---
auto_generated: true
created: 2026-05-19
manual_updated_at: 2026-05-19
modified: 2026-05-19
name: User_Manual
status: active
tags:
- client/pimco
- domain/ai
- status/active
- tech/claude
- tech/fastapi
- type/sop
type: sop
---

# PIMCO Chart Generator User Manual

## What This Tool Does
The PIMCO Chart Generator is an automated tool that creates publication-quality charts matching PIMCO's InDesign visual style. It allows users to upload financial data and describe their visualization needs in plain English. The system then generates pixel-perfect SVG charts ready for any platform, with the ability to iterate on the design using natural language commands (e.g., "make lines thicker," "change the title," "remove Japan").

## Who Uses It
This tool is designed for financial analysts, data scientists, and communicators at PIMCO who need to quickly generate high-quality, branded charts from raw data without manual design work in tools like Excel or Illustrator.

## How to Access

### Prerequisites
- An active internet connection.
- Valid Azure credentials (provided by your organization).

### Login
1. Open your web browser and navigate to the application URL (e.g., `https://ai-sandbox.oliver.solutions/Pimco-charts`).
2. You will be redirected to the Microsoft Login page.
3. Sign in with your corporate Azure credentials.
4. Upon successful authentication, you will be redirected to the main dashboard.

## Main Workflows

### Workflow 1: Generate a New Chart

1. **Upload Data**:
   - On the main dashboard, click "Upload File".
   - Select your Excel (.xlsx) or CSV file containing your dataset.
   - The system will automatically analyze the columns, data types, and ranges.

2. **Describe Your Chart**:
   - In the "Chart Brief" text area, describe what you want using plain English.
   - Examples:
     - "Show the trend of US and German 10-year bond yields from 2020 to 2025."
     - "Create a bar chart comparing quarterly GDP growth by sector."

3. **Review and Generate**:
   - Click "Generate Chart".
   - The system will use AI to interpret your brief and the data summary to create a `ChartSpec`.
   - The SVG chart will be rendered and displayed on the screen.

4. **Iterate with Natural Language**:
   - If the chart isn't exactly what you need, use the "Refine Chart" text area.
   - Type instructions like:
     - "Change the title to 'Global Bond Yields'."
     - "Make the US line thicker and blue."
     - "Remove Japan from the legend."
   - Click "Refine" to see the updated chart.

5. **Export**:
   - Once satisfied, click "Download SVG" to save the file to your computer.
   - The SVG is resolution-independent and can be inserted into InDesign, PowerPoint, or web pages.

### Workflow 2: Iterate on an Existing Chart

1. After generating a chart, use the refinement prompts below the chart preview.
2. The system maintains the context of the previous chart specification.
3. Apply changes iteratively until the output matches your requirements.

## FAQ

**Q: What file formats are supported?**
A: The tool accepts CSV files and Excel files (.xlsx). Ensure your data has a clear header row.

**Q: Can I customize the colors beyond the default PIMCO palette?**
A: The tool currently uses the standard PIMCO color palette. For custom colors, you may need to edit the SVG directly or request this feature.

**Q: How accurate is the AI interpretation?**
A: The AI uses the data summary and your brief to generate a structured specification. While highly accurate for standard chart types, complex or ambiguous requests may require clarification in subsequent refinement steps.

**Q: Where are my files stored?**
A: Uploaded files are processed temporarily and stored in the `output/` directory. They are not permanently stored on the server after the session ends.

**Q: Is the output SVG responsive?**
A: Yes, SVGs are vector-based and scale infinitely without loss of quality. However, the generator produces fixed-width outputs (default 2560px) suitable for high-resolution printing and digital displays.

## Related

- [[01 Projects/pimco-charts/DEVELOPER_MANUAL]]
- [[01 Projects/pimco-charts/DEVELOPER_MANUAL.md]]