Methods and systems for drawing graphics into a data chart are described. One described method for drawing a graphical element in a chart includes receiving a graphics control call with at least one data value parameter specifying the location of the graphical element One or more operations associated with the graphics control call may be recorded into a data structure. At least one display data range may be determined for the display of data representations and the graphical element, for example by defining an appropriate axis range. The range and data structure may be used to draw and redraw the chart. For example, upon a change to the data, the chart may be redrawn using the new data set and the data structure. As another example, upon a change to a graphical element, the data structure may be changed or replaced and the new or revised data structure used to redraw the chart.