types?
For bar charts, pie charts, or more complex visualizations, consider Compose wrappers for MPAndroidChart or similar established libraries.