jsongrapher 2.8__tar.gz → 3.7__tar.gz

jsongrapher-3.7/JSONGrapher/JSONRecordCreator.py

@@ -0,0 +1,3537 @@
+import json
+import JSONGrapher.styles.layout_styles_library
+import JSONGrapher.styles.trace_styles_collection_library
+#TODO: put an option to suppress warnings from JSONRecordCreator
+
+
+#Start of the portion of the code for the GUI##
+global_records_list = [] #This list holds onto records as they are added. Index 0 is the merged record. Each other index corresponds to record number (like 1 is first record, 2 is second record, etc)
+
+
+#This is a JSONGrapher specific function
+#That takes filenames and adds new JSONGrapher records to a global_records_list
+#If the all_selected_file_paths and newest_file_name_and_path are [] and [], that means to clear the global_records_list.
+def add_records_to_global_records_list_and_plot(all_selected_file_paths, newly_added_file_paths, plot_immediately=True):
+    #First check if we have received a "clear" condition.
+    if (len(all_selected_file_paths) == 0) and (len(newly_added_file_paths) == 0):
+        global_records_list.clear()
+        return global_records_list
+    if len(global_records_list) == 0: #this is for the "first time" the function is called, but the newly_added_file_paths could be a list longer than one.
+        first_record = create_new_JSONGrapherRecord()
+        first_record.import_from_file(newly_added_file_paths[0]) #get first newly added record record.
+        #index 0 will be the one we merge into.
+        global_records_list.append(first_record)
+        #index 1 will be where we store the first record, so we append again.
+        global_records_list.append(first_record)
+        #Now, check if there are more records.
+        if len(newly_added_file_paths) > 1:
+            for filename_and_path_index, filename_and_path in enumerate(newly_added_file_paths):
+                if filename_and_path_index == 0:
+                    pass #passing because we've already added first file.
+                else:
+                    current_record = create_new_JSONGrapherRecord() #make a new record
+                    current_record.import_from_file(filename_and_path)        
+                    global_records_list.append(current_record) #append it to global records list
+                    global_records_list[0] = merge_JSONGrapherRecords([global_records_list[0], current_record]) #merge into the main record of records list, which is at index 0.
+    else: #For case that global_records_list already exists when funciton is called.
+        for filename_and_path_index, filename_and_path in enumerate(newly_added_file_paths):
+            current_record = create_new_JSONGrapherRecord() #make a new record
+            current_record.import_from_file(filename_and_path)        
+            global_records_list.append(current_record) #append it to global records list
+            global_records_list[0] = merge_JSONGrapherRecords([global_records_list[0], current_record]) #merge into the main record of records list, which is at index 0.
+    if plot_immediately:
+        #plot the index 0, which is the most up to date merged record.
+        global_records_list[0].plot_with_plotly()
+    json_string_for_download = json.dumps(global_records_list[0].fig_dict, indent=4)
+    return [json_string_for_download] #For the GUI, this function should return a list with something convertable to string to save to file, in index 0.
+
+
+
+#This ia JSONGrapher specific wrapper function to drag_and_drop_gui create_and_launch.
+#This launches the python based JSONGrapher GUI.
+def launch():
+    try:
+        import JSONGrapher.drag_and_drop_gui as drag_and_drop_gui
+    except ImportError:
+        try:
+            import drag_and_drop_gui  # Attempt local import
+        except ImportError as exc:
+            raise ImportError("Module 'drag_and_drop_gui' could not be found locally or in JSONGrapher.") from exc
+    _selected_files = drag_and_drop_gui.create_and_launch(app_name = "JSONGrapher", function_for_after_file_addition=add_records_to_global_records_list_and_plot)
+    #We will not return the _selected_files, and instead will return the global_records_list.
+    return global_records_list
+
+## End of the portion of the code for the GUI##
+
+
+#the function create_new_JSONGrapherRecord is intended to be "like" a wrapper function for people who find it more
+# intuitive to create class objects that way, this variable is actually just a reference
+# so that we don't have to map the arguments.
+def create_new_JSONGrapherRecord(hints=False):
+    #we will create a new record. While we could populate it with the init,
+    #we will use the functions since it makes thsi function a bit easier to follow.
+    new_record = JSONGrapherRecord()
+    if hints == True:
+        new_record.add_hints()
+    return new_record
+
+#This is actually a wrapper around merge_JSONGrapherRecords. Made for convenience.
+def load_JSONGrapherRecords(recordsList):
+    return merge_JSONGrapherRecords(recordsList)
+
+#This is actually a wrapper around merge_JSONGrapherRecords. Made for convenience.
+def import_JSONGrapherRecords(recordsList):
+    return merge_JSONGrapherRecords(recordsList)
+
+#This is a function for merging JSONGrapher records.
+#recordsList is a list of records 
+#Each record can be a JSONGrapherRecord object (a python class object) or a dictionary (meaning, a JSONGrapher JSON as a dictionary)
+#If a record is received that is a string, then the function will attempt to convert that into a dictionary.
+#The units used will be that of the first record encountered
+#if changing this function's arguments, then also change those for load_JSONGrapherRecords and import_JSONGrapherRecords
+def merge_JSONGrapherRecords(recordsList):
+    if type(recordsList) == type(""):
+        recordsList = [recordsList]
+    import copy
+    recordsAsDictionariesList = []
+    merged_JSONGrapherRecord = create_new_JSONGrapherRecord()
+    #first make a list of all the records as dictionaries.
+    for record in recordsList:
+        if isinstance(record, dict):#can't use type({}) or SyncedDict won't be included.
+            recordsAsDictionariesList.append(record)
+        elif type(record) == type("string"):
+            new_record = create_new_JSONGrapherRecord()
+            new_fig_dict = new_record.import_from_json(record)
+            recordsAsDictionariesList.append(new_fig_dict)
+        else: #this assumpes there is a JSONGrapherRecord type received. 
+            record = record.fig_dict
+            recordsAsDictionariesList.append(record)
+    #next, iterate through the list of dictionaries and merge each data object together.
+    #We'll use the the units of the first dictionary.
+    #We'll put the first record in directly, keeping the units etc. Then will "merge" in the additional data sets.
+    #Iterate across all records received.
+    for dictionary_index, current_fig_dict in enumerate(recordsAsDictionariesList):
+        if dictionary_index == 0: #this is the first record case. We'll use this to start the list and also gather the units.
+            merged_JSONGrapherRecord.fig_dict = copy.deepcopy(recordsAsDictionariesList[0])
+            first_record_x_label = recordsAsDictionariesList[0]["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            first_record_y_label = recordsAsDictionariesList[0]["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            first_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(first_record_x_label)["units"]
+            first_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(first_record_y_label)["units"]
+        else:
+            #first get the units of this particular record.
+            this_record_x_label = recordsAsDictionariesList[dictionary_index]["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            this_record_y_label = recordsAsDictionariesList[dictionary_index]["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            this_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(this_record_x_label)["units"]
+            this_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(this_record_y_label)["units"]
+            #now get the ratio of the units for this record relative to the first record.
+            #if the units are identical, then just make the ratio 1.
+            if this_record_x_units == first_record_x_units:
+                x_units_ratio = 1
+            else:
+                x_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(this_record_x_units, first_record_x_units)
+            if this_record_y_units == first_record_y_units:
+                y_units_ratio = 1
+            else:
+                y_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(this_record_y_units, first_record_y_units)
+            #A record could have more than one data series, but they will all have the same units.
+            #Thus, we use a function that will scale all of the dataseries at one time.
+            if (x_units_ratio == 1) and (y_units_ratio == 1): #skip scaling if it's not necessary.
+                scaled_fig_dict = current_fig_dict
+            else:
+                scaled_fig_dict = scale_fig_dict_values(current_fig_dict, x_units_ratio, y_units_ratio)
+            #now, add the scaled data objects to the original one.
+            #This is fairly easy using a list extend.
+            merged_JSONGrapherRecord.fig_dict["data"].extend(scaled_fig_dict["data"])
+    merged_JSONGrapherRecord = convert_JSONGRapherRecord_data_list_to_class_objects(merged_JSONGrapherRecord)
+    return merged_JSONGrapherRecord
+
+def convert_JSONGRapherRecord_data_list_to_class_objects(record):
+    #will also support receiving a fig_dict
+    if isinstance(record, dict):
+        fig_dict_received = True
+        fig_dict = record
+    else:
+        fig_dict_received = False
+        fig_dict = record.fig_dict
+    data_list = fig_dict["data"]
+    #Do the casting into data_series objects by creating a fresh JSONDataSeries object and populating it.
+    for data_series_index, data_series_received in enumerate(data_list):
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object = JSONGrapherDataSeries()
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object.update_while_preserving_old_terms(data_series_received)
+        data_list[data_series_index] = JSONGrapher_data_series_object
+    #Now prepare for return.
+    if fig_dict_received == True:
+        fig_dict["data"] = data_list
+        record = fig_dict
+    if fig_dict_received == False:
+        record.fig_dict["data"] = data_list
+    return record
+
+### Start of portion of the file that has functions for scaling data to the same units ###
+#The below function takes two units strings, such as
+#    "(((kg)/m))/s" and  "(((g)/m))/s"
+# and then returns the scaling ratio of units_string_1 / units_string_2
+# So in the above example, would return 1000.
+#Could add "tag_characters"='<>' as an optional argument to this and other functions
+#to make the option of other characters for custom units.
+def get_units_scaling_ratio(units_string_1, units_string_2):
+    # Ensure both strings are properly encoded in UTF-8
+    units_string_1 = units_string_1.encode("utf-8").decode("utf-8")
+    units_string_2 = units_string_2.encode("utf-8").decode("utf-8")
+    #If the unit strings are identical, there is no need to go further.
+    if units_string_1 == units_string_2:
+        return 1
+    import unitpy #this function uses unitpy.
+    #Replace "^" with "**" for unit conversion purposes.
+    #We won't need to replace back because this function only returns the ratio in the end.
+    units_string_1 = units_string_1.replace("^", "**")
+    units_string_2 = units_string_2.replace("^", "**")
+    #For now, we need to tag µ symbol units as if they are custom units. Because unitpy doesn't support that symbol yet (May 2025)
+    units_string_1 = tag_micro_units(units_string_1)
+    units_string_2 = tag_micro_units(units_string_2)
+    #Next, need to extract custom units and add them to unitpy
+    custom_units_1 = extract_tagged_strings(units_string_1)
+    custom_units_2 = extract_tagged_strings(units_string_2)
+    for custom_unit in custom_units_1:
+        add_custom_unit_to_unitpy(custom_unit)
+    for custom_unit in custom_units_2:
+        add_custom_unit_to_unitpy(custom_unit)
+    #Now, remove the "<" and ">" and will put them back later if needed.
+    units_string_1 = units_string_1.replace('<','').replace('>','')
+    units_string_2 = units_string_2.replace('<','').replace('>','')
+    try:
+        #First need to make unitpy "U" object and multiply it by 1. 
+        #While it may be possible to find a way using the "Q" objects directly, this is the way I found so far, which converts the U object into a Q object.
+        units_object_converted = 1*unitpy.U(units_string_1)
+        ratio_with_units_object = units_object_converted.to(units_string_2)
+    #the above can fail if there are reciprocal units like 1/bar rather than (bar)**(-1), so we have an except statement that tries "that" fix if there is a failure.
+    except Exception as general_exception: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except, disable=unused-variable
+        units_string_1 = convert_inverse_units(units_string_1)
+        units_string_2 = convert_inverse_units(units_string_2)
+        units_object_converted = 1*unitpy.U(units_string_1)
+        try:
+            ratio_with_units_object = units_object_converted.to(units_string_2)
+        except KeyError as e: 
+            raise KeyError(f"Error during unit conversion in get_units_scaling_ratio: Missing key {e}. Ensure all unit definitions are correctly set. Unit 1: {units_string_1}, Unit 2: {units_string_2}") from e
+        except ValueError as e:
+            raise ValueError(f"Error during unit conversion in get_units_scaling_ratio: {e}. Make sure unit values are valid and properly formatted. Unit 1: {units_string_1}, Unit 2: {units_string_2}") from e       
+        except Exception as e:  # pylint: disable=broad-except
+            raise RuntimeError(f"An unexpected error occurred in get_units_scaling_ratio when trying to convert units: {e}. Double-check that your records have the same units. Unit 1: {units_string_1}, Unit 2: {units_string_2}") from e
+
+    ratio_with_units_string = str(ratio_with_units_object)
+
+    ratio_only = ratio_with_units_string.split(' ')[0] #what comes out may look like 1000 gram/(meter second), so we split and take first part.
+    ratio_only = float(ratio_only)
+    return ratio_only #function returns ratio only. If function is later changed to return more, then units_strings may need further replacements.
+
+def return_custom_units_markup(units_string, custom_units_list):
+    """puts markup around custom units with '<' and '>' """
+    sorted_custom_units_list = sorted(custom_units_list, key=len, reverse=True)
+    #the units should be sorted from longest to shortest if not already sorted that way.
+    for custom_unit in sorted_custom_units_list:
+        units_string = units_string.replace(custom_unit, '<'+custom_unit+'>')
+    return units_string
+
+    #This function tags microunits.
+    #However, because unitpy gives unexpected behavior with the microsymbol,
+    #We are actually going to change them from "µm" to "<microfrogm>"
+def tag_micro_units(units_string):
+    # Unicode representations of micro symbols:
+    # U+00B5 → µ (Micro Sign)
+    # U+03BC → μ (Greek Small Letter Mu)
+    # U+1D6C2 → 𝜇 (Mathematical Greek Small Letter Mu)
+    # U+1D6C1 → 𝝁 (Mathematical Bold Greek Small Letter Mu)
+    micro_symbols = ["µ", "μ", "𝜇", "𝝁"]
+    # Check if any micro symbol is in the string
+    if not any(symbol in units_string for symbol in micro_symbols):
+        return units_string  # If none are found, return the original string unchanged
+    import re
+    # Construct a regex pattern to detect any micro symbol followed by letters
+    pattern = r"[" + "".join(micro_symbols) + r"][a-zA-Z]+"
+    # Extract matches and sort them by length (longest first)
+    matches = sorted(re.findall(pattern, units_string), key=len, reverse=True)
+    # Replace matches with custom unit notation <X>
+    for match in matches:
+        frogified_match = f"<microfrog{match[1:]}>"
+        units_string = units_string.replace(match, frogified_match)
+    return units_string
+
+    #We are actually going to change them back to "µm" from "<microfrogm>"
+def untag_micro_units(units_string):
+    if "<microfrog" not in units_string:  # Check if any frogified unit exists
+        return units_string
+    import re
+    # Pattern to detect the frogified micro-units
+    pattern = r"<microfrog([a-zA-Z]+)>"
+    # Replace frogified units with µ + the original unit suffix
+    return re.sub(pattern, r"µ\1", units_string)
+
+def add_custom_unit_to_unitpy(unit_string):
+    import unitpy
+    from unitpy.definitions.entry import Entry
+    #need to put an entry into "bases" because the BaseSet class will pull from that dictionary.
+    unitpy.definitions.unit_base.bases[unit_string] = unitpy.definitions.unit_base.BaseUnit(label=unit_string, abbr=unit_string,dimension=unitpy.definitions.dimensions.dimensions["amount_of_substance"])
+    #Then need to make a BaseSet object to put in. Confusingly, we *do not* put a BaseUnit object into the base_unit argument, below. 
+    #We use "mole" to avoid conflicting with any other existing units.
+    base_unit =unitpy.definitions.unit_base.BaseSet(mole = 1)
+    #base_unit = unitpy.definitions.unit_base.BaseUnit(label=unit_string, abbr=unit_string,dimension=unitpy.definitions.dimensions.dimensions["amount_of_substance"])
+    new_entry = Entry(label = unit_string, abbr = unit_string, base_unit = base_unit, multiplier= 1)
+    #only add the entry if it is missing. A duplicate entry would cause crashing later.
+    #We can't use the "unitpy.ledger.get_entry" function because the entries have custom == comparisons
+    # and for the new entry, it will also return a special NoneType that we can't easy check.
+    # the structer unitpy.ledger.units is a list, but unitpy.ledger._lookup is a dictionary we can use
+    # to check if the key for the new unit is added or not.
+    if unit_string not in unitpy.ledger._lookup:  #This comment is so the VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=protected-access
+        unitpy.ledger.add_unit(new_entry) #implied return is here. No return needed.
+
+def extract_tagged_strings(text):
+    """Extracts tags surrounded by <> from a given string. Used for custom units.
+       returns them as a list sorted from longest to shortest"""
+    import re
+    list_of_tags = re.findall(r'<(.*?)>', text)
+    set_of_tags = set(list_of_tags)
+    sorted_tags = sorted(set_of_tags, key=len, reverse=True)
+    return sorted_tags
+
+#This function is to convert things like (1/bar) to (bar)**(-1)
+#It was written by copilot and refined by further prompting of copilot by testing.
+#The depth is because the function works iteratively and then stops when finished.
+def convert_inverse_units(expression, depth=100):
+    import re
+    # Patterns to match valid reciprocals while ignoring multiplied units, so (1/bar)*bar should be  handled correctly.
+    patterns = [r"1/\((1/.*?)\)", r"1/([a-zA-Z]+)"]
+    for _ in range(depth):
+        new_expression = expression
+        for pattern in patterns:
+            new_expression = re.sub(pattern, r"(\1)**(-1)", new_expression)
+        
+        # Stop early if no more changes are made
+        if new_expression == expression:
+            break
+        expression = new_expression
+    return expression
+
+#the below function takes in a fig_dict, as well as x and/or y scaling values.
+#The function then scales the values in the data of the fig_dict and returns the scaled fig_dict.
+def scale_fig_dict_values(fig_dict, num_to_scale_x_values_by = 1, num_to_scale_y_values_by = 1):
+    import copy
+    scaled_fig_dict = copy.deepcopy(fig_dict)
+    #iterate across the data objects inside, and change them.
+    for data_index, dataseries in enumerate(scaled_fig_dict["data"]):
+        dataseries = scale_dataseries_dict(dataseries, num_to_scale_x_values_by=num_to_scale_x_values_by, num_to_scale_y_values_by=num_to_scale_y_values_by)
+        scaled_fig_dict["data"][data_index] = dataseries #this line shouldn't be needed due to mutable references, but adding for clarity and to be safe.
+    return scaled_fig_dict
+
+
+def scale_dataseries_dict(dataseries_dict, num_to_scale_x_values_by = 1, num_to_scale_y_values_by = 1, num_to_scale_z_values_by = 1):
+    import numpy as np
+    dataseries = dataseries_dict
+    dataseries["x"] = list(np.array(dataseries["x"], dtype=float)*num_to_scale_x_values_by) #convert to numpy array for multiplication, then back to list.
+    dataseries["y"] = list(np.array(dataseries["y"], dtype=float)*num_to_scale_y_values_by) #convert to numpy array for multiplication, then back to list.
+    
+    # Ensure elements are converted to standard Python types. 
+    dataseries["x"] = [float(val) for val in dataseries["x"]] #This line written by copilot.
+    dataseries["y"] = [float(val) for val in dataseries["y"]] #This line written by copilot.
+
+    if "z" in dataseries:
+        dataseries["z"] = list(np.array(dataseries["z"], dtype=float)*num_to_scale_z_values_by) #convert to numpy array for multiplication, then back to list.
+        dataseries["z"] = [float(val) for val in dataseries["z"]] #Mimicking above lines.
+    return dataseries_dict
+
+### End of portion of the file that has functions for scaling data to the same units ###
+
+## This is a special dictionary class that will allow a dictionary
+## inside a main class object to be synchronized with the fields within it.
+class SyncedDict(dict):
+    """A dictionary that automatically updates instance attributes."""
+    def __init__(self, owner):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.owner = owner  # Store reference to the class instance
+    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
+        """Update both dictionary and instance attribute."""
+        super().__setitem__(key, value)  # Set in the dictionary
+        setattr(self.owner, key, value)  # Sync with instance attribute
+    def __delitem__(self, key):
+        super().__delitem__(key)  # Remove from dict
+        if hasattr(self.owner, key):
+            delattr(self.owner, key)  # Sync removal from instance
+    def pop(self, key, *args):
+        """Remove item from dictionary and instance attributes."""
+        value = super().pop(key, *args)  # Remove from dictionary
+        if hasattr(self.owner, key):
+            delattr(self.owner, key)  # Remove from instance attributes
+        return value
+    def update(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        super().update(*args, **kwargs)  # Update dict
+        for key, value in self.items():
+            setattr(self.owner, key, value)  # Sync attributes
+
+
+class JSONGrapherDataSeries(dict): #inherits from dict.
+    def __init__(self, uid="", name="", trace_style="", x=None, y=None, **kwargs):
+        """Initialize a data series with synced dictionary behavior.
+        Here are some fields that can be included, with example values.
+
+        "uid": data_series_dict["uid"] = "123ABC",  # (string) a unique identifier
+        "name": data_series_dict["name"] = "Sample Data Series",  # (string) name of the data series
+        "trace_style": data_series_dict["trace_style"] = "scatter",  # (string) type of trace (e.g., scatter, bar)
+        "x": data_series_dict["x"] = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5],  # (list) x-axis values
+        "y": data_series_dict["y"] = [10, 20, 30, 40, 50],  # (list) y-axis values
+        "mode": data_series_dict["mode"] = "lines",  # (string) plot mode (e.g., "lines", "markers")
+        "marker_size": data_series_dict["marker"]["size"] = 6,  # (integer) marker size
+        "marker_color": data_series_dict["marker"]["color"] = "blue",  # (string) marker color
+        "marker_symbol": data_series_dict["marker"]["symbol"] = "circle",  # (string) marker shape/symbol
+        "line_width": data_series_dict["line"]["width"] = 2,  # (integer) line thickness
+        "line_dash": data_series_dict["line"]["dash"] = "solid",  # (string) line style (solid, dash, etc.)
+        "opacity": data_series_dict["opacity"] = 0.8,  # (float) transparency level (0-1)
+        "visible": data_series_dict["visible"] = True,  # (boolean) whether the trace is visible
+        "hoverinfo": data_series_dict["hoverinfo"] = "x+y",  # (string) format for hover display
+        "legend_group": data_series_dict["legend_group"] = None,  # (string or None) optional grouping for legend
+        "text": data_series_dict["text"] = "Data Point Labels",  # (string or None) optional text annotations
+
+        """
+        super().__init__()  # Initialize as a dictionary
+
+        # Default trace properties
+        self.update({
+            "uid": uid,
+            "name": name,
+            "trace_style": trace_style,
+            "x": list(x) if x else [],
+            "y": list(y) if y else []
+        })
+
+        # Include any extra keyword arguments passed in
+        self.update(kwargs)
+
+    def update_while_preserving_old_terms(self, series_dict):
+        """Update instance attributes from a dictionary. Overwrites existing terms and preserves other old terms."""
+        self.update(series_dict)
+
+    def get_data_series_dict(self):
+        """Return the dictionary representation of the trace."""
+        return dict(self)
+
+    def set_x_values(self, x_values):
+        """Update the x-axis values."""
+        self["x"] = list(x_values) if x_values else []
+
+    def set_y_values(self, y_values):
+        """Update the y-axis values."""
+        self["y"] = list(y_values) if y_values else []
+
+    def set_name(self, name):
+        """Update the name of the data series."""
+        self["name"] = name
+
+    def set_uid(self, uid):
+        """Update the unique identifier (uid) of the data series."""
+        self["uid"] = uid
+
+    def set_trace_style(self, style):
+        """Update the trace style (e.g., scatter, scatter_spline, scatter_line, bar)."""
+        self["trace_style"] = style
+
+    def set_marker_symbol(self, symbol):
+        self.set_marker_shape(shape=symbol)
+
+    def set_marker_shape(self, shape):
+        """
+        Update the marker shape (symbol).
+
+        Supported marker shapes in Plotly:
+        - 'circle' (default)
+        - 'square'
+        - 'diamond'
+        - 'cross'
+        - 'x'
+        - 'triangle-up'
+        - 'triangle-down'
+        - 'triangle-left'
+        - 'triangle-right'
+        - 'pentagon'
+        - 'hexagon'
+        - 'star'
+        - 'hexagram'
+        - 'star-triangle-up'
+        - 'star-triangle-down'
+        - 'star-square'
+        - 'star-diamond'
+        - 'hourglass'
+        - 'bowtie'
+
+        :param shape: String representing the desired marker shape.
+        """
+        self.setdefault("marker", {})["symbol"] = shape
+
+    def add_data_point(self, x_val, y_val):
+        """Append a new data point to the series."""
+        self["x"].append(x_val)
+        self["y"].append(y_val)
+
+    def set_marker_size(self, size):
+        """Update the marker size."""
+        self.setdefault("marker", {})["size"] = size
+
+    def set_marker_color(self, color):
+        """Update the marker color."""
+        self.setdefault("marker", {})["color"] = color
+
+    def set_mode(self, mode):
+        """Update the mode (options: 'lines', 'markers', 'text', 'lines+markers', 'lines+text', 'markers+text', 'lines+markers+text')."""
+        # Check if 'line' is in the mode but 'lines' is not. Then correct for user if needed.
+        if "line" in mode and "lines" not in mode:
+            mode = mode.replace("line", "lines")
+        self["mode"] = mode
+
+    def set_annotations(self, text): #just a convenient wrapper.
+        self.set_text(text) 
+
+    def set_text(self, text):
+        #text should be a list of strings teh same length as the data series, one string per point.
+        """Update the annotations with a list of text as long as the number of data points."""
+        if text == type("string"): 
+            text = [text] * len(self["x"])  # Repeat the text to match x-values length
+        else:
+            pass #use text directly    
+        self["text"] = text
+
+
+    def set_line_width(self, width):
+        """Update the line width, should be a number, normally an integer."""
+        line = self.setdefault("line", {})
+        line.setdefault("width", width)  # Ensure width is set
+
+    def set_line_dash(self, dash_style):
+        """
+        Update the line dash style.
+
+        Supported dash styles in Plotly:
+        - 'solid' (default) → Continuous solid line
+        - 'dot' → Dotted line
+        - 'dash' → Dashed line
+        - 'longdash' → Longer dashed line
+        - 'dashdot' → Dash-dot alternating pattern
+        - 'longdashdot' → Long dash-dot alternating pattern
+
+        :param dash_style: String representing the desired line style.
+        """
+        self.setdefault("line", {})["dash"] = dash_style
+
+    def set_transparency(self, transparency_value):
+        """
+        Update the transparency level by converting it to opacity.
+
+        Transparency ranges from:
+        - 0 (completely opaque) → opacity = 1
+        - 1 (fully transparent) → opacity = 0
+        - Intermediate values adjust partial transparency.
+
+        :param transparency_value: Float between 0 and 1, where 0 is opaque and 1 is transparent.
+        """
+        self["opacity"] = 1 - transparency_value
+
+    def set_opacity(self, opacity_value):
+        """Update the opacity level between 0 and 1."""
+        self["opacity"] = opacity_value
+
+    def set_visible(self, is_visible):
+        """Update the visibility of the trace.
+            "True" → The trace is fully visible.
+            "False" → The trace is completely hidden.
+            "legendonly" → The trace is hidden from the plot but still appears in the legend.
+        
+        """
+        
+        self["visible"] = is_visible
+
+    def set_hoverinfo(self, hover_format):
+        """Update hover information format."""
+        self["hoverinfo"] = hover_format
+
+
+
+class JSONGrapherRecord:
+    """
+    This class enables making JSONGrapher records. Each instance represents a structured JSON record for a graph.
+    One can optionally provide an existing JSONGrapher record during creation to pre-populate the object.
+    One can manipulate the fig_dict inside, directly, using syntax like Record.fig_dict["comments"] = ...
+    One can also use syntax like Record["comments"] = ...  as some 'magic' synchronizes fields directlyin the Record with fields in the fig_dict.
+    However, developers should usually use the syntax like Record.fig_dict, internally, to avoid any referencing mistakes.
+
+
+    Arguments & Attributes (all are optional):
+        comments (str): Can be used to put in general description or metadata related to the entire record. Can include citation links. Goes into the record's top level comments field.
+        datatype: The datatype is the experiment type or similar, it is used to assess which records can be compared and which (if any) schema to compare to. Use of single underscores between words is recommended. This ends up being the datatype field of the full JSONGrapher file. Avoid using double underscores '__' in this field  unless you have read the manual about hierarchical datatypes. The user can choose to provide a URL to a schema in this field, rather than a dataype name.
+        graph_title: Title of the graph or the dataset being represented.
+        data_objects_list (list): List of data series dictionaries to pre-populate the record. These may contain 'simulate' fields in them to call javascript source code for simulating on the fly.
+        simulate_as_added: Boolean. True by default. If true, any data series that are added with a simulation field will have an immediate simulation call attempt.
+        x_data: Single series x data in a list or array-like structure. 
+        y_data: Single series y data in a list or array-like structure.
+        x_axis_label_including_units: A string with units provided in parentheses. Use of multiplication "*" and division "/" and parentheses "( )" are allowed within in the units . The dimensions of units can be multiple, such as mol/s. SI units are expected. Custom units must be inside  < > and at the beginning.  For example, (<frogs>*kg/s)  would be permissible. Units should be non-plural (kg instead of kgs) and should be abbreviated (m not meter). Use “^” for exponents. It is recommended to have no numbers in the units other than exponents, and to thus use (bar)^(-1) rather than 1/bar.
+        y_axis_label_including_units: A string with units provided in parentheses. Use of multiplication "*" and division "/" and parentheses "( )" are allowed within in the units . The dimensions of units can be multiple, such as mol/s. SI units are expected. Custom units must be inside  < > and at the beginning.  For example, (<frogs>*kg/s)  would be permissible. Units should be non-plural (kg instead of kgs) and should be abbreviated (m not meter). Use “^” for exponents. It is recommended to have no numbers in the units other than exponents, and to thus use (bar)^(-1) rather than 1/bar.
+        layout: A dictionary defining the layout of the graph, including axis titles,
+                comments, and general formatting options.
+    
+    Methods:
+        add_data_series: Adds a new data series to the record.
+        add_data_series_as_equation: Adds a new equation to plot, which will be evaluated on the fly.
+        set_layout_fields: Updates the layout configuration for the graph.
+        export_to_json_file: Saves the entire record (comments, datatype, data, layout) as a JSON file.
+        populate_from_existing_record: Populates the attributes from an existing JSONGrapher record.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, comments="", graph_title="", datatype="", data_objects_list = None, simulate_as_added = True, evaluate_equations_as_added = True, x_data=None, y_data=None, x_axis_label_including_units="", y_axis_label_including_units ="", plot_style ="", layout=None, existing_JSONGrapher_record=None):
+        """
+        Initialize a JSONGrapherRecord instance with optional attributes or an existing record.
+
+            layout (dict): Layout dictionary to pre-populate the graph configuration.
+            existing_JSONGrapher_record (dict): Existing JSONGrapher record to populate the instance.
+        """  
+        if layout == None: #it's bad to have an empty dictionary or list as a python argument.
+            layout = {}
+
+        # Assign self.fig_dict in a way that it will push any changes to it into the class instance.
+        self.fig_dict = {}
+
+        # If receiving a data_objects_list, validate it.
+        if data_objects_list:
+            validate_plotly_data_list(data_objects_list)  # Call a function from outside the class.
+
+        # If receiving axis labels, validate them.
+        if x_axis_label_including_units:
+            validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(x_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="x", remove_plural_units=False)
+        if y_axis_label_including_units:
+            validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(y_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="y", remove_plural_units=False)
+
+        self.fig_dict.update( {
+            "comments": comments,  # Top-level comments
+            "datatype": datatype,  # Top-level datatype (datatype)
+            "data": data_objects_list if data_objects_list else [],  # Data series list
+            "layout": layout if layout else {
+                "title": {"text": graph_title},
+                "xaxis": {"title": {"text": x_axis_label_including_units}},
+                "yaxis": {"title": {"text": y_axis_label_including_units}}
+                   }
+                }
+            )
+
+        if plot_style !="":
+            self.fig_dict["plot_style"] = plot_style
+        if simulate_as_added:  # Will try to simulate, but because this is the default, will use a try-except rather than crash the program.
+            try:
+                self.fig_dict = simulate_as_needed_in_fig_dict(self.fig_dict)
+            except KeyError:
+                pass  # Handle missing key issues gracefully
+            except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line: pylint: disable=broad-except
+                print(f"Unexpected error: {e}")  # Logs any unhandled errors
+
+        if evaluate_equations_as_added:  # Will try to evaluate, but because this is the default, will use a try-except rather than crash the program.
+            try:
+                self.fig_dict = evaluate_equations_as_needed_in_fig_dict(self.fig_dict)
+            except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except, disable=unused-variable
+                pass 
+        # Populate attributes if an existing JSONGrapher record is provided as a dictionary.
+        if existing_JSONGrapher_record:
+            self.populate_from_existing_record(existing_JSONGrapher_record)
+
+        # Initialize the hints dictionary, for use later, since the actual locations in the JSONRecord can be non-intuitive.
+        self.hints_dictionary = {}
+        # Adding hints. Here, the keys are the full field locations within the record.
+        self.hints_dictionary["['comments']"] = "Use Record.set_comments() to populate this field. Can be used to put in a general description or metadata related to the entire record. Can include citations and links. Goes into the record's top-level comments field."
+        self.hints_dictionary["['datatype']"] = "Use Record.set_datatype() to populate this field. This is the datatype, like experiment type, and is used to assess which records can be compared and which (if any) schema to compare to. Use of single underscores between words is recommended. Avoid using double underscores '__' in this field unless you have read the manual about hierarchical datatypes. The user can choose to provide a URL to a schema in this field rather than a datatype name."
+        self.hints_dictionary["['layout']['title']['text']"] = "Use Record.set_graph_title() to populate this field. This is the title for the graph."
+        self.hints_dictionary["['layout']['xaxis']['title']['text']"] = "Use Record.set_x_axis_label() to populate this field. This is the x-axis label and should have units in parentheses. The units can include multiplication '*', division '/' and parentheses '( )'. Scientific and imperial units are recommended. Custom units can be contained in pointy brackets '< >'."  # x-axis label
+        self.hints_dictionary["['layout']['yaxis']['title']['text']"] = "Use Record.set_y_axis_label() to populate this field. This is the y-axis label and should have units in parentheses. The units can include multiplication '*', division '/' and parentheses '( )'. Scientific and imperial units are recommended. Custom units can be contained in pointy brackets '< >'."
+
+    ##Start of section of class code that allows class to behave like a dictionary and synchronize with fig_dict ##
+    #The __getitem__ and __setitem__ functions allow the class instance to behave 'like' a dictionary without using super.
+    #The below functions allow the JSONGrapherRecord to populate the self.fig_dict each time something is added inside.
+    #That is, if someone uses something like Record["comments"]="frog", it will also put that into self.fig_dict
+
+    def __getitem__(self, key):
+        return self.fig_dict[key]  # Direct access
+
+    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
+        self.fig_dict[key] = value  # Direct modification
+
+    def __delitem__(self, key):
+        del self.fig_dict[key]  # Support for deletion
+
+    def __iter__(self):
+        return iter(self.fig_dict)  # Allow iteration
+
+    def __len__(self):
+        return len(self.fig_dict)  # Support len()
+
+    def pop(self, key, default=None):
+        return self.fig_dict.pop(key, default)  # Implement pop()
+
+    def keys(self):
+        return self.fig_dict.keys()  # Dictionary-like keys()
+
+    def values(self):
+        return self.fig_dict.values()  # Dictionary-like values()
+
+    def items(self):
+        return self.fig_dict.items()  # Dictionary-like items()
+    
+    def update(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Updates the dictionary with multiple key-value pairs."""
+        self.fig_dict.update(*args, **kwargs)
+
+
+    ##End of section of class code that allows class to behave like a dictionary and synchronize with fig_dict ##
+
+    #this function enables printing the current record.
+    def __str__(self):
+        """
+        Returns a JSON-formatted string of the record with an indent of 4.
+        """
+        print("Warning: Printing directly will return the raw record without some automatic updates. It is recommended to use the syntax RecordObject.print_to_inspect() which will make automatic consistency updates and validation checks to the record before printing.")
+        return json.dumps(self.fig_dict, indent=4)
+
+
+    def add_data_series(self, series_name, x_values=None, y_values=None, simulate=None, simulate_as_added=True, comments="", trace_style="", uid="", line="", extra_fields=None):
+        """
+        This is the normal way of adding an x,y data series.
+        """
+        # series_name: Name of the data series.
+        # x: List of x-axis values. Or similar structure.
+        # y: List of y-axis values. Or similar structure.
+        # simulate: This is an optional field which, if used, is a JSON object with entries for calling external simulation scripts.
+        # simulate_as_added: Boolean for calling simulation scripts immediately.
+        # comments: Optional description of the data series.
+        # trace_style: Type of the data (e.g., scatter, line, scatter_spline, spline, bar).
+        # line: Dictionary describing line properties (e.g., shape, width).
+        # uid: Optional unique identifier for the series (e.g., a DOI).
+        # extra_fields: Dictionary containing additional fields to add to the series.
+        #Should not have mutable objects initialized as defaults, so putting them in below.
+        if x_values is None:
+            x_values = []
+        if y_values is None:
+            y_values = []
+        if simulate is None:
+            simulate = {}
+
+        x_values = list(x_values)
+        y_values = list(y_values)
+
+        data_series_dict = {
+            "name": series_name,
+            "x": x_values, 
+            "y": y_values,
+        }
+
+        #Add optional inputs.
+        if len(comments) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["comments"] = comments
+        if len(uid) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["uid"] = uid
+        if len(line) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["line"] = line
+        if len(trace_style) > 0:
+            data_series_dict['trace_style'] = trace_style
+        #add simulate field if included.
+        if simulate:
+            data_series_dict["simulate"] = simulate
+        if simulate_as_added: #will try to simulate. But because this is the default, will use a try and except rather than crash program.
+            try:
+                data_series_dict = simulate_data_series(data_series_dict)
+            except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except, disable=unused-variable
+                pass
+        # Add extra fields if provided, they will be added.
+        if extra_fields:
+            data_series_dict.update(extra_fields)
+
+        #make this a JSONGrapherDataSeries class object, that way a person can use functions to do things like change marker size etc. more easily.
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object = JSONGrapherDataSeries()
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object.update_while_preserving_old_terms(data_series_dict)
+        data_series_dict = JSONGrapher_data_series_object
+        #Add to the JSONGrapherRecord class object's data list.
+        self.fig_dict["data"].append(data_series_dict) #implied return.
+        return data_series_dict
+
+    def add_data_series_as_equation(self, series_name, x_values=None, y_values=None, equation_dict=None, evaluate_equations_as_added=True, comments="", trace_style="", uid="", line="", extra_fields=None):
+        """
+        This is a way to add an equation that would be used to fill an x,y data series.
+        The equation will be a equation_dict of the json_equationer type
+        """
+        # series_name: Name of the data series.
+        # x: List of x-axis values. Or similar structure.
+        # y: List of y-axis values. Or similar structure.
+        # equation_dict: This is the field for the equation_dict of json_equationer type
+        # evaluate_equations_as_added: Boolean for evaluating equations immediately.
+        # comments: Optional description of the data series.
+        # plot_type: Type of the data (e.g., scatter, line).
+        # line: Dictionary describing line properties (e.g., shape, width).
+        # uid: Optional unique identifier for the series (e.g., a DOI).
+        # extra_fields: Dictionary containing additional fields to add to the series.
+        #Should not have mutable objects initialized as defaults, so putting them in below.
+        if x_values is None:
+            x_values = []
+        if y_values is None:
+            y_values = []
+        if equation_dict is None:
+            equation_dict = {}
+
+        x_values = list(x_values)
+        y_values = list(y_values)
+
+        data_series_dict = {
+            "name": series_name,
+            "x": x_values, 
+            "y": y_values,
+        }
+
+        #Add optional inputs.
+        if len(comments) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["comments"] = comments
+        if len(uid) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["uid"] = uid
+        if len(line) > 0:
+            data_series_dict["line"] = line
+        if len(trace_style) > 0:
+            data_series_dict['trace_style'] = trace_style
+        #add equation field if included.
+        if equation_dict:
+            data_series_dict["equation"] = equation_dict
+        # Add extra fields if provided, they will be added.
+        if extra_fields:
+            data_series_dict.update(extra_fields)
+        
+        #make this a JSONGrapherDataSeries class object, that way a person can use functions to do things like change marker size etc. more easily.
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object = JSONGrapherDataSeries()
+        JSONGrapher_data_series_object.update_while_preserving_old_terms(data_series_dict)
+        data_series_dict = JSONGrapher_data_series_object
+        #Add to the JSONGrapherRecord class object's data list.
+        self.fig_dict["data"].append(data_series_dict)  
+        #Now evaluate the equation as added, if requested. It does seem counterintuitive to do this "at the end",
+        #but the reason this happens at the end is that the evaluation *must* occur after being a fig_dict because we
+        #need to check the units coming out against the units in the layout. Otherwise we would not be able to convert units.
+        new_data_series_index = len(self.fig_dict["data"])-1 
+        if evaluate_equations_as_added: #will try to simulate. But because this is the default, will use a try and except rather than crash program.
+            try:
+                self.fig_dict = evaluate_equation_for_data_series_by_index(self.fig_dict, new_data_series_index)
+            except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except, disable=unused-variable
+                pass
+        
+    def change_data_series_name(self, series_index, series_name):
+        self.fig_dict["data"][series_index]["name"] = series_name
+
+    #this function forces the re-simulation of a particular dataseries.
+    #The simulator link will be extracted from the record, by default.
+    def simulate_data_series_by_index(self, data_series_index, simulator_link='', verbose=False):
+        self.fig_dict = simulate_specific_data_series_by_index(fig_dict=self.fig_dict, data_series_index=data_series_index, simulator_link=simulator_link, verbose=verbose)
+        data_series_dict = self.fig_dict["data"][data_series_index] #implied return
+        return data_series_dict #Extra regular return
+    #this function returns the current record.
+
+    def evaluate_eqution_of_data_series_by_index(self, series_index, equation_dict = None, verbose=False):
+        if equation_dict != None:
+            self.fig_dict["data"][series_index]["equation"] = equation_dict
+        self.fig_dict = evaluate_equation_for_data_series_by_index(data_series_index=data_series_dict, verbose=verbose) #implied return.
+        return data_series_dict #Extra regular return
+
+    #this function returns the current record.       
+    def get_record(self):
+        """
+        Returns a JSON-dict string of the record
+        """
+        return self.fig_dict
+    #The update_and_validate function will clean for plotly.
+    #TODO: the internal recommending "print_to_inspect" function should, by default, exclude printing the full dictionaries of the layout_style and the trace_collection_style.
+    def print_to_inspect(self, update_and_validate=True, validate=True, remove_remaining_hints=False):
+        if remove_remaining_hints == True:
+            self.remove_hints()
+        if update_and_validate == True: #this will do some automatic 'corrections' during the validation.
+            self.update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+        elif validate: #this will validate without doing automatic updates.
+            self.validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+        print(json.dumps(self.fig_dict, indent=4))
+
+    def populate_from_existing_record(self, existing_JSONGrapher_record):
+        """
+        Populates attributes from an existing JSONGrapher record.
+        existing_JSONGrapher_record: A dictionary representing an existing JSONGrapher record.
+        """
+        #While we expect a dictionary, if a JSONGrapher ojbect is provided, we will simply pull the dictionary out of that.
+        if isinstance(existing_JSONGrapher_record, dict): 
+            if "comments" in existing_JSONGrapher_record:   self.fig_dict["comments"] = existing_JSONGrapher_record["comments"]
+            if "datatype" in existing_JSONGrapher_record:      self.fig_dict["datatype"] = existing_JSONGrapher_record["datatype"]
+            if "data" in existing_JSONGrapher_record:       self.fig_dict["data"] = existing_JSONGrapher_record["data"]
+            if "layout" in existing_JSONGrapher_record:     self.fig_dict["layout"] = existing_JSONGrapher_record["layout"]
+        else:
+            self.fig_dict = existing_JSONGrapher_record.fig_dict
+
+
+    #the below function takes in existin JSONGrpher record, and merges the data in.
+    #This requires scaling any data as needed, according to units.
+    def merge_in_JSONGrapherRecord(self, fig_dict_to_merge_in):
+        import copy
+        fig_dict_to_merge_in = copy.deepcopy(fig_dict_to_merge_in)
+        if type(fig_dict_to_merge_in) == type({}):
+            pass #this is what we are expecting.
+        elif type(fig_dict_to_merge_in) == type("string"):
+            fig_dict_to_merge_in = json.loads(fig_dict_to_merge_in)
+        else: #this assumpes there is a JSONGrapherRecord type received. 
+            fig_dict_to_merge_in = fig_dict_to_merge_in.fig_dict
+        #Now extract the units of the current record.
+        first_record_x_label = self.fig_dict["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+        first_record_y_label = self.fig_dict["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+        first_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(first_record_x_label)["units"]
+        first_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(first_record_y_label)["units"]
+        #Get the units of the new record.
+        this_record_x_label = fig_dict_to_merge_in["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+        this_record_y_label = fig_dict_to_merge_in["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+        this_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(this_record_x_label)["units"]
+        this_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(this_record_y_label)["units"]
+        #now get the ratio of the units for this record relative to the first record.
+        x_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(this_record_x_units, first_record_x_units)
+        y_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(this_record_y_units, first_record_y_units)
+        #A record could have more than one data series, but they will all have the same units.
+        #Thus, we use a function that will scale all of the dataseries at one time.
+        scaled_fig_dict = scale_fig_dict_values(fig_dict_to_merge_in, x_units_ratio, y_units_ratio)
+        #now, add the scaled data objects to the original one.
+        #This is fairly easy using a list extend.
+        self.fig_dict["data"].extend(scaled_fig_dict["data"])
+
+
+    
+    def import_from_dict(self, fig_dict):
+        self.fig_dict = fig_dict
+    
+    def import_from_file(self, json_filename_or_object):
+        self.import_from_json(json_filename_or_object)
+
+    #the json object can be a filename string or can be json object which is actually a dictionary.
+    def import_from_json(self, json_filename_or_object):
+        if type(json_filename_or_object) == type(""): #assume it's a json_string or filename_and_path.
+            try:
+                record = json.loads(json_filename_or_object) #first check if it's a json string.
+            except json.JSONDecodeError as e1:  # Catch specific exception
+                try:
+                    import os
+                    #if the filename does not exist, then we'll check if adding ".json" fixes the problem.
+                    if not os.path.exists(json_filename_or_object):
+                        json_added_filename = json_filename_or_object + ".json"
+                        if os.path.exists(json_added_filename): json_filename_or_object = json_added_filename #only change the filename if the json_filename exists.
+                    # Open the file in read mode with UTF-8 encoding
+                    with open(json_filename_or_object, "r", encoding="utf-8") as file:
+                        # Read the entire content of the file
+                        record = file.read().strip()  # Stripping leading/trailing whitespace
+                        self.fig_dict = json.loads(record)
+                        return self.fig_dict
+                except json.JSONDecodeError as e2:  # Catch specific exception
+                    print(f"JSON loading failed on record: {record}. Error: {e1} when trying to parse as a json directly, and {e2} when trying to use as a filename. You may want to try opening your JSON file in VS Code or in an online JSON Validator. Does your json have double quotes around strings? Single quotes around strings is allowed in python, but disallowed in JSON specifications. You may also need to check how Booleans and other aspects are defined in JSON.")  # Improved error reporting
+        else:
+            self.fig_dict = json_filename_or_object
+            return self.fig_dict
+
+    def set_datatype(self, datatype):
+        """
+        Sets the datatype field used as the experiment type or schema identifier.
+            datatype (str): The new data type to set.
+        """
+        self.fig_dict['datatype'] = datatype
+
+    def set_comments(self, comments):
+        """
+        Updates the comments field for the record.
+            str: The updated comments value.
+        """
+        self.fig_dict['comments'] = comments
+
+    def set_graph_title(self, graph_title):
+        """
+        Updates the title of the graph in the layout dictionary.
+        graph_title (str): The new title to set for the graph.
+        """
+        self.fig_dict['layout']['title']['text'] = graph_title
+
+    def set_x_axis_label_including_units(self, x_axis_label_including_units, remove_plural_units=True):
+        """
+        Updates the title of the x-axis in the layout dictionary.
+        xaxis_title (str): The new title to set for the x-axis.
+        """
+        if "xaxis" not in self.fig_dict['layout'] or not isinstance(self.fig_dict['layout'].get("xaxis"), dict):
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["xaxis"] = {}  # Initialize x-axis as a dictionary if it doesn't exist.
+        _validation_result, _warnings_list, x_axis_label_including_units = validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(x_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="x", remove_plural_units=remove_plural_units)
+        #setdefault avoids problems for missing fields.
+        self.fig_dict.setdefault("layout", {}).setdefault("xaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = x_axis_label_including_units 
+
+    def set_y_axis_label_including_units(self, y_axis_label_including_units, remove_plural_units=True):
+        """
+        Updates the title of the y-axis in the layout dictionary.
+        yaxis_title (str): The new title to set for the y-axis.
+        """
+        if "yaxis" not in self.fig_dict['layout'] or not isinstance(self.fig_dict['layout'].get("yaxis"), dict):
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["yaxis"] = {}  # Initialize y-axis as a dictionary if it doesn't exist.       
+        _validation_result, _warnings_list, y_axis_label_including_units = validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(y_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="y", remove_plural_units=remove_plural_units)
+        #setdefault avoids problems for missing fields.
+        self.fig_dict.setdefault("layout", {}).setdefault("yaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = y_axis_label_including_units
+
+    def set_z_axis_label_including_units(self, z_axis_label_including_units, remove_plural_units=True):
+        """
+        Updates the title of the z-axis in the layout dictionary.
+        zaxis_title (str): The new title to set for the z-axis.
+        """
+        if "zaxis" not in self.fig_dict['layout'] or not isinstance(self.fig_dict['layout'].get("zaxis"), dict):
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["zaxis"] = {}  # Initialize y-axis as a dictionary if it doesn't exist.
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["zaxis"]["title"] = {}  # Initialize y-axis as a dictionary if it doesn't exist.
+        _validation_result, _warnings_list, z_axis_label_including_units = validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(z_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="z", remove_plural_units=remove_plural_units)
+        #setdefault avoids problems for missing fields.
+        self.fig_dict.setdefault("layout", {}).setdefault("zaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = z_axis_label_including_units
+
+    #function to set the min and max of the x axis in plotly way.
+    def set_x_axis_range(self, min_value, max_value):
+        self.fig_dict["layout"]["xaxis"][0] = min_value
+        self.fig_dict["layout"]["xaxis"][1] = max_value
+    #function to set the min and max of the y axis in plotly way.
+    def set_y_axis_range(self, min_value, max_value):
+        self.fig_dict["layout"]["yaxis"][0] = min_value
+        self.fig_dict["layout"]["yaxis"][1] = max_value
+
+    #function to scale the values in the data series by arbitrary amounts.
+    def scale_record(self, num_to_scale_x_values_by = 1, num_to_scale_y_values_by = 1):
+        self.fig_dict = scale_fig_dict_values(self.fig_dict, num_to_scale_x_values_by=num_to_scale_x_values_by, num_to_scale_y_values_by=num_to_scale_y_values_by)
+
+    def set_layout_fields(self, comments="", graph_title="", x_axis_label_including_units="", y_axis_label_including_units="", x_axis_comments="",y_axis_comments="", remove_plural_units=True):
+        # comments: General comments about the layout. Allowed by JSONGrapher, but will be removed if converted to a plotly object.
+        # graph_title: Title of the graph.
+        # xaxis_title: Title of the x-axis, including units.
+        # xaxis_comments: Comments related to the x-axis.  Allowed by JSONGrapher, but will be removed if converted to a plotly object.
+        # yaxis_title: Title of the y-axis, including units.
+        # yaxis_comments: Comments related to the y-axis.  Allowed by JSONGrapher, but will be removed if converted to a plotly object.
+        
+        _validation_result, _warnings_list, x_axis_label_including_units = validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(x_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="x", remove_plural_units=remove_plural_units)              
+        _validation_result, _warnings_list, y_axis_label_including_units = validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(y_axis_label_including_units, axis_name="y", remove_plural_units=remove_plural_units)
+        self.fig_dict['layout']["title"]['text'] = graph_title
+        self.fig_dict['layout']["xaxis"]["title"]['text'] = x_axis_label_including_units
+        self.fig_dict['layout']["yaxis"]["title"]['text'] = y_axis_label_including_units
+        
+        #populate any optional fields, if provided:
+        if len(comments) > 0:
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["comments"] = comments
+        if len(x_axis_comments) > 0:
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["xaxis"]["comments"] = x_axis_comments
+        if len(y_axis_comments) > 0:
+            self.fig_dict['layout']["yaxis"]["comments"] = y_axis_comments     
+        return self.fig_dict['layout']
+    
+    #This function validates the output before exporting, and also has an option of removing hints.
+    #The update_and_validate function will clean for plotly.
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    #TODO: need to add an "include_formatting" option
+    def export_to_json_file(self, filename, update_and_validate=True, validate=True, simulate_all_series = True, remove_simulate_fields= False, remove_equation_fields= False, remove_remaining_hints=False):
+        """
+        writes the json to a file
+        returns the json as a dictionary.
+        update_and_validate function will clean for plotly. One can alternatively only validate.
+        optionally simulates all series that have a simulate field (does so by default)
+        optionally removes simulate filed from all series that have a simulate field (does not do so by default)
+        optionally removes hints before export and return.
+        """
+        #if simulate_all_series is true, we'll try to simulate any series that need it, then clean the simulate fields out if requested.
+        if simulate_all_series == True:
+            self.fig_dict = simulate_as_needed_in_fig_dict(self.fig_dict)
+        if remove_simulate_fields == True:
+            self.fig_dict = clean_json_fig_dict(self.fig_dict, fields_to_update=['simulate'])
+        if remove_equation_fields == True:
+            self.fig_dict = clean_json_fig_dict(self.fig_dict, fields_to_update=['equation'])
+        if remove_remaining_hints == True:
+            self.remove_hints()
+        if update_and_validate == True: #this will do some automatic 'corrections' during the validation.
+            self.update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+        elif validate: #this will validate without doing automatic updates.
+            self.validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+
+        # filepath: Optional, filename with path to save the JSON file.       
+        if len(filename) > 0: #this means we will be writing to file.
+            # Check if the filename has an extension and append `.json` if not
+            if '.json' not in filename.lower():
+                filename += ".json"
+            #Write to file using UTF-8 encoding.
+            with open(filename, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                json.dump(self.fig_dict, f, indent=4)
+        return self.fig_dict
+
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    def get_plotly_fig(self, plot_style=None, update_and_validate=True, simulate_all_series=True, evaluate_all_equations=True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+        """
+        Generates a Plotly figure from the stored fig_dict, performing simulations and equations as needed.
+        By default, it will apply the default still hard coded into jsongrapher.
+
+        Args:
+            plot_style: String or dictionary of style to apply. Use '' to skip applying a style, or provide a list of length two containing both a layout style and a data series style."none" removes all style.
+            simulate_all_series (bool): If True, performs simulations for applicable series.
+            update_and_validate (bool): If True, applies automatic corrections to fig_dict.
+            evaluate_all_equations (bool): If True, evaluates all equation-based series.
+            adjust_implicit_data_ranges (bool): If True, modifies ranges for implicit data series.
+
+        Returns:
+            plotly Figure: A validated Plotly figure object based on fig_dict.
+        """
+        if plot_style is None: #should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            plot_style = {"layout_style": "", "trace_styles_collection": ""}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+        
+        import plotly.io as pio
+        import copy
+        if plot_style == {"layout_style":"", "trace_styles_collection":""}: #if the plot_style received is the default, we'll check if the fig_dict has a plot_style.
+            plot_style = self.fig_dict.get("plot_style", {"layout_style":"", "trace_styles_collection":""}) #retrieve from self.fig_dict, and use default if not there.
+        #This code *does not* simply modify self.fig_dict. It creates a deepcopy and then puts the final x y data back in.
+        self.fig_dict = execute_implicit_data_series_operations(self.fig_dict, 
+                                                                simulate_all_series=simulate_all_series, 
+                                                                evaluate_all_equations=evaluate_all_equations, 
+                                                                adjust_implicit_data_ranges=adjust_implicit_data_ranges)
+        #Regardless of implicit data series, we make a fig_dict copy, because we will clean self.fig_dict for creating the new plotting fig object.
+        original_fig_dict = copy.deepcopy(self.fig_dict) 
+        #before cleaning and validating, we'll apply styles.
+        plot_style = parse_plot_style(plot_style=plot_style)
+        self.apply_plot_style(plot_style=plot_style)
+        #Now we clean out the fields and make a plotly object.
+        if update_and_validate == True: #this will do some automatic 'corrections' during the validation.
+            self.update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record() #this is the line that cleans "self.fig_dict"
+            self.fig_dict = clean_json_fig_dict(self.fig_dict, fields_to_update=['simulate', 'custom_units_chevrons', 'equation', 'trace_style', '3d_axes', 'bubble'])
+        fig = pio.from_json(json.dumps(self.fig_dict))
+        #restore the original fig_dict.
+        self.fig_dict = original_fig_dict 
+        return fig
+
+    #Just a wrapper aroudn plot_with_plotly.
+    def plot(self, plot_style = None, update_and_validate=True, simulate_all_series=True, evaluate_all_equations=True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+        if plot_style is None: #should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            plot_style = {"layout_style": "", "trace_styles_collection": ""}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+        return self.plot_with_plotly(plot_style=plot_style, update_and_validate=update_and_validate, simulate_all_series=simulate_all_series, evaluate_all_equations=evaluate_all_equations, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=adjust_implicit_data_ranges)
+
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed. If changing this function's arguments, also change those for self.plot()
+    def plot_with_plotly(self, plot_style = None, update_and_validate=True, simulate_all_series=True, evaluate_all_equations=True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+        if plot_style is None: #should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            plot_style = {"layout_style": "", "trace_styles_collection": ""}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+        fig = self.get_plotly_fig(plot_style=plot_style,
+                                  simulate_all_series=simulate_all_series, 
+                                  update_and_validate=update_and_validate, 
+                                  evaluate_all_equations=evaluate_all_equations, 
+                                  adjust_implicit_data_ranges=adjust_implicit_data_ranges)
+        fig.show()
+        #No need for fig.close() for plotly figures.
+
+
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    def export_to_plotly_png(self, filename, simulate_all_series = True, update_and_validate=True, timeout=10):
+        fig = self.get_plotly_fig(simulate_all_series = simulate_all_series, update_and_validate=update_and_validate)       
+        # Save the figure to a file, but use the timeout version.
+        self.export_plotly_image_with_timeout(plotly_fig = fig, filename=filename, timeout=timeout)
+
+    def export_plotly_image_with_timeout(self, plotly_fig, filename, timeout=10):
+        # Ensure filename ends with .png
+        if not filename.lower().endswith(".png"):
+            filename += ".png"
+        import plotly.io as pio
+        pio.kaleido.scope.mathjax = None
+        fig = plotly_fig
+        
+        def export():
+            try:
+                fig.write_image(filename, engine="kaleido")
+            except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except
+                print(f"Export failed: {e}")
+
+        import threading
+        thread = threading.Thread(target=export, daemon=True)  # Daemon ensures cleanup
+        thread.start()
+        thread.join(timeout=timeout)  # Wait up to 10 seconds
+        if thread.is_alive():
+            print("Skipping Plotly png export: Operation timed out. Plotly image export often does not work from Python. Consider using export_to_matplotlib_png.")
+
+    #update_and_validate will 'clean' for plotly. 
+    #In the case of creating a matplotlib figure, this really just means removing excess fields.
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    def get_matplotlib_fig(self, plot_style = None, update_and_validate=True, simulate_all_series = True, evaluate_all_equations = True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+        """
+        Generates a matplotlib figure from the stored fig_dict, performing simulations and equations as needed.
+
+        Args:
+            simulate_all_series (bool): If True, performs simulations for applicable series.
+            update_and_validate (bool): If True, applies automatic corrections to fig_dict.
+            evaluate_all_equations (bool): If True, evaluates all equation-based series.
+            adjust_implicit_data_ranges (bool): If True, modifies ranges for implicit data series.
+
+        Returns:
+            plotly Figure: A validated matplotlib figure object based on fig_dict.
+        """
+        if plot_style is None: #should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            plot_style = {"layout_style": "", "trace_styles_collection": ""}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+        import copy
+        if plot_style == {"layout_style":"", "trace_styles_collection":""}: #if the plot_style received is the default, we'll check if the fig_dict has a plot_style.
+            plot_style = self.fig_dict.get("plot_style", {"layout_style":"", "trace_styles_collection":""})
+        #This code *does not* simply modify self.fig_dict. It creates a deepcopy and then puts the final x y data back in.
+        self.fig_dict = execute_implicit_data_series_operations(self.fig_dict, 
+                                                                simulate_all_series=simulate_all_series, 
+                                                                evaluate_all_equations=evaluate_all_equations, 
+                                                                adjust_implicit_data_ranges=adjust_implicit_data_ranges)
+        #Regardless of implicit data series, we make a fig_dict copy, because we will clean self.fig_dict for creating the new plotting fig object.
+        original_fig_dict = copy.deepcopy(self.fig_dict) #we will get a copy, because otherwise the original fig_dict will be forced to be overwritten.    
+        #before cleaning and validating, we'll apply styles.
+        plot_style = parse_plot_style(plot_style=plot_style)
+        self.apply_plot_style(plot_style=plot_style)
+        if update_and_validate == True: #this will do some automatic 'corrections' during the validation.
+            self.update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+            self.fig_dict = clean_json_fig_dict(self.fig_dict, fields_to_update=['simulate', 'custom_units_chevrons', 'equation', 'trace_style'])
+        fig = convert_JSONGrapher_dict_to_matplotlib_fig(self.fig_dict)
+        self.fig_dict = original_fig_dict #restore the original fig_dict.
+        return fig
+
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    def plot_with_matplotlib(self, update_and_validate=True, simulate_all_series=True, evaluate_all_equations=True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+        import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+        fig = self.get_matplotlib_fig(simulate_all_series=simulate_all_series, 
+                                      update_and_validate=update_and_validate, 
+                                      evaluate_all_equations=evaluate_all_equations, 
+                                      adjust_implicit_data_ranges=adjust_implicit_data_ranges)
+        plt.show()
+        plt.close(fig) #remove fig from memory.
+
+    #simulate all series will simulate any series as needed.
+    def export_to_matplotlib_png(self, filename, simulate_all_series = True, update_and_validate=True):
+        import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+        # Ensure filename ends with .png
+        if not filename.lower().endswith(".png"):
+            filename += ".png"
+        fig = self.get_matplotlib_fig(simulate_all_series = simulate_all_series, update_and_validate=update_and_validate)       
+        # Save the figure to a file
+        fig.savefig(filename)
+        plt.close(fig) #remove fig from memory.
+
+    def add_hints(self):
+        """
+        Adds hints to fields that are currently empty strings using self.hints_dictionary.
+        Dynamically parses hint keys (e.g., "['layout']['xaxis']['title']") to access and update fields in self.fig_dict.
+        The hints_dictionary is first populated during creation of the class object in __init__.
+        """
+        for hint_key, hint_text in self.hints_dictionary.items():
+            # Parse the hint_key into a list of keys representing the path in the record.
+            # For example, if hint_key is "['layout']['xaxis']['title']",
+            # then record_path_as_list will be ['layout', 'xaxis', 'title'].
+            record_path_as_list = hint_key.strip("[]").replace("'", "").split("][")
+            record_path_length = len(record_path_as_list)
+            # Start at the top-level record dictionary.
+            current_field = self.fig_dict
+
+            # Loop over each key in the path.
+            # For example, with record_path_as_list = ['layout', 'xaxis', 'title']:
+            #    at nesting_level 0, current_path_key will be "layout";
+            #    at nesting_level 1, current_path_key will be "xaxis";  <-- (this is the "xaxis" example)
+            #    at nesting_level 2, current_path_key will be "title".
+            # Enumerate over keys starting with index 1.
+            for nesting_level, current_path_key in enumerate(record_path_as_list, start=1):
+                # If not the final depth key, then retrieve from deeper.
+                if nesting_level != record_path_length:
+                    current_field = current_field.setdefault(current_path_key, {}) # `setdefault` will fill with the second argument if the requested field does not exist.
+                else:
+                    # Final key: if the field is empty, set it to hint_text.
+                    if current_field.get(current_path_key, "") == "": # `get` will return the second argument if the requested field does not exist.
+                        current_field[current_path_key] = hint_text
+                        
+    def remove_hints(self):
+        """
+        Removes hints by converting fields back to empty strings if their value matches the hint text in self.hints_dictionary.
+        Dynamically parses hint keys (e.g., "['layout']['xaxis']['title']") to access and update fields in self.fig_dict.
+        The hints_dictionary is first populated during creation of the class object in __init__.
+        """
+        for hint_key, hint_text in self.hints_dictionary.items():
+            # Parse the hint_key into a list of keys representing the path in the record.
+            # For example, if hint_key is "['layout']['xaxis']['title']",
+            # then record_path_as_list will be ['layout', 'xaxis', 'title'].
+            record_path_as_list = hint_key.strip("[]").replace("'", "").split("][")
+            record_path_length = len(record_path_as_list)
+            # Start at the top-level record dictionary.
+            current_field = self.fig_dict
+
+            # Loop over each key in the path.
+            # For example, with record_path_as_list = ['layout', 'xaxis', 'title']:
+            #    at nesting_level 0, current_path_key will be "layout";
+            #    at nesting_level 1, current_path_key will be "xaxis";  <-- (this is the "xaxis" example)
+            #    at nesting_level 2, current_path_key will be "title".  
+            # Enumerate with a starting index of 1.
+            for nesting_level, current_path_key in enumerate(record_path_as_list, start=1):
+                # If not the final depth key, then retrieve from deeper.
+                if nesting_level != record_path_length: 
+                    current_field = current_field.get(current_path_key, {})  # `get` will return the second argument if the requested field does not exist.
+                else:
+                    # Final key: if the field's value equals the hint text, reset it to an empty string.
+                    if current_field.get(current_path_key, "") == hint_text:
+                        current_field[current_path_key] = ""
+
+    ## Start of section of JSONGRapher class functions related to styles ##
+
+    def apply_plot_style(self, plot_style= None): 
+        #the plot_style can be a string, or a plot_style dictionary {"layout_style":"default", "trace_styles_collection":"default"} or a list of length two with those two items.
+        #The plot_style dictionary can include a pair of dictionaries.
+        #if apply style is called directly, we will first put the plot_style into the plot_style field
+        #This way, the style will stay.
+        if plot_style is None: #should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            plot_style = {"layout_style": "", "trace_styles_collection": ""}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+        self.fig_dict['plot_style'] = plot_style
+        self.fig_dict = apply_plot_style_to_plotly_dict(self.fig_dict, plot_style=plot_style)
+    def remove_plot_style(self):
+        self.fig_dict.pop("plot_style") #This line removes the field of plot_style from the fig_dict.
+        self.fig_dict = remove_plot_style_from_plotly_dict(self.fig_dict) #This line removes the actual formatting from the fig_dict.
+    def set_layout_style(self, layout_style):
+        if "plot_style" not in self.fig_dict: #create it not present.
+            self.fig_dict["plot_style"] = {}  # Initialize if missing
+        self.fig_dict["plot_style"]["layout_style"] = layout_style
+    def remove_layout_style_setting(self):
+        if "layout_style" in self.fig_dict["plot_style"]:
+            self.fig_dict["plot_style"].pop("layout_style")
+    def extract_layout_style(self):
+        layout_style = extract_layout_style_from_plotly_dict(self.fig_dict)
+        return layout_style
+    def apply_trace_style_by_index(self, data_series_index, trace_styles_collection='', trace_style=''):
+        if trace_styles_collection == '':
+            self.fig_dict.setdefault("plot_style",{}) #create the plot_style dictionary if it's not there. Else, return current value.
+            trace_styles_collection = self.fig_dict["plot_style"].get("trace_styles_collection", '') #check if there is a trace_styles_collection within it, and use that. If it's not there, then use ''.
+        #trace_style should be a dictionary, but can be a string.
+        data_series = self.fig_dict["data"][data_series_index]
+        data_series = apply_trace_style_to_single_data_series(data_series, trace_styles_collection=trace_styles_collection, trace_style_to_apply=trace_style) #this is the 'external' function, not the one in the class.
+        self.fig_dict["data"][data_series_index] = data_series
+        return data_series
+    def set_trace_style_one_data_series(self, data_series_index, trace_style):
+        self.fig_dict['data'][data_series_index]["trace_style"] = trace_style
+        return self.fig_dict['data'][data_series_index]
+    def set_trace_styles_collection(self, trace_styles_collection):
+        """
+        Sets the plot_style["trace_styles_collection"] field for the all data series.
+        options are: scatter, spline, scatter_spline
+        """
+        self.fig_dict["plot_style"]["trace_styles_collection"] = trace_styles_collection
+    def remove_trace_styles_collection_setting(self):
+        if "trace_styles_collection" in self.fig_dict["plot_style"]:
+            self.fig_dict["plot_style"].pop("trace_styles_collection")
+    def set_trace_style_all_series(self, trace_style):
+        """
+        Sets the trace_style field for the all data series.
+        options are: scatter, spline, scatter_spline
+        """
+        for data_series_index in range(len(self.fig_dict['data'])): #works with array indexing.
+            self.set_trace_style_one_data_series(data_series_index, trace_style)
+    def extract_trace_styles_collection(self, new_trace_styles_collection_name='', 
+                                    indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from=None, 
+                                    new_trace_style_names_list=None, extract_colors=False):
+        """
+        Extracts trace style collection 
+        :param new_trace_styles_collection_name: str, Name of the new collection.
+        :param indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from: list, Indices of series to extract styles from.
+        :param new_trace_style_names_list: list, Names for the new trace styles.
+        """
+        if indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from = []  
+        if new_trace_style_names_list is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            new_trace_style_names_list = []
+        fig_dict = self.fig_dict
+        new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name = {}
+        if new_trace_styles_collection_name == '':
+            new_trace_styles_collection_name = 'replace_this_with_your_trace_styles_collection_name'
+        if indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from == []:
+            indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from = range(len(fig_dict["data"]))
+        if new_trace_style_names_list == []:
+            for data_series_index in indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from:
+                data_series_dict = fig_dict["data"][data_series_index]
+                trace_style_name = data_series_dict.get('trace_style', '')  # return blank line if not there.
+                if trace_style_name == '':
+                    trace_style_name = 'custom_trace_style' + str(data_series_index)
+                if trace_style_name not in new_trace_style_names_list:
+                    pass
+                else:
+                    trace_style_name = trace_style_name + str(data_series_index)
+                new_trace_style_names_list.append(trace_style_name)
+        if len(indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from) != len(new_trace_style_names_list):
+            raise ValueError("Error: The input for indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from is not compatible with the input for new_trace_style_names_list. There is a difference in lengths after the automatic parsing and filling that occurs.")
+        for index_to_extract_from in indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from:
+            new_trace_style_name = new_trace_style_names_list[index_to_extract_from]
+            extracted_trace_style = extract_trace_style_by_index(fig_dict, index_to_extract_from, new_trace_style_name=new_trace_style_names_list[index_to_extract_from], extract_colors=extract_colors)
+            new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name[new_trace_style_name] = extracted_trace_style[new_trace_style_name]
+        return new_trace_styles_collection_name, new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name
+    def export_trace_styles_collection(self, new_trace_styles_collection_name='', 
+                                    indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from=None, 
+                                    new_trace_style_names_list=None, filename='', extract_colors=False):
+        """
+        Exports trace style collection while ensuring proper handling of mutable default arguments.
+        
+        :param new_trace_styles_collection_name: str, Name of the new collection.
+        :param indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from: list, Indices of series to extract styles from.
+        :param new_trace_style_names_list: list, Names for the new trace styles.
+        :param filename: str, Name of the file to export to.
+        """
+        if indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from = []
+        if new_trace_style_names_list is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+            new_trace_style_names_list = []
+        auto_new_trace_styles_collection_name, new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name = self.extract_trace_styles_collection(new_trace_styles_collection_name=new_trace_styles_collection_name, indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from=indices_of_data_series_to_extract_styles_from, new_trace_style_names_list = new_trace_style_names_list, extract_colors=extract_colors)
+        if new_trace_styles_collection_name == '':
+            new_trace_styles_collection_name = auto_new_trace_styles_collection_name
+        if filename == '':
+            filename = new_trace_styles_collection_name
+        write_trace_styles_collection_to_file(trace_styles_collection=new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name, trace_styles_collection_name=new_trace_styles_collection_name, filename=filename)
+        return new_trace_styles_collection_name, new_trace_styles_collection_dictionary_without_name
+    def extract_trace_style_by_index(self, data_series_index, new_trace_style_name='', extract_colors=False):
+        extracted_trace_style = extract_trace_style_by_index(self.fig_dict, data_series_index, new_trace_style_name=new_trace_style_name, extract_colors=extract_colors)
+        return extracted_trace_style
+    def export_trace_style_by_index(self, data_series_index, new_trace_style_name='', filename='', extract_colors=False):
+        extracted_trace_style = extract_trace_style_by_index(self.fig_dict, data_series_index, new_trace_style_name=new_trace_style_name, extract_colors=extract_colors)
+        new_trace_style_name = list(extracted_trace_style.keys())[0] #the extracted_trace_style will have a single key which is the style name.
+        if filename == '': 
+            filename = new_trace_style_name
+        write_trace_style_to_file(trace_style_dict=extracted_trace_style[new_trace_style_name],trace_style_name=new_trace_style_name, filename=filename)
+        return extracted_trace_style       
+    ## End of section of JSONGRapher class functions related to styles ##
+
+    #Make some pointers to external functions, for convenience, so people can use syntax like record.function_name() if desired.
+    def validate_JSONGrapher_record(self):
+        validate_JSONGrapher_record(self)
+    def update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record(self):
+        update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record(self)
+
+
+# helper function to validate x axis and y axis labels.
+# label string will be the full label including units. Axis_name is typically "x" or "y"
+def validate_JSONGrapher_axis_label(label_string, axis_name="", remove_plural_units=True):
+    """
+    Validates the axis label provided to JSONGrapher.
+
+    Args:
+        label_string (str): The axis label containing a numeric value and units.
+        axis_name (str): The name of the axis being validated (e.g., 'x' or 'y').
+        remove_plural_units (boolean) : Instructions wil to remove plural units or not. Will remove them in the returned stringif set to True, or will simply provide a warning if set to False.
+
+    Returns:
+        None: Prints warnings if any validation issues are found.
+    """
+    warnings_list = []
+    #First check if the label is empty.
+    if label_string == '':
+        warnings_list.append(f"Your {axis_name} axis label is an empty string. JSONGrapher records should not have empty strings for axis labels.")
+    else:    
+        parsing_result = separate_label_text_from_units(label_string)  # Parse the numeric value and units from the label string
+        # Check if units are missing
+        if parsing_result["units"] == "":
+            warnings_list.append(f"Your {axis_name} axis label is missing units. JSONGrapher is expected to handle axis labels with units, with the units between parentheses '( )'.")    
+        # Check if the units string has balanced parentheses
+        open_parens = parsing_result["units"].count("(")
+        close_parens = parsing_result["units"].count(")")
+        if open_parens != close_parens:
+            warnings_list.append(f"Your {axis_name} axis label has unbalanced parentheses in the units. The number of opening parentheses '(' must equal the number of closing parentheses ')'.")
+    
+    #now do the plural units check.
+    units_changed_flag, units_singularized = units_plural_removal(parsing_result["units"])
+    if units_changed_flag == True:
+        warnings_list.append("The units of " + parsing_result["units"] + " appear to be plural. Units should be entered as singular, such as 'year' rather than 'years'.")
+        if remove_plural_units==True:
+            label_string = parsing_result["text"] + " (" + units_singularized + ")"
+            warnings_list.append("Now removing the 's' to change the units into singular '" + units_singularized + "'.  To avoid this change, use the function you've called with the optional argument of remove_plural_units set to False.")
+    else:
+        pass
+
+    # Return validation result
+    if warnings_list:
+        print(f"Warning: Your  {axis_name} axis label did not pass expected vaidation checks. You may use Record.set_x_axis_label() or Record.set_y_axis_label() to change the labels. The validity check fail messages are as follows: \n", warnings_list)
+        return False, warnings_list, label_string
+    else:
+        return True, [], label_string    
+    
+def units_plural_removal(units_to_check):
+    """
+    Parses a units string to remove "s" if the string is found as an exact match without an s in the units lists.
+    Args:
+        units_to_check (str): A string containing units to check.
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple: A tuple of two values
+              - "changed" (Boolean): True, or False, where True means the string was changed to remove an "s" at the end.
+              - "singularized" (string): The units parsed to be singular, if needed.
+    """
+    # Check if we have the module we need. If not, return with no change.
+    try:
+        import JSONGrapher.units_list as units_list
+    except ImportError:
+        try:
+            from . import units_list  # Attempt local import
+        except ImportError as exc:  # If still not present, give up and avoid crashing
+            units_changed_flag = False
+            print(f"Module import failed: {exc}")  # Log the error for debugging
+            return units_changed_flag, units_to_check  # Return unchanged values
+
+    #First try to check if units are blank or ends with "s" is in the units list. 
+    if (units_to_check == "") or (units_to_check[-1] != "s"):
+        units_changed_flag = False
+        units_singularized = units_to_check #return if string is blank or does not end with s.
+    elif (units_to_check != "") and (units_to_check[-1] == "s"): #continue if not blank and ends with s. 
+        if (units_to_check in units_list.expanded_ids_set) or (units_to_check in units_list.expanded_names_set):#return unchanged if unit is recognized.
+            units_changed_flag = False
+            units_singularized = units_to_check #No change if was found.
+        else:
+            truncated_string = units_to_check[0:-1] #remove last letter.
+            if (truncated_string in units_list.expanded_ids_set) or (truncated_string in units_list.expanded_names_set):
+                units_changed_flag = True
+                units_singularized = truncated_string #return without the s.   
+            else: #No change if the truncated string isn't found.
+                units_changed_flag = False
+                units_singularized = units_to_check
+    else:
+        units_changed_flag = False
+        units_singularized = units_to_check  #if it's outside of ourknown logic, we just return unchanged.
+    return units_changed_flag, units_singularized
+
+
+def separate_label_text_from_units(label_with_units):
+    # Check for mismatched parentheses
+    open_parentheses = label_with_units.count('(')
+    close_parentheses = label_with_units.count(')')
+    
+    if open_parentheses != close_parentheses:
+        raise ValueError(f"Mismatched parentheses in input string: '{label_with_units}'")
+
+    # Default parsed output
+    parsed_output = {"text": label_with_units, "units": ""}
+
+    # Extract tentative start and end indices, from first open and first close parentheses.
+    start = label_with_units.find('(')
+    end = label_with_units.rfind(')')
+
+    # Flag to track if the second check fails
+    second_check_failed = False
+
+    # Ensure removing both first '(' and last ')' doesn't cause misalignment
+    if start != -1 and end != -1:
+        temp_string = label_with_units[:start] + label_with_units[start + 1:end] + label_with_units[end + 1:]  # Removing first '(' and last ')'
+        first_closing_paren_after_removal = temp_string.find(')')
+        first_opening_paren_after_removal = temp_string.find('(')
+        if first_opening_paren_after_removal != -1 and first_closing_paren_after_removal < first_opening_paren_after_removal:
+            second_check_failed = True  # Set flag if second check fails
+
+    if second_check_failed:
+        #For the units, keep everything from the first '(' onward
+        parsed_output["text"] = label_with_units[:start].strip()
+        parsed_output["units"] = label_with_units[start:].strip()
+    else:
+        # Extract everything between first '(' and last ')'
+        parsed_output["text"] = label_with_units[:start].strip()
+        parsed_output["units"] = label_with_units[start + 1:end].strip()
+
+    return parsed_output
+
+
+
+def validate_plotly_data_list(data):
+    """
+    Validates the entries in a Plotly data array.
+    If a dictionary is received, the function will assume you are sending in a single dataseries for validation
+    and will put it in a list of one before the validation.
+
+    Args:
+        data (list): A list of dictionaries, each representing a Plotly trace.
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if all entries are valid, False otherwise.
+        list: A list of errors describing why the validation failed.
+    """
+    #check if a dictionary was received. If so, will assume that
+    #a single series has been sent, and will put it in a list by itself.
+    if type(data) == type({}):
+        data = [data]
+
+    required_fields_by_type = {
+        "scatter": ["x", "y"],
+        "bar": ["x", "y"],
+        "pie": ["labels", "values"],
+        "heatmap": ["z"],
+    }
+    
+    warnings_list = []
+
+    for i, trace in enumerate(data):
+        if not isinstance(trace, dict):
+            warnings_list.append(f"Trace {i} is not a dictionary.")
+            continue
+        if "comments" in trace:
+            warnings_list.append(f"Trace {i} has a comments field within the data. This is allowed by JSONGrapher, but is discouraged by plotly. By default, this will be removed when you export your record.")
+        # Determine the type based on the fields provided
+        trace_style = trace.get("type")
+        if not trace_style:
+            # Infer type based on fields and attributes
+            if "x" in trace and "y" in trace:
+                if "mode" in trace or "marker" in trace or "line" in trace:
+                    trace_style = "scatter"
+                elif "text" in trace or "marker.color" in trace:
+                    trace_style = "bar"
+                else:
+                    trace_style = "scatter"  # Default assumption
+            elif "labels" in trace and "values" in trace:
+                trace_style = "pie"
+            elif "z" in trace:
+                trace_style = "heatmap"
+            else:
+                warnings_list.append(f"Trace {i} cannot be inferred as a valid type.")
+                continue
+        
+        # Check for required fields
+        required_fields = required_fields_by_type.get(trace_style, [])
+        for field in required_fields:
+            if field not in trace:
+                warnings_list.append(f"Trace {i} (type inferred as {trace_style}) is missing required field: {field}.")
+
+    if warnings_list:
+        print("Warning: There are some entries in your data list that did not pass validation checks: \n", warnings_list)
+        return False, warnings_list
+    else:
+        return True, []
+
+def parse_units(value):
+    """
+    Parses a numerical value and its associated units from a string. This meant for scientific constants and parameters
+    Such as rate constants, gravitational constant, or simiilar.
+    This function is not meant for separating the axis label from its units. For that, use  separate_label_text_from_units
+
+    Args:
+        value (str): A string containing a numeric value and optional units enclosed in parentheses.
+                     Example: "42 (kg)" or "100".
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: A dictionary with two keys:
+              - "value" (float): The numeric value parsed from the input string.
+              - "units" (str): The units parsed from the input string, or an empty string if no units are present.
+    """
+    # Find the position of the first '(' and the last ')'
+    start = value.find('(')
+    end = value.rfind(')')
+    # Ensure both are found and properly ordered
+    if start != -1 and end != -1 and end > start:
+        number_part = value[:start].strip()  # Everything before '('
+        units_part = value[start + 1:end].strip()  # Everything inside '()'
+        parsed_output = {
+            "value": float(number_part),  # Convert number part to float
+            "units": units_part  # Extracted units
+        }
+    else:
+        parsed_output = {
+            "value": float(value),  # No parentheses, assume the entire string is numeric
+            "units": ""  # Empty string represents absence of units
+        }
+    
+    return parsed_output
+
+#This function does updating of internal things before validating
+#This is used before printing and returning the JSON record.
+def update_and_validate_JSONGrapher_record(record, clean_for_plotly=True):
+    record.validate_JSONGrapher_record()
+    if clean_for_plotly == True:
+        record.fig_dict = clean_json_fig_dict(record.fig_dict)
+    return record
+
+#TODO: add the ability for this function to check against the schema.
+def validate_JSONGrapher_record(record):
+    """
+    Validates a JSONGrapher record to ensure all required fields are present and correctly structured.
+
+    Args:
+        record (dict): The JSONGrapher record to validate.
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if the record is valid, False otherwise.
+        list: A list of errors describing any validation issues.
+    """
+    warnings_list = []
+
+    # Check top-level fields
+    if not isinstance(record, dict):
+        return False, ["The record is not a dictionary."]
+    
+    # Validate "comments"
+    if "comments" not in record:
+        warnings_list.append("Missing top-level 'comments' field.")
+    elif not isinstance(record["comments"], str):
+        warnings_list.append("'comments' is a recommended field and should be a string with a description and/or metadata of the record, and citation references may also be included.")
+    
+    # Validate "datatype"
+    if "datatype" not in record:
+        warnings_list.append("Missing 'datatype' field.")
+    elif not isinstance(record["datatype"], str):
+        warnings_list.append("'datatype' should be a string.")
+    
+    # Validate "data"
+    if "data" not in record:
+        warnings_list.append("Missing top-level 'data' field.")
+    elif not isinstance(record["data"], list):
+        warnings_list.append("'data' should be a list.")
+        validate_plotly_data_list(record["data"]) #No need to append warnings, they will print within that function.
+    
+    # Validate "layout"
+    if "layout" not in record:
+        warnings_list.append("Missing top-level 'layout' field.")
+    elif not isinstance(record["layout"], dict):
+        warnings_list.append("'layout' should be a dictionary.")
+    else:
+        # Validate "layout" subfields
+        layout = record["layout"]
+        
+        # Validate "title"
+        if "title" not in layout:
+            warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.title' field.")
+        # Validate "title.text"
+        elif "text" not in layout["title"]:
+            warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.title.text' field.")
+        elif not isinstance(layout["title"]["text"], str):
+            warnings_list.append("'layout.title.text' should be a string.")
+        
+        # Validate "xaxis"
+        if "xaxis" not in layout:
+            warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.xaxis' field.")
+        elif not isinstance(layout["xaxis"], dict):
+            warnings_list.append("'layout.xaxis' should be a dictionary.")
+        else:
+            # Validate "xaxis.title"
+            if "title" not in layout["xaxis"]:
+                warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.xaxis.title' field.")
+            elif "text" not in layout["xaxis"]["title"]:
+                warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.xaxis.title.text' field.")
+            elif not isinstance(layout["xaxis"]["title"]["text"], str):
+                warnings_list.append("'layout.xaxis.title.text' should be a string.")
+        
+        # Validate "yaxis"
+        if "yaxis" not in layout:
+            warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.yaxis' field.")
+        elif not isinstance(layout["yaxis"], dict):
+            warnings_list.append("'layout.yaxis' should be a dictionary.")
+        else:
+            # Validate "yaxis.title"
+            if "title" not in layout["yaxis"]:
+                warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.yaxis.title' field.")
+            elif "text" not in layout["yaxis"]["title"]:
+                warnings_list.append("Missing 'layout.yaxis.title.text' field.")
+            elif not isinstance(layout["yaxis"]["title"]["text"], str):
+                warnings_list.append("'layout.yaxis.title.text' should be a string.")
+    
+    # Return validation result
+    if warnings_list:
+        print("Warning: There are missing fields in your JSONGrapher record: \n", warnings_list)
+        return False, warnings_list
+    else:
+        return True, []
+
+def rolling_polynomial_fit(x_values, y_values, window_size=3, degree=2, num_interpolated_points=0, adjust_edges=True):
+    """
+    Applies a rolling polynomial regression with a specified window size and degree,
+    interpolates additional points, and optionally adjusts edge points for smoother transitions.
+
+    Args:
+        x_values (list): List of x coordinates.
+        y_values (list): List of y coordinates.
+        window_size (int): Number of points per rolling fit (default: 3).
+        degree (int): Degree of polynomial to fit (default: 2).
+        num_interpolated_points (int): Number of interpolated points per segment (default: 3). Set to 0 to only return original points.
+        adjust_edges (bool): Whether to adjust edge cases based on window size (default: True).
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple: (smoothed_x, smoothed_y) lists for plotting.
+    """
+    import numpy as np
+
+    smoothed_y = []
+    smoothed_x = []
+
+    half_window = window_size // 2  # Number of points to take before & after
+
+    for i in range(len(y_values) - 1):
+        # Handle edge cases dynamically based on window size
+        left_bound = max(0, i - half_window)
+        right_bound = min(len(y_values), i + half_window + 1)
+
+        if adjust_edges:
+            if i == 0:  # First point
+                right_bound = min(len(y_values), i + window_size)  # Expand to use more points near start
+            elif i == len(y_values) - 2:  # Last point
+                left_bound = max(0, i - (window_size - 1))  # Expand to include more points near end
+
+        # Select the windowed data
+        x_window = np.array(x_values[left_bound:right_bound])
+        y_window = np.array(y_values[left_bound:right_bound])
+
+        # Adjust degree based on window size
+        adjusted_degree = degree if len(x_window) > 2 else 1  # Use linear fit if only two points are available
+
+        # Fit polynomial & evaluate at current point
+        poly_coeffs = np.polyfit(x_window, y_window, deg=adjusted_degree)
+
+        # Generate interpolated points between x_values[i] and x_values[i+1]
+        x_interp = np.linspace(x_values[i], x_values[i+1], num_interpolated_points + 2)  # Including endpoints
+        y_interp = np.polyval(poly_coeffs, x_interp)
+
+        smoothed_x.extend(x_interp)
+        smoothed_y.extend(y_interp)
+
+    return smoothed_x, smoothed_y
+
+
+
+## Start of Section of Code for Styles and Converting between plotly and matplotlib Fig objectss ##
+# #There are a few things to know about the styles logic of JSONGrapher:
+# (1) There are actually two parts to the plot_style: a layout_style for the graph and a trace_styles_collection which will get applied to the individual dataseries.
+#    So the plot_style is really supposed to be a dictionary with {"layout_style":"default", "trace_styles_collection":"default"} that way it is JSON compatible and avoids ambiguity. 
+#    A person can pass in dictionaries for layout_style and for trace_styles_collection and thereby create custom styles.
+#    There are helper functions to extract style dictionaries once a person has a JSONGrapher record which they're happy with.
+# (2) We parse what the person provides as a style, so we accept things other than the ideal plot_style dictionary format.  
+#    If someone provides a single string, we'll use it for both layout_style and trace_styles_collection.
+#    If we get a list of two, we'll expect that to be in the order of layout_style then trace_styles_collection
+#    If we get a string that we can't find in the existing styles list, then we'll use the default. 
+# (1) by default, exporting a JSONGRapher record to file will *not* include plot_styles.  include_formatting will be an optional argument. 
+# (2) There is an apply_plot_style function which will first put the style into self.fig_dict['plot_style'] so it stays there, before applying the style.
+# (3) For the plotting functions, they will have plot_style = {"layout_style":"", "trace_styles_collection":""} or = '' as their default argument value, which will result in checking if plot_style exists in the self.fig_dict already. If so, it will be used. 
+#     If somebody passes in a "None" type or the word none, then *no* style changes will be applied during plotting, relative to what the record already has.
+#     One can pass a style in for the plotting functions. In those cases, we'll use the remove style option, then apply.
+
+def parse_plot_style(plot_style):
+    """
+    Parse the given plot style and return a structured dictionary for layout and data series styles.
+    If plot_style is missing a layout_style or trace_styles_collection then will set them as an empty string.
+    
+    :param plot_style: None, str, list of two items, or a dictionary with at least one valid field.
+    :return: dict with "layout_style" and "trace_styles_collection", ensuring defaults if missing.
+    """
+    if plot_style is None:
+        parsed_plot_style = {"layout_style": None, "trace_styles_collection": None}
+    elif isinstance(plot_style, str):
+        parsed_plot_style = {"layout_style": plot_style, "trace_styles_collection": plot_style}
+    elif isinstance(plot_style, list) and len(plot_style) == 2:
+        parsed_plot_style = {"layout_style": plot_style[0], "trace_styles_collection": plot_style[1]}
+    elif isinstance(plot_style, dict):
+        if "trace_styles_collection" not in plot_style:
+            if "trace_style_collection" in plot_style:
+                print("Warning: plot_style has 'trace_style_collection', this key should be 'trace_styles_collection'.  The key is being used, but the spelling error should be fixed.")
+                plot_style["traces_styles_collection"] = plot_style["trace_style_collection"]
+            elif "traces_style_collection" in plot_style:
+                print("Warning: plot_style has 'traces_style_collection', this key should be 'trace_styles_collection'.  The key is being used, but the spelling error should be fixed.")
+                plot_style["traces_styles_collection"] = plot_style["traces_style_collection"]
+            else:
+                plot_style.setdefault("trace_styles_collection", '')
+        if "layout_style" not in plot_style: 
+            plot_style.setdefault("layout_style", '')
+        parsed_plot_style = {
+            "layout_style": plot_style.get("layout_style", None),
+            "trace_styles_collection": plot_style.get("trace_styles_collection", None),
+        }
+    else:
+        raise ValueError("Invalid plot style: Must be None, a string, a list of two items, or a dictionary with valid fields.")
+    return parsed_plot_style
+
+#this function uses a stylename or list of stylename/dictionaries to apply *both* layout_style and trace_styles_collection
+#plot_style is a dictionary of form {"layout_style":"default", "trace_styles_collection":"default"}
+#However, the style_to_apply does not need to be passed in as a dictionary.
+#For example: style_to_apply = ['default', 'default'] or style_to_apply = 'science'.
+#IMPORTANT: This is the only function that will set a layout_style or trace_styles_collection that is an empty string into 'default'.
+# all other style applying functions (including parse_plot_style) will pass on the empty string or will do nothing if receiving an empty string.
+def apply_plot_style_to_plotly_dict(fig_dict, plot_style=None):
+    if plot_style is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+        plot_style = {"layout_style": {}, "trace_styles_collection": {}}  # Fresh dictionary per function call
+    #We first parse style_to_apply to get a properly formatted plot_style dictionary of form: {"layout_style":"default", "trace_styles_collection":"default"}
+    plot_style = parse_plot_style(plot_style)
+    plot_style.setdefault("layout_style",'') #fill with blank string if not present.
+    plot_style.setdefault("trace_styles_collection",'')  #fill with blank string if not present.
+    #Code logic for layout style.
+    if str(plot_style["layout_style"]).lower() != 'none': #take no action if received "None" or NoneType
+        if plot_style["layout_style"] == '': #in this case, we're going to use the default.
+            plot_style["layout_style"] = 'default'
+        fig_dict = remove_layout_style_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict=fig_dict)
+        fig_dict = apply_layout_style_to_plotly_dict(fig_dict=fig_dict, layout_style_to_apply=plot_style["layout_style"])
+    #Code logic for trace_styles_collection style.
+    if str(plot_style["trace_styles_collection"]).lower() != 'none': #take no action if received "None" or NoneType
+        if plot_style["trace_styles_collection"] == '': #in this case, we're going to use the default.
+            plot_style["trace_styles_collection"] = 'default'            
+        fig_dict = remove_trace_styles_collection_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict=fig_dict)
+        fig_dict = apply_trace_styles_collection_to_plotly_dict(fig_dict=fig_dict,trace_styles_collection=plot_style["trace_styles_collection"])
+    return fig_dict
+
+def remove_plot_style_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Remove both layout and data series styles from a Plotly figure dictionary.
+
+    :param fig_dict: dict, Plotly style fig_dict
+    :return: dict, Updated Plotly style fig_dict with default formatting.
+    """
+    fig_dict = remove_layout_style_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict)
+    fig_dict = remove_trace_styles_collection_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict)
+    return fig_dict
+
+
+def convert_JSONGrapher_dict_to_matplotlib_fig(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Converts a Plotly figure dictionary into a Matplotlib figure without using pio.from_json.
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): A dictionary representing a Plotly figure.
+
+    Returns:
+        matplotlib.figure.Figure: The corresponding Matplotlib figure.
+    """
+    import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+    fig, ax = plt.subplots()
+
+    # Extract traces (data series)
+    #This section is now deprecated. It has not been completely updated after the trace_style field was created.
+    #There was old logic for plotly_trace_type which has been partially updated, but in fact the logic should be rewritten
+    #to better accommodate the existence of both "trace_style" and "type". It may be that there should be
+    #a helper function called 
+    for trace in fig_dict.get("data", []):
+        trace_style = trace.get("trace_style", '')
+        plotly_trace_types = trace.get("type", '')
+        if (plotly_trace_types == '') and (trace_style == ''):
+            trace_style = 'scatter_spline'
+        elif (plotly_trace_types == 'scatter') and (trace_style == ''):
+            trace_style = 'scatter_spline'
+        elif (trace_style == '') and (plotly_trace_types != ''):
+            trace_style = plotly_trace_types
+        # If type is missing, but mode indicates lines and shape is spline, assume it's a spline
+        if not trace_style and trace.get("mode") == "lines" and trace.get("line", {}).get("shape") == "spline":
+            trace_style = "spline"
+        x_values = trace.get("x", [])
+        y_values = trace.get("y", [])
+        trace_name = trace.get("name", "Data")
+        if trace_style == "bar":
+            ax.bar(x_values, y_values, label=trace_name)
+        elif trace_style == "scatter":
+            mode = trace.get("mode", "")
+            ax.scatter(x_values, y_values, label=trace_name, alpha=0.7)
+        elif trace_style == "scatter_spline":
+            mode = trace.get("mode", "")
+            ax.scatter(x_values, y_values, label=trace_name, alpha=0.7)
+            # Attempt to simulate spline behavior if requested
+            if "lines" in mode or trace.get("line", {}).get("shape") == "spline":
+                print("Warning: Rolling polynomial approximation used instead of spline.")
+                x_smooth, y_smooth = rolling_polynomial_fit(x_values, y_values, window_size=3, degree=2)
+                # Add a label explicitly for the legend
+                ax.plot(x_smooth, y_smooth, linestyle="-", label=f"{trace_name} Spline")
+        elif trace_style == "spline":
+            print("Warning: Using rolling polynomial approximation instead of true spline.")
+            x_smooth, y_smooth = rolling_polynomial_fit(x_values, y_values, window_size=3, degree=2)
+            ax.plot(x_smooth, y_smooth, linestyle="-", label=f"{trace_name} Spline")
+
+    # Extract layout details
+    layout = fig_dict.get("layout", {})
+    title = layout.get("title", {})
+    if isinstance(title, dict): #This if statements block is rather not human readable. Perhaps should be changed later.
+        ax.set_title(title.get("text", "Converted Plotly Figure"))
+    else:
+        ax.set_title(title if isinstance(title, str) else "Converted Plotly Figure")
+
+    xaxis = layout.get("xaxis", {})
+    xlabel = "X-Axis"  # Default label
+    if isinstance(xaxis, dict): #This if statements block is rather not human readable. Perhaps should be changed later.
+        title_obj = xaxis.get("title", {})
+        xlabel = title_obj.get("text", "X-Axis") if isinstance(title_obj, dict) else title_obj
+    elif isinstance(xaxis, str):
+        xlabel = xaxis  # If it's a string, use it directly
+    ax.set_xlabel(xlabel)
+    yaxis = layout.get("yaxis", {})
+    ylabel = "Y-Axis"  # Default label
+    if isinstance(yaxis, dict): #This if statements block is rather not human readable. Perhaps should be changed later.
+        title_obj = yaxis.get("title", {})
+        ylabel = title_obj.get("text", "Y-Axis") if isinstance(title_obj, dict) else title_obj
+    elif isinstance(yaxis, str):
+        ylabel = yaxis  # If it's a string, use it directly
+    ax.set_ylabel(ylabel)
+    ax.legend()
+    return fig
+    
+
+#The below function works, but because it depends on the python plotly package, we avoid using it
+#To decrease the number of dependencies. 
+def convert_plotly_dict_to_matplotlib(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Converts a Plotly figure dictionary into a Matplotlib figure.
+
+    Supports: Bar Charts, Scatter Plots, Spline curves using rolling polynomial regression.
+
+    This functiony has a dependency on the plotly python package (pip install plotly)
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): A dictionary representing a Plotly figure.
+
+    Returns:
+        matplotlib.figure.Figure: The corresponding Matplotlib figure.
+    """
+    import plotly.io as pio
+    import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+    # Convert JSON dictionary into a Plotly figure
+    plotly_fig = pio.from_json(json.dumps(fig_dict))
+
+    # Create a Matplotlib figure
+    fig, ax = plt.subplots()
+
+    for trace in plotly_fig.data:
+        if trace.type == "bar":
+            ax.bar(trace.x, trace.y, label=trace.name if trace.name else "Bar Data")
+
+        elif trace.type == "scatter":
+            mode = trace.mode if isinstance(trace.mode, str) else ""
+            line_shape = trace.line["shape"] if hasattr(trace, "line") and "shape" in trace.line else None
+
+            # Plot raw scatter points
+            ax.scatter(trace.x, trace.y, label=trace.name if trace.name else "Scatter Data", alpha=0.7)
+
+            # If spline is requested, apply rolling polynomial smoothing
+            if line_shape == "spline" or "lines" in mode:
+                print("Warning: During the matploglib conversion, a rolling polynomial will be used instead of a spline, whereas JSONGrapher uses a true spline.")
+                x_smooth, y_smooth = rolling_polynomial_fit(trace.x, trace.y, window_size=3, degree=2)
+                ax.plot(x_smooth, y_smooth, linestyle="-", label=trace.name + " Spline" if trace.name else "Spline Curve")
+
+    ax.legend()
+    ax.set_title(plotly_fig.layout.title.text if plotly_fig.layout.title else "Converted Plotly Figure")
+    ax.set_xlabel(plotly_fig.layout.xaxis.title.text if plotly_fig.layout.xaxis.title else "X-Axis")
+    ax.set_ylabel(plotly_fig.layout.yaxis.title.text if plotly_fig.layout.yaxis.title else "Y-Axis")
+
+    return fig
+
+def apply_trace_styles_collection_to_plotly_dict(fig_dict, trace_styles_collection="", trace_style_to_apply=""):
+    """
+    Iterates over all traces in the `data` list of a Plotly figure dictionary 
+    and applies styles to each one.
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): A dictionary containing a `data` field with Plotly traces.
+        trace_style_to_apply (str): Optional style preset to apply. Default is "default".
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: Updated Plotly figure dictionary with defaults applied to each trace.
+
+    """
+    if type(trace_styles_collection) == type("string"):
+        trace_styles_collection_name = trace_styles_collection
+    else:
+        trace_styles_collection_name = trace_styles_collection["name"]
+
+    if "data" in fig_dict and isinstance(fig_dict["data"], list):
+        fig_dict["data"] = [apply_trace_style_to_single_data_series(data_series=trace,trace_styles_collection=trace_styles_collection, trace_style_to_apply=trace_style_to_apply) for trace in fig_dict["data"]]
+    
+    if "plot_style" not in fig_dict:
+        fig_dict["plot_style"] = {}
+    fig_dict["plot_style"]["trace_styles_collection"] = trace_styles_collection_name
+    return fig_dict
+
+
+# The logic in JSONGrapher is to apply the style information but to treat "type" differently 
+# Accordingly, we use 'trace_styles_collection' as a field in JSONGrapher for each data_series.
+# compared to how plotly treats 'type' for a data series. So later in the process, when actually plotting with plotly, the 'type' field will get overwritten.
+def apply_trace_style_to_single_data_series(data_series, trace_styles_collection="", trace_style_to_apply=""):
+    """
+    Applies predefined styles to a single Plotly data series while preserving relevant fields.
+
+    Args:
+        data_series (dict): A dictionary representing a single Plotly data series.
+        trace_style_to_apply (str or dict): Name of the style preset or a custom style dictionary. Default is "default".
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: Updated data series with style applied.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(data_series, dict):
+        return data_series  # Return unchanged if the data series is invalid.
+    if isinstance(trace_style_to_apply, dict):#in this case, we'll set the data_series trace_style to match.
+        data_series["trace_style"] = trace_style_to_apply
+    if str(trace_style_to_apply) != str(''): #if we received a non-empty string (or dictionary), we'll put it into the data_series object.
+        data_series["trace_style"] = trace_style_to_apply
+    elif str(trace_style_to_apply) == str(''): #If we received an empty string for the trace_style_to apply (default JSONGrapher flow), we'll check in the data_series object.   
+        #first see if there is a trace_style in the data_series.
+        trace_style = data_series.get("trace_style", "")
+        #If it's "none", then we'll return the data series unchanged.
+        #We consider it that for every trace_styles_collection, that "none" means to make no change.
+        if str(trace_style).lower() == "none":
+            return data_series
+        #if we find a dictionary, we will set the trace_style_to_apply to that, to ensure we skip other string checks to use the dictionary.
+        if isinstance(trace_style,dict):
+            trace_style_to_apply = trace_style
+    #if the trace_style_to_apply is a string and we have not received a trace_styles collection, then we have nothing
+    #to use, so will return the data_series unchanged.
+    if type(trace_style_to_apply) == type("string"):
+        if (trace_styles_collection == '') or (str(trace_styles_collection).lower() == 'none'):
+            return data_series    
+    #if the trace_style_to_apply is "none", we will return the series unchanged.
+    if str(trace_style_to_apply).lower() == str("none"):
+        return data_series
+    #Add a couple of hardcoded cases.
+    if type(trace_style_to_apply) == type("string"):
+        if (trace_style_to_apply.lower() == "nature") or (trace_style_to_apply.lower() == "science"):
+            trace_style_to_apply = "default"
+
+    #at this stage, should remove any existing formatting before applying new formatting.
+    data_series = remove_trace_style_from_single_data_series(data_series)
+
+    # -------------------------------
+    # Predefined trace_styles_collection
+    # -------------------------------
+    # Each trace_styles_collection is defined as a dictionary containing multiple trace_styles.
+    # Users can select a style preset trace_styles_collection (e.g., "default", "minimalist", "bold"),
+    # and this function will apply appropriate settings for the given trace_style.
+    #
+    # Examples of Supported trace_styles:
+    # - "scatter_spline" (default when type is not specified)
+    # - "scatter"
+    # - "spline"
+    # - "bar"
+    # - "heatmap"
+    #
+    # Note: Colors are intentionally omitted to allow users to define their own.
+    # However, predefined colorscales are applied for heatmaps.
+
+
+    styles_available = JSONGrapher.styles.trace_styles_collection_library.styles_library
+
+    # Get the appropriate style dictionary
+    if isinstance(trace_styles_collection, dict):
+        styles_collection_dict = trace_styles_collection  # Use custom style directly
+    else:
+        styles_collection_dict = styles_available.get(trace_styles_collection, {})
+        if not styles_collection_dict:  # Check if it's an empty dictionary
+            print(f"Warning: trace_styles_collection named '{trace_styles_collection}' not found. Using 'default' trace_styles_collection instead.")
+            styles_collection_dict = styles_available.get("default", {})
+    # Determine the trace_style, defaulting to the first item in a given style if none is provided.
+
+    # Retrieve the specific style for the plot type
+    if trace_style_to_apply == "":# if a trace_style_to_apply has not been supplied, we will get it from the dataseries.
+        trace_style = data_series.get("trace_style", "")
+    else:
+        trace_style = trace_style_to_apply
+
+    if trace_style == "": #if the trace style is an empty string....
+        trace_style = list(styles_collection_dict.keys())[0] #take the first trace_style name in the style_dict.  In python 3.7 and later dictionary keys preserve ordering.
+
+    #If a person adds "__colorscale" to the end of a trace_style, like "scatter_spline__rainbow" we will extract the colorscale and apply it to the plot.
+    #This should be done before extracting the trace_style from the styles_available, because we need to split the string to break out the trace_style
+    colorscale = "" #initializing variable.
+    if isinstance(trace_style, str): #check if it is a string type.
+        if "__" in trace_style:
+            trace_style, colorscale = trace_style.split("__")
+
+    colorscale_structure = "" #initialize this variable for use later. It tells us which fields to put the colorscale related values in. This should be done before regular trace_style fields are applied.
+    #3D and bubble plots will have a colorscale by default.
+    if trace_style == "bubble": #for bubble trace styles, we need to move the z values into the marker size. We also need to do this before the styles_dict collection is accessed, since then the trace_style becomes a dictionary.
+        data_series = prepare_bubble_sizes(data_series)
+        colorscale_structure = "bubble"
+    elif trace_style == "mesh3d": #for bubble trace styles, we need to move the z values into the marker size. We also need to do this before the styles_dict collection is accessed, since then the trace_style becomes a dictionary.
+        colorscale_structure = "mesh3d"
+    elif trace_style == "scatter3d": #for bubble trace styles, we need to move the z values into the marker size. We also need to do this before the styles_dict collection is accessed, since then the trace_style becomes a dictionary.
+        colorscale_structure = "scatter3d"
+
+    if trace_style in styles_collection_dict:
+        trace_style = styles_collection_dict.get(trace_style)
+    elif trace_style not in styles_collection_dict:  # Check if it's an empty dictionary
+        print(f"Warning: trace_style named '{trace_style}' not found in trace_styles_collection '{trace_styles_collection}'. Using the first trace_style in in trace_styles_collection '{trace_styles_collection}'.")
+        trace_style = list(styles_collection_dict.keys())[0] #take the first trace_style name in the style_dict.  In python 3.7 and later dictionary keys preserve ordering.
+        trace_style = styles_collection_dict.get(trace_style)
+
+    # Apply type and other predefined settings
+    data_series["type"] = trace_style.get("type")  
+    # Apply other attributes while preserving existing values
+    for key, value in trace_style.items():
+        if key not in ["type"]:
+            if isinstance(value, dict):  # Ensure value is a dictionary
+                data_series.setdefault(key, {}).update(value)
+            else:
+                data_series[key] = value  # Direct assignment for non-dictionary values
+
+    #Before applying colorscales, we check if we have recieved a colorscale from the user. If so, we'll need to parse the trace_type to assign the colorscale structure.
+    if colorscale != "":
+        #If it is a scatter plot with markers, then the colorscale_structure will be marker. Need to check for this before the lines alone case.
+        if ("markers" in data_series["mode"]) or ("markers+lines" in data_series["mode"]) or ("lines+markers" in data_series["mode"]):
+            colorscale_structure = "marker"
+        elif ("lines" in data_series["mode"]):
+            colorscale_structure = "line"
+        elif ("bar" in data_series["type"]):
+            colorscale_structure = "marker"
+
+    #Block of code to clean color values for 3D plots and 2D plots. It can't be just from the style dictionary because we need to point to data.
+    def clean_color_values(list_of_values, variable_string_for_warning):
+        if None in list_of_values:
+            print("Warning: A colorscale based on" + variable_string_for_warning + "was requested. None values were found. They are being replaced with 0 values. It is recommended to provide data without None values.")
+            color_values = [0 if value is None else value for value in list_of_values]
+        else:
+            color_values = list_of_values
+        return color_values
+
+    if colorscale_structure == "bubble":
+        #data_series["marker"]["colorscale"] = "viridis_r" #https://plotly.com/python/builtin-colorscales/
+        data_series["marker"]["showscale"] = True
+        if "z" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z"], variable_string_for_warning="z")
+            data_series["marker"]["color"] = color_values
+        elif "z_points" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z_points"], variable_string_for_warning="z_points")
+            data_series["marker"]["color"] = color_values
+    elif colorscale_structure == "scatter3d":
+        #data_series["marker"]["colorscale"] = "viridis_r" #https://plotly.com/python/builtin-colorscales/
+        data_series["marker"]["showscale"] = True
+        if "z" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z"], variable_string_for_warning="z")
+            data_series["marker"]["color"] = color_values
+        elif "z_points" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z_points"], variable_string_for_warning="z_points")
+            data_series["marker"]["color"] = color_values
+    elif colorscale_structure == "mesh3d":
+        #data_series["colorscale"] = "viridis_r" #https://plotly.com/python/builtin-colorscales/
+        data_series["showscale"] = True
+        if "z" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z"], variable_string_for_warning="z")
+            data_series["intensity"] = color_values
+        elif "z_points" in data_series:
+            color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values= data_series["z_points"], variable_string_for_warning="z_points")
+            data_series["intensity"] = color_values
+    elif colorscale_structure == "marker":
+        data_series["marker"]["colorscale"] = colorscale
+        data_series["marker"]["showscale"] = True
+        color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values=data_series["y"], variable_string_for_warning="y")
+        data_series["marker"]["color"] = color_values
+    elif colorscale_structure == "line":
+        data_series["line"]["colorscale"] = colorscale
+        data_series["line"]["showscale"] = True
+        color_values = clean_color_values(list_of_values=data_series["y"], variable_string_for_warning="y")
+        data_series["line"]["color"] = color_values
+        
+            
+    return data_series
+
+def prepare_bubble_sizes(data_series):
+    #To make a bubble plot with plotly, we are actually using a 2D plot
+    #and are using the z values in a data_series to create the sizes of each point.
+    #We also will scale them to some maximum bubble size that is specifed.
+    if "marker" not in data_series:
+        data_series["marker"] = {}   
+    if "z_points" in data_series:
+        data_series["marker"]["size"] = data_series["z_points"]
+    elif "z" in data_series:
+        data_series["marker"]["size"] = data_series["z"]
+
+    #now need to normalize to the max value in the list.
+    def normalize_to_max(starting_list):
+        import numpy as np
+        arr = np.array(starting_list)  # Convert list to NumPy array for efficient operations
+        max_value = np.max(arr)  # Find the maximum value in the list
+        if max_value == 0:
+            normalized_values = np.zeros_like(arr)  # If max_value is zero, return zeros
+        else:
+            normalized_values = arr / max_value  # Otherwise, divide each element by max_value           
+        return normalized_values  # Return the normalized values
+    try:
+        normalized_sizes = normalize_to_max(data_series["marker"]["size"])
+    except KeyError as exc:
+        raise KeyError("Error: During bubble plot bubble size normalization, there was an error. This usually means the z variable has not been populated. For example, by equation evaluation set to false or simulation evaluation set to false.")
+
+        
+    #Now biggest bubble is 1 (or 0) so multiply to enlarge to scale.
+    if "max_bubble_size" in data_series:
+        max_bubble_size = data_series["max_bubble_size"]
+    else:
+        max_bubble_size = 10       
+    scaled_sizes = normalized_sizes*max_bubble_size
+    data_series["marker"]["size"] = scaled_sizes.tolist() #from numpy array back to list.
+    
+    #Now let's also set the text that appears during hovering to include the original data.
+    if "z_points" in data_series:
+        data_series["text"] = data_series["z_points"]
+    elif "z" in data_series:
+        data_series["text"] = data_series["z"]
+
+    return data_series
+
+
+#TODO: This logic should be changed in the future. There should be a separated function to remove formatting
+# versus just removing the current setting of "trace_styles_collection"
+# So the main class function will also be broken into two and/or need to take an optional argument in
+def remove_trace_styles_collection_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Remove applied data series styles from a Plotly figure dictionary.
+    
+    :param fig_dict: dict, Plotly style fig_dict
+    :return: dict, Updated Plotly style fig_dict with default formatting.
+    """
+    #will remove formatting from the individual data_series, but will not remove formatting from any that have trace_style of "none".
+    if isinstance(fig_dict, dict) and "data" in fig_dict and isinstance(fig_dict["data"], list):
+        updated_data = []  # Initialize an empty list to store processed traces
+        for trace in fig_dict["data"]:
+            # Check if the trace has a "trace_style" field and if its value is "none" (case-insensitive)
+            if trace.get("trace_style", "").lower() == "none":
+                updated_data.append(trace)  # Skip modification and keep the trace unchanged
+            else:
+                # Apply the function to modify the trace before adding it to the list
+                updated_data.append(remove_trace_style_from_single_data_series(trace))
+        # Update the "data" field with the processed traces
+        fig_dict["data"] = updated_data
+
+
+    #If being told to remove the style, should also pop it from fig_dict.
+    if "plot_style" in fig_dict:
+        if "trace_styles_collection" in fig_dict["plot_style"]:
+            fig_dict["plot_style"].pop("trace_styles_collection")
+    return fig_dict
+
+def remove_trace_style_from_single_data_series(data_series):
+    """
+    Remove only formatting fields from a single Plotly data series while preserving all other fields.
+
+    Note: Since fig_dict data objects may contain custom fields (e.g., "equation", "metadata"),
+    this function explicitly removes predefined **formatting** attributes while leaving all other data intact.
+
+    :param data_series: dict, A dictionary representing a single Plotly data series.
+    :return: dict, Updated data series with formatting fields removed but key data retained.
+    """
+
+    if not isinstance(data_series, dict):
+        return data_series  # Return unchanged if input is invalid.
+
+    # **Define formatting fields to remove**
+    formatting_fields = {
+        "mode", "line", "marker", "colorscale", "opacity", "fill", "fillcolor", "color", "intensity", "showscale",
+        "legendgroup", "showlegend", "textposition", "textfont", "visible", "connectgaps", "cliponaxis", "showgrid"
+    }
+
+    # **Create a new data series excluding only formatting fields**
+    cleaned_data_series = {key: value for key, value in data_series.items() if key not in formatting_fields}
+    #make the new data series into a JSONGrapherDataSeries object.
+    new_data_series_object = JSONGrapherDataSeries()
+    new_data_series_object.update_while_preserving_old_terms(cleaned_data_series)
+    return new_data_series_object
+
+def extract_trace_style_by_index(fig_dict, data_series_index, new_trace_style_name='', extract_colors=False):
+    data_series_dict = fig_dict["data"][data_series_index]
+    extracted_trace_style = extract_trace_style_from_data_series_dict(data_series_dict=data_series_dict, new_trace_style_name=new_trace_style_name, extract_colors=extract_colors)
+    return extracted_trace_style
+
+def extract_trace_style_from_data_series_dict(data_series_dict, new_trace_style_name='', additional_attributes_to_extract=None, extract_colors=False):
+    """
+    Extract formatting attributes from a given Plotly data series.
+
+    The function scans the provided `data_series` dictionary and returns a new dictionary
+    containing only the predefined formatting fields.
+
+    Examples of formatting attributes extracted:
+    - "type"
+    - "mode"
+    - "line"
+    - "marker"
+    - "colorscale"
+    - "opacity"
+    - "fill"
+    - "legendgroup"
+    - "showlegend"
+    - "textposition"
+    - "textfont"
+
+    :param data_series_dict: dict, A dictionary representing a single Plotly data series.
+    :param trace_style: string, the key name for what user wants to call the trace_style in the style, after extraction.
+    :return: dict, A dictionary containing only the formatting attributes.
+    """  
+    if additional_attributes_to_extract is None: #in python, it's not good to make an empty list a default argument.
+        additional_attributes_to_extract = []
+
+    if new_trace_style_name=='':
+        new_trace_style_name = data_series_dict.get("trace_style", "") #keep blank if not present.
+    if new_trace_style_name=='':
+        new_trace_style_name = "custom"
+
+    if not isinstance(data_series_dict, dict):
+        return {}  # Return an empty dictionary if input is invalid.
+
+    # Define known formatting attributes. This is a set (not a dictionary, not a list)
+    formatting_fields = {
+        "type", "mode", "line", "marker", "colorscale", "opacity", "fill", "fillcolor", "color", "intensity", "showscale",
+        "legendgroup", "showlegend", "textposition", "textfont", "visible", "connectgaps", "cliponaxis", "showgrid"
+    }
+
+    formatting_fields.update(additional_attributes_to_extract)
+    # Extract only formatting-related attributes
+    trace_style_dict = {key: value for key, value in data_series_dict.items() if key in formatting_fields}
+
+    #Pop out colors if we are not extracting them.
+    if extract_colors == False:
+        if "marker" in trace_style_dict:
+            if "color" in trace_style_dict["marker"]:
+                trace_style_dict["marker"].pop("color")
+        if "line" in trace_style_dict:
+            if "color" in trace_style_dict["line"]:
+                trace_style_dict["line"].pop("color")
+        if "colorscale" in trace_style_dict:  # Handles top-level colorscale for heatmaps, choropleths
+            trace_style_dict.pop("colorscale")
+        if "fillcolor" in trace_style_dict:  # Handles fill colors
+            trace_style_dict.pop("fillcolor")
+        if "textfont" in trace_style_dict:
+            if "color" in trace_style_dict["textfont"]:  # Handles text color
+                trace_style_dict["textfont"].pop("color")
+        if "legendgrouptitle" in trace_style_dict and isinstance(trace_style_dict["legendgrouptitle"], dict):
+            if "font" in trace_style_dict["legendgrouptitle"] and isinstance(trace_style_dict["legendgrouptitle"]["font"], dict):
+                if "color" in trace_style_dict["legendgrouptitle"]["font"]:
+                    trace_style_dict["legendgrouptitle"]["font"].pop("color")
+    extracted_trace_style = {new_trace_style_name : trace_style_dict} #this is a trace_style dict.
+    return extracted_trace_style #this is a trace_style dict.
+
+#export a single trace_style dictionary to .json.
+def write_trace_style_to_file(trace_style_dict, trace_style_name, filename):
+    # Ensure the filename ends with .json
+    if not filename.lower().endswith(".json"):
+        filename += ".json"
+
+    json_structure = {
+        "trace_style": {
+            "name": trace_style_name,
+            trace_style_name: {
+                trace_style_dict
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    with open(filename, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+        json.dump(json_structure, file, indent=4)
+
+
+#export an entire trace_styles_collection to .json. The trace_styles_collection is dict.
+def write_trace_styles_collection_to_file(trace_styles_collection, trace_styles_collection_name, filename):   
+    if "trace_styles_collection" in trace_styles_collection: #We may receive a traces_style collection in a container. If so, we pull the traces_style_collection out.
+        trace_styles_collection = trace_styles_collection[trace_styles_collection["name"]] 
+    # Ensure the filename ends with .json
+    if not filename.lower().endswith(".json"):
+        filename += ".json"
+
+    json_structure = {
+        "trace_styles_collection": {
+            "name": trace_styles_collection_name,
+            trace_styles_collection_name: trace_styles_collection
+        }
+    }
+
+    with open(filename, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+        json.dump(json_structure, file, indent=4)
+
+
+
+#export an entire trace_styles_collection from .json. THe trace_styles_collection is dict.
+def import_trace_styles_collection(filename):
+    # Ensure the filename ends with .json
+    if not filename.lower().endswith(".json"):
+        filename += ".json"
+
+    with open(filename, "r", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+        data = json.load(file)
+
+    # Validate JSON structure
+    containing_dict = data.get("trace_styles_collection")
+    if not isinstance(containing_dict, dict):
+        raise ValueError("Error: Missing or malformed 'trace_styles_collection'.")
+
+    collection_name = containing_dict.get("name")
+    if not isinstance(collection_name, str) or collection_name not in containing_dict:
+        raise ValueError(f"Error: Expected dictionary '{collection_name}' is missing or malformed.")
+    trace_styles_collection  = containing_dict[collection_name]
+    # Return only the dictionary corresponding to the collection name
+    return trace_styles_collection
+
+
+#export an entire trace_styles_collection from .json. THe trace_styles_collection is dict.
+def import_trace_style(filename):
+    # Ensure the filename ends with .json
+    if not filename.lower().endswith(".json"):
+        filename += ".json"
+
+    with open(filename, "r", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+        data = json.load(file)
+
+    # Validate JSON structure
+    containing_dict = data.get("trace_style")
+    if not isinstance(containing_dict, dict):
+        raise ValueError("Error: Missing or malformed 'trace_style'.")
+
+    style_name = containing_dict.get("name")
+    if not isinstance(style_name, str) or style_name not in containing_dict:
+        raise ValueError(f"Error: Expected dictionary '{style_name}' is missing or malformed.")
+    trace_style_dict = containing_dict[style_name]
+
+    # Return only the dictionary corresponding to the trace style name
+    return trace_style_dict
+
+
+def apply_layout_style_to_plotly_dict(fig_dict, layout_style_to_apply="default"):
+    """
+    Apply a predefined style to a Plotly fig_dict while preserving non-cosmetic fields.
+    
+    :param fig_dict: dict, Plotly style fig_dict
+    :param layout_style_to_apply: str, Name of the style or journal, or a style dictionary to apply.
+    :return: dict, Updated Plotly style fig_dict.
+    """
+    if type(layout_style_to_apply) == type("string"):
+        layout_style_to_apply_name = layout_style_to_apply
+    else:
+        layout_style_to_apply_name = list(layout_style_to_apply.keys())[0]#if it is a dictionary, it will have one key which is its name.
+    if (layout_style_to_apply == '') or (str(layout_style_to_apply).lower() == 'none'):
+        return fig_dict
+
+    #Hardcoding some cases as ones that will call the default layout, for convenience.
+    if (layout_style_to_apply.lower() == "minimalist") or (layout_style_to_apply.lower() == "bold"):
+        layout_style_to_apply = "default"
+
+
+    styles_available = JSONGrapher.styles.layout_styles_library.styles_library
+
+
+    # Use or get the style specified, or use default if not found
+    if isinstance(layout_style_to_apply, dict):
+        style_dict = layout_style_to_apply
+    else:
+        style_dict = styles_available.get(layout_style_to_apply, {})
+        if not style_dict:  # Check if it's an empty dictionary
+            print(f"Style named '{layout_style_to_apply}' not found with explicit layout dictionary. Using 'default' layout style.")
+            style_dict = styles_available.get("default", {})
+
+    # Ensure layout exists in the figure
+    fig_dict.setdefault("layout", {})
+
+    # **Extract non-cosmetic fields**
+    non_cosmetic_fields = {
+        "title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        "xaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("xaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        "yaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("yaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        "zaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("zaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        "legend.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("legend", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        "annotations.text": [
+            annotation.get("text", None) for annotation in fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("annotations", [])
+        ],
+        "updatemenus.buttons.label": [
+            button.get("label", None) for menu in fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("updatemenus", [])
+            for button in menu.get("buttons", [])
+        ],
+        "coloraxis.colorbar.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("coloraxis", {}).get("colorbar", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+    }
+
+    # **Apply style dictionary to create a fresh layout object**
+    new_layout = style_dict.get("layout", {}).copy()
+
+    # **Restore non-cosmetic fields**
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("title", {})["text"] = non_cosmetic_fields["title.text"]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["xaxis.title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("xaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = non_cosmetic_fields["xaxis.title.text"]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["yaxis.title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("yaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = non_cosmetic_fields["yaxis.title.text"]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["zaxis.title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("zaxis", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = non_cosmetic_fields["zaxis.title.text"]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["legend.title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("legend", {}).setdefault("title", {})["text"] = non_cosmetic_fields["legend.title.text"]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["annotations.text"]:
+        new_layout["annotations"] = [{"text": text} for text in non_cosmetic_fields["annotations.text"]]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["updatemenus.buttons.label"]:
+        new_layout["updatemenus"] = [{"buttons": [{"label": label} for label in non_cosmetic_fields["updatemenus.buttons.label"]]}]
+
+    if non_cosmetic_fields["coloraxis.colorbar.title.text"]:
+        new_layout.setdefault("coloraxis", {}).setdefault("colorbar", {})["title"] = {"text": non_cosmetic_fields["coloraxis.colorbar.title.text"]}
+
+    # **Assign the new layout back into the figure dictionary**
+    fig_dict["layout"] = new_layout
+    #Now update the fig_dict to signify the new layout_style used.
+    if "plot_style" not in fig_dict:
+        fig_dict["plot_style"] = {}
+    fig_dict["plot_style"]["layout_style"] = layout_style_to_apply_name
+    return fig_dict
+
+#TODO: This logic should be changed in the future. There should be a separated function to remove formatting
+# versus just removing the current setting of "layout_style"
+# So the main class function will also be broken into two and/or need to take an optional argument in
+def remove_layout_style_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Remove applied layout styles from a Plotly figure dictionary while preserving essential content.
+
+    :param fig_dict: dict, Plotly style fig_dict
+    :return: dict, Updated Plotly style fig_dict with styles removed but key data intact.
+    """
+    if "layout" in fig_dict:
+        style_keys = ["font", "paper_bgcolor", "plot_bgcolor", "gridcolor", "gridwidth", "tickfont", "linewidth"]
+
+        # **Store non-cosmetic fields if present, otherwise assign None**
+        non_cosmetic_fields = {
+            "title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+            "xaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("xaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+            "yaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("yaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+            "zaxis.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("zaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+            "legend.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("legend", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+            "annotations.text": [annotation.get("text", None) for annotation in fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("annotations", [])],
+            "updatemenus.buttons.label": [
+                button.get("label", None) for menu in fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("updatemenus", [])
+                for button in menu.get("buttons", [])
+            ],
+            "coloraxis.colorbar.title.text": fig_dict.get("layout", {}).get("coloraxis", {}).get("colorbar", {}).get("title", {}).get("text", None),
+        }
+
+        # Preserve title text while removing font styling
+        if "title" in fig_dict["layout"] and isinstance(fig_dict["layout"]["title"], dict):
+            fig_dict["layout"]["title"] = {"text": non_cosmetic_fields["title.text"]} if non_cosmetic_fields["title.text"] is not None else {}
+
+        # Preserve axis titles while stripping font styles
+        for axis in ["xaxis", "yaxis", "zaxis"]:
+            if axis in fig_dict["layout"] and isinstance(fig_dict["layout"][axis], dict):
+                if "title" in fig_dict["layout"][axis] and isinstance(fig_dict["layout"][axis]["title"], dict):
+                    fig_dict["layout"][axis]["title"] = {"text": non_cosmetic_fields[f"{axis}.title.text"]} if non_cosmetic_fields[f"{axis}.title.text"] is not None else {}
+
+                # Remove style-related attributes but keep axis configurations
+                for key in style_keys:
+                    fig_dict["layout"][axis].pop(key, None)
+
+        # Preserve legend title text while stripping font styling
+        if "legend" in fig_dict["layout"] and isinstance(fig_dict["layout"]["legend"], dict):
+            if "title" in fig_dict["layout"]["legend"] and isinstance(fig_dict["layout"]["legend"]["title"], dict):
+                fig_dict["layout"]["legend"]["title"] = {"text": non_cosmetic_fields["legend.title.text"]} if non_cosmetic_fields["legend.title.text"] is not None else {}
+            fig_dict["layout"]["legend"].pop("font", None)
+
+        # Preserve annotations text while stripping style attributes
+        if "annotations" in fig_dict["layout"]:
+            fig_dict["layout"]["annotations"] = [
+                {"text": text} if text is not None else {} for text in non_cosmetic_fields["annotations.text"]
+            ]
+
+        # Preserve update menu labels while stripping styles
+        if "updatemenus" in fig_dict["layout"]:
+            for menu in fig_dict["layout"]["updatemenus"]:
+                for i, button in enumerate(menu.get("buttons", [])):
+                    button.clear()
+                    if non_cosmetic_fields["updatemenus.buttons.label"][i] is not None:
+                        button["label"] = non_cosmetic_fields["updatemenus.buttons.label"][i]
+
+        # Preserve color bar title while stripping styles
+        if "coloraxis" in fig_dict["layout"] and "colorbar" in fig_dict["layout"]["coloraxis"]:
+            fig_dict["layout"]["coloraxis"]["colorbar"]["title"] = {"text": non_cosmetic_fields["coloraxis.colorbar.title.text"]} if non_cosmetic_fields["coloraxis.colorbar.title.text"] is not None else {}
+
+        # Remove general style settings without clearing layout structure
+        for key in style_keys:
+            fig_dict["layout"].pop(key, None)
+
+    #If being told to remove the style, should also pop it from fig_dict.
+    if "plot_style" in fig_dict:
+        if "layout_style" in fig_dict["plot_style"]:
+            fig_dict["plot_style"].pop("layout_style")
+    return fig_dict
+
+def extract_layout_style_from_plotly_dict(fig_dict):
+    """
+    Extract a layout style dictionary from a given Plotly JSON object, including background color, grids, and other appearance attributes.
+
+    :param fig_dict: dict, Plotly JSON object.
+    :return: dict, Extracted style settings.
+    """
+
+
+    # **Extraction Phase** - Collect cosmetic fields if they exist
+    layout = fig_dict.get("layout", {})
+
+    # Note: Each assignment below will return None if the corresponding field is missing
+    title_font = layout.get("title", {}).get("font")
+    title_x = layout.get("title", {}).get("x")
+    title_y = layout.get("title", {}).get("y")
+
+    global_font = layout.get("font")
+    paper_bgcolor = layout.get("paper_bgcolor")
+    plot_bgcolor = layout.get("plot_bgcolor")
+    margin = layout.get("margin")
+
+    # Extract x-axis cosmetic fields
+    xaxis_title_font = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("font")
+    xaxis_tickfont = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("tickfont")
+    xaxis_gridcolor = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("gridcolor")
+    xaxis_gridwidth = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("gridwidth")
+    xaxis_zerolinecolor = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("zerolinecolor")
+    xaxis_zerolinewidth = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("zerolinewidth")
+    xaxis_tickangle = layout.get("xaxis", {}).get("tickangle")
+
+    # **Set flag for x-axis extraction**
+    xaxis = any([
+        xaxis_title_font, xaxis_tickfont, xaxis_gridcolor, xaxis_gridwidth,
+        xaxis_zerolinecolor, xaxis_zerolinewidth, xaxis_tickangle
+    ])
+
+    # Extract y-axis cosmetic fields
+    yaxis_title_font = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("title", {}).get("font")
+    yaxis_tickfont = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("tickfont")
+    yaxis_gridcolor = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("gridcolor")
+    yaxis_gridwidth = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("gridwidth")
+    yaxis_zerolinecolor = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("zerolinecolor")
+    yaxis_zerolinewidth = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("zerolinewidth")
+    yaxis_tickangle = layout.get("yaxis", {}).get("tickangle")
+
+    # **Set flag for y-axis extraction**
+    yaxis = any([
+        yaxis_title_font, yaxis_tickfont, yaxis_gridcolor, yaxis_gridwidth,
+        yaxis_zerolinecolor, yaxis_zerolinewidth, yaxis_tickangle
+    ])
+
+    # Extract legend styling
+    legend_font = layout.get("legend", {}).get("font")
+    legend_x = layout.get("legend", {}).get("x")
+    legend_y = layout.get("legend", {}).get("y")
+
+    # **Assignment Phase** - Reconstruct dictionary in a structured manner
+    extracted_layout_style = {"layout": {}}
+
+    if title_font or title_x:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["title"] = {}
+        if title_font:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["title"]["font"] = title_font
+        if title_x:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["title"]["x"] = title_x
+        if title_y:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["title"]["y"] = title_y
+
+    if global_font:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["font"] = global_font
+
+    if paper_bgcolor:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["paper_bgcolor"] = paper_bgcolor
+    if plot_bgcolor:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["plot_bgcolor"] = plot_bgcolor
+    if margin:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["margin"] = margin
+
+    if xaxis:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"] = {}
+        if xaxis_title_font:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"] = {"font": xaxis_title_font}
+        if xaxis_tickfont:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["tickfont"] = xaxis_tickfont
+        if xaxis_gridcolor:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["gridcolor"] = xaxis_gridcolor
+        if xaxis_gridwidth:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["gridwidth"] = xaxis_gridwidth
+        if xaxis_zerolinecolor:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["zerolinecolor"] = xaxis_zerolinecolor
+        if xaxis_zerolinewidth:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["zerolinewidth"] = xaxis_zerolinewidth
+        if xaxis_tickangle:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["xaxis"]["tickangle"] = xaxis_tickangle
+
+    if yaxis:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"] = {}
+        if yaxis_title_font:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"] = {"font": yaxis_title_font}
+        if yaxis_tickfont:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["tickfont"] = yaxis_tickfont
+        if yaxis_gridcolor:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["gridcolor"] = yaxis_gridcolor
+        if yaxis_gridwidth:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["gridwidth"] = yaxis_gridwidth
+        if yaxis_zerolinecolor:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["zerolinecolor"] = yaxis_zerolinecolor
+        if yaxis_zerolinewidth:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["zerolinewidth"] = yaxis_zerolinewidth
+        if yaxis_tickangle:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["yaxis"]["tickangle"] = yaxis_tickangle
+
+    if legend_font or legend_x or legend_y:
+        extracted_layout_style["layout"]["legend"] = {}
+        if legend_font:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["legend"]["font"] = legend_font
+        if legend_x:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["legend"]["x"] = legend_x
+        if legend_y:
+            extracted_layout_style["layout"]["legend"]["y"] = legend_y
+
+    return extracted_layout_style
+
+## Start of Section of Code for Styles and Converting between plotly and matplotlib Fig objectss ##
+
+### Start of section of code with functions for extracting and updating x and y ranges of data series ###
+
+def update_implicit_data_series_x_ranges(fig_dict, range_dict):
+    """
+    Updates the x_range_default values for all simulate and equation data series 
+    in a given figure dictionary using the provided range dictionary.
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): The original figure dictionary containing various data series.
+        range_dict (dict): A dictionary with keys "min_x" and "max_x" providing the 
+                           global minimum and maximum x values for updates.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: A new figure dictionary with updated x_range_default values for 
+              equation and simulate series, while keeping other data unchanged.
+    
+    Notes:
+        - If min_x or max_x in range_dict is None, the function preserves the 
+          existing x_range_default values instead of overwriting them.
+        - Uses deepcopy to ensure modifications do not affect the original fig_dict.
+    """
+    import copy  # Import inside function to limit scope
+
+    updated_fig_dict = copy.deepcopy(fig_dict)  # Deep copy avoids modifying original data
+
+    min_x = range_dict["min_x"]
+    max_x = range_dict["max_x"]
+
+    for data_series in updated_fig_dict.get("data", []):
+        if "equation" in data_series:
+            equation_info = data_series["equation"]
+
+            # Determine valid values before assignment
+            min_x_value = min_x if (min_x is not None) else equation_info.get("x_range_default", [None, None])[0]
+            max_x_value = max_x if (max_x is not None) else equation_info.get("x_range_default", [None, None])[1]
+
+            # Assign updated values
+            equation_info["x_range_default"] = [min_x_value, max_x_value]
+        
+        elif "simulate" in data_series:
+            simulate_info = data_series["simulate"]
+
+            # Determine valid values before assignment
+            min_x_value = min_x if (min_x is not None) else simulate_info.get("x_range_default", [None, None])[0]
+            max_x_value = max_x if (max_x is not None) else simulate_info.get("x_range_default", [None, None])[1]
+
+            # Assign updated values
+            simulate_info["x_range_default"] = [min_x_value, max_x_value]
+
+    return updated_fig_dict
+
+
+
+
+def get_fig_dict_ranges(fig_dict, skip_equations=False, skip_simulations=False):
+    """
+    Extracts minimum and maximum x/y values from each data_series in a fig_dict, as well as overall min and max for x and y.
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): The figure dictionary containing multiple data series.
+        skip_equations (bool): If True, equation-based data series are ignored.
+        skip_simulations (bool): If True, simulation-based data series are ignored.
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple: 
+            - fig_dict_ranges (dict): A dictionary containing overall min/max x/y values across all valid series.
+            - data_series_ranges (dict): A dictionary with individual min/max values for each data series.
+
+    Notes:
+        - Equations and simulations have predefined x-range defaults and limits.
+        - If their x-range is absent, individual data series values are used.
+        - Ensures empty lists don't trigger errors when computing min/max values.
+    """
+    # Initialize final range values to None to ensure assignment
+    fig_dict_ranges = {
+        "min_x": None,
+        "max_x": None,
+        "min_y": None,
+        "max_y": None
+    }
+
+    data_series_ranges = {
+        "min_x": [],
+        "max_x": [],
+        "min_y": [],
+        "max_y": []
+    }
+
+    for data_series in fig_dict.get("data", []):
+        min_x, max_x, min_y, max_y = None, None, None, None  # Initialize extrema as None
+
+        # Determine if the data series contains either "equation" or "simulate"
+        if "equation" in data_series:
+            if skip_equations:
+                implicit_data_series_to_extract_from = None
+                # Will Skip processing, but still append None values
+            else:
+                implicit_data_series_to_extract_from = data_series["equation"]
+        
+        elif "simulate" in data_series:
+            if skip_simulations:
+                implicit_data_series_to_extract_from = None
+                # Will Skip processing, but still append None values
+            else:
+                implicit_data_series_to_extract_from = data_series["simulate"]
+        
+        else:
+            implicit_data_series_to_extract_from = None  # No equation or simulation, process x and y normally
+
+        if implicit_data_series_to_extract_from:
+            x_range_default = implicit_data_series_to_extract_from.get("x_range_default", [None, None]) 
+            x_range_limits = implicit_data_series_to_extract_from.get("x_range_limits", [None, None]) 
+
+            # Assign values, but keep None if missing
+            min_x = (x_range_default[0] if (x_range_default[0] is not None) else x_range_limits[0])
+            max_x = (x_range_default[1] if (x_range_default[1] is not None) else x_range_limits[1])
+
+        # Ensure "x" key exists AND list is not empty before calling min() or max()
+        if (min_x is None) and ("x" in data_series) and (len(data_series["x"]) > 0):  
+            valid_x_values = [x for x in data_series["x"] if x is not None]  # Filter out None values
+            if valid_x_values:  # Ensure list isn't empty after filtering
+                min_x = min(valid_x_values)  
+
+        if (max_x is None) and ("x" in data_series) and (len(data_series["x"]) > 0):  
+            valid_x_values = [x for x in data_series["x"] if x is not None]  # Filter out None values
+            if valid_x_values:  # Ensure list isn't empty after filtering
+                max_x = max(valid_x_values)  
+
+        # Ensure "y" key exists AND list is not empty before calling min() or max()
+        if (min_y is None) and ("y" in data_series) and (len(data_series["y"]) > 0):  
+            valid_y_values = [y for y in data_series["y"] if y is not None]  # Filter out None values
+            if valid_y_values:  # Ensure list isn't empty after filtering
+                min_y = min(valid_y_values)  
+
+        if (max_y is None) and ("y" in data_series) and (len(data_series["y"]) > 0):  
+            valid_y_values = [y for y in data_series["y"] if y is not None]  # Filter out None values
+            if valid_y_values:  # Ensure list isn't empty after filtering
+                max_y = max(valid_y_values)  
+
+        # Always add values to the lists, including None if applicable
+        data_series_ranges["min_x"].append(min_x)
+        data_series_ranges["max_x"].append(max_x)
+        data_series_ranges["min_y"].append(min_y)
+        data_series_ranges["max_y"].append(max_y)
+
+    # Filter out None values for overall min/max calculations
+    valid_min_x_values = [x for x in data_series_ranges["min_x"] if x is not None]
+    valid_max_x_values = [x for x in data_series_ranges["max_x"] if x is not None]
+    valid_min_y_values = [y for y in data_series_ranges["min_y"] if y is not None]
+    valid_max_y_values = [y for y in data_series_ranges["max_y"] if y is not None]
+
+    fig_dict_ranges["min_x"] = min(valid_min_x_values) if valid_min_x_values else None
+    fig_dict_ranges["max_x"] = max(valid_max_x_values) if valid_max_x_values else None
+    fig_dict_ranges["min_y"] = min(valid_min_y_values) if valid_min_y_values else None
+    fig_dict_ranges["max_y"] = max(valid_max_y_values) if valid_max_y_values else None
+
+    return fig_dict_ranges, data_series_ranges
+
+
+# # Example usage
+# fig_dict = {
+#     "data": [
+#         {"x": [1, 2, 3, 4], "y": [10, 20, 30, 40]},
+#         {"x": [5, 6, 7, 8], "y": [50, 60, 70, 80]},
+#         {"equation": {
+#             "x_range_default": [None, 500],
+#             "x_range_limits": [100, 600]
+#         }},
+#         {"simulate": {
+#             "x_range_default": [None, 700],
+#             "x_range_limits": [300, 900]
+#         }}
+#     ]
+# }
+
+# fig_dict_ranges, data_series_ranges = get_fig_dict_ranges(fig_dict, skip_equations=True, skip_simulations=True)  # Skips both
+# print("Data Series Values:", data_series_ranges)
+# print("Extreme Values:", fig_dict_ranges)
+
+### Start of section of code with functions for extracting and updating x and y ranges of data series ###
+
+
+### Start section of code with functions for cleaning fig_dicts for plotly compatibility ###
+
+def update_title_field(fig_dict, depth=1, max_depth=10):
+    """ This function is intended to make JSONGrapher .json files compatible with the newer plotly recommended title field formatting
+    which is necessary to do things like change the font, and also necessary for being able to convert a JSONGrapher json_dict to python plotly figure objects.
+    Recursively checks for 'title' fields and converts them to dictionary format. """
+    if depth > max_depth or not isinstance(fig_dict, dict):
+        return fig_dict
+    
+    for key, value in fig_dict.items():
+        if key == "title" and isinstance(value, str):
+            fig_dict[key] = {"text": value}
+        elif isinstance(value, dict):  # Nested dictionary
+            fig_dict[key] = update_title_field(value, depth + 1, max_depth)
+        elif isinstance(value, list):  # Lists can contain nested dictionaries
+            fig_dict[key] = [update_title_field(item, depth + 1, max_depth) if isinstance(item, dict) else item for item in value]
+    return fig_dict
+
+
+
+
+
+def convert_to_3d_layout(layout):
+    import copy
+    # Create a deep copy to avoid modifying the original layout
+    new_layout = copy.deepcopy(layout)
+
+    # Add the axis fields inside `scene` first
+    new_layout["scene"] = {
+        "xaxis": layout.get("xaxis", {}),
+        "yaxis": layout.get("yaxis", {}),
+        "zaxis": layout.get("zaxis", {})
+    }
+
+    # Remove the original axis fields from the top-level layout
+    new_layout.pop("xaxis", None)
+    new_layout.pop("yaxis", None)
+    new_layout.pop("zaxis", None)
+
+    return new_layout
+
+    #A bubble plot uses z data, but that data is then
+    #moved into the size field and the z field must be removed.
+def remove_bubble_fields(fig_dict):
+    #This code will modify the data_series inside the fig_dict, directly.
+    bubble_found = False #initialize with false case.
+    for data_series in fig_dict["data"]:
+        if "trace_style" in data_series:
+            if (data_series["trace_style"] == "bubble") or ("max_bubble_size" in data_series):
+                bubble_found = True
+            if bubble_found == True:
+                if "z" in data_series:
+                    data_series.pop("z")
+                if "z_points" in data_series:
+                    data_series.pop("z_points")
+                if "max_bubble_size" in data_series:
+                    data_series.pop("max_bubble_size")
+    if bubble_found == True:
+        if "zaxis" in fig_dict["layout"]:
+            fig_dict["layout"].pop("zaxis")
+    return fig_dict
+
+def update_3d_axes(fig_dict):
+    if "zaxis" in fig_dict["layout"]:
+        fig_dict['layout'] = convert_to_3d_layout(fig_dict['layout'])
+        for data_series_index, data_series in enumerate(fig_dict["data"]):
+            if data_series["type"] == "scatter3d":
+                if "z_matrix" in data_series: #for this one, we don't want the z_matrix.
+                    data_series.pop("z_matrix")
+            if data_series["type"] == "mesh3d":
+                if "z_matrix" in data_series: #for this one, we don't want the z_matrix.
+                    data_series.pop("z_matrix")
+            if data_series["type"] == "surface":
+                if "z_matrix" in data_series: #for this one, we want the z_matrix so we pop z if we have the z_matrix..
+                    data_series.pop("z")
+                print(" The Surface type of 3D plot has not been implemented yet. It requires replacing z with the z_matrix after the equation has been evaluated.")
+    return fig_dict
+
+def remove_extra_information_field(fig_dict, depth=1, max_depth=10):
+    """ This function is intended to make JSONGrapher .json files compatible with the current plotly format expectations
+     and also necessary for being able to convert a JSONGrapher json_dict to python plotly figure objects.
+    Recursively checks for 'extraInformation' fields and removes them."""
+    if depth > max_depth or not isinstance(fig_dict, dict):
+        return fig_dict
+
+    # Use a copy of the dictionary keys to safely modify the dictionary during iteration
+    for key in list(fig_dict.keys()):
+        if key == ("extraInformation" or "extra_information"):
+            del fig_dict[key]  # Remove the field
+        elif isinstance(fig_dict[key], dict):  # Nested dictionary
+            fig_dict[key] = remove_extra_information_field(fig_dict[key], depth + 1, max_depth)
+        elif isinstance(fig_dict[key], list):  # Lists can contain nested dictionaries
+            fig_dict[key] = [
+                remove_extra_information_field(item, depth + 1, max_depth) if isinstance(item, dict) else item for item in fig_dict[key]
+            ]
+    
+    return fig_dict
+    
+
+def remove_nested_comments(data, top_level=True):
+    """ This function is intended to make JSONGrapher .json files compatible with the current plotly format expectations
+     and also necessary for being able to convert a JSONGrapher json_dict to python plotly figure objects. 
+    Removes 'comments' fields that are not at the top level of the JSON-dict. Starts with 'top_level = True' when dict is first passed in then becomes false after that. """
+    if not isinstance(data, dict):
+        return data
+    # Process nested structures
+    for key in list(data.keys()):
+        if isinstance(data[key], dict):  # Nested dictionary
+            data[key] = remove_nested_comments(data[key], top_level=False)
+        elif isinstance(data[key], list):  # Lists can contain nested dictionaries
+            data[key] = [
+                remove_nested_comments(item, top_level=False) if isinstance(item, dict) else item for item in data[key]
+            ]
+    # Only remove 'comments' if not at the top level
+    if not top_level:
+        data = {k: v for k, v in data.items() if k != "comments"}
+    return data
+
+def remove_simulate_field(json_fig_dict):
+    data_dicts_list = json_fig_dict['data']
+    for data_dict in data_dicts_list:
+        data_dict.pop('simulate', None) #Some people recommend using pop over if/del as safer. Both ways should work under normal circumstances.
+    json_fig_dict['data'] = data_dicts_list #this line shouldn't be necessary, but including it for clarity and carefulness.
+    return json_fig_dict
+
+def remove_equation_field(json_fig_dict):
+    data_dicts_list = json_fig_dict['data']
+    for data_dict in data_dicts_list:
+        data_dict.pop('equation', None) #Some people recommend using pop over if/del as safer. Both ways should work under normal circumstances.
+    json_fig_dict['data'] = data_dicts_list #this line shouldn't be necessary, but including it for clarity and carefulness.
+    return json_fig_dict
+
+def remove_trace_style_field(json_fig_dict):
+    data_dicts_list = json_fig_dict['data']
+    for data_dict in data_dicts_list:
+        data_dict.pop('trace_style', None) #Some people recommend using pop over if/del as safer. Both ways should work under normal circumstances.
+        data_dict.pop('tracetype', None) #Some people recommend using pop over if/del as safer. Both ways should work under normal circumstances.
+    json_fig_dict['data'] = data_dicts_list #this line shouldn't be necessary, but including it for clarity and carefulness.
+    return json_fig_dict
+
+def remove_custom_units_chevrons(json_fig_dict):
+    try:
+        json_fig_dict['layout']['xaxis']['title']['text'] = json_fig_dict['layout']['xaxis']['title']['text'].replace('<','').replace('>','')
+    except KeyError:
+        pass
+    try:
+        json_fig_dict['layout']['yaxis']['title']['text'] = json_fig_dict['layout']['yaxis']['title']['text'].replace('<','').replace('>','')
+    except KeyError:
+        pass
+    try:
+        json_fig_dict['layout']['zaxis']['title']['text'] = json_fig_dict['layout']['zaxis']['title']['text'].replace('<','').replace('>','')
+    except KeyError:
+        pass
+    return json_fig_dict
+
+def clean_json_fig_dict(json_fig_dict, fields_to_update=None):
+    """ This function is intended to make JSONGrapher .json files compatible with the current plotly format expectations
+     and also necessary for being able to convert a JSONGrapher json_dict to python plotly figure objects. 
+     fields_to_update should be a list.
+     This function can also remove the 'simulate' field from data series. However, that is not the default behavior
+     because one would not want to do that by mistake before simulation is performed.
+     This function can also remove the 'equation' field from data series. However, that is not the default behavior
+     because one would not want to do that by mistake before the equation is evaluated.
+     """
+    if fields_to_update is None:  # should not initialize mutable objects in arguments line, so doing here.
+        fields_to_update = ["title_field", "extraInformation", "nested_comments"]
+    fig_dict = json_fig_dict
+    #unmodified_data = copy.deepcopy(data)
+    if "title_field" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = update_title_field(fig_dict)
+    if "extraInformation" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_extra_information_field(fig_dict)
+    if "nested_comments" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_nested_comments(fig_dict)
+    if "simulate" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_simulate_field(fig_dict)
+    if "equation" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_equation_field(fig_dict)
+    if "custom_units_chevrons" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_custom_units_chevrons(fig_dict)
+    if "bubble" in fields_to_update: #must be updated before trace_style is removed.
+        fig_dict = remove_bubble_fields(fig_dict)
+    if "trace_style" in fields_to_update:
+        fig_dict = remove_trace_style_field(fig_dict)
+    if "3d_axes" in fields_to_update: #This is for 3D plots
+        fig_dict = update_3d_axes(fig_dict)
+
+    return fig_dict
+
+### End section of code with functions for cleaning fig_dicts for plotly compatibility ###
+
+### Beginning of section of file that has functions for "simulate" and "equation" fields, to evaluate equations and call external javascript simulators, as well as support functions ###
+
+def run_js_simulation(javascript_simulator_url, simulator_input_json_dict, verbose = False):
+    """
+    Downloads a JavaScript file using its URL, extracts the filename, appends an export statement,
+    executes it with Node.js, and parses the output.
+
+    Parameters:
+    javascript_simulator_url (str): URL of the raw JavaScript file to download and execute. Must have a function named simulate.
+    simulator_input_json_dict (dict): Input parameters for the JavaScript simulator.
+
+    # Example inputs
+    javascript_simulator_url = "https://github.com/AdityaSavara/JSONGrapherExamples/blob/main/ExampleSimulators/Langmuir_Isotherm.js"
+    simulator_input_json_dict = {
+        "simulate": {
+            "K_eq": None,
+            "sigma_max": "1.0267670459667 (mol/kg)",
+            "k_ads": "200 (1/(bar * s))",
+            "k_des": "100 (1/s)"
+        }
+    }
+
+
+    Returns:
+    dict: Parsed JSON output from the JavaScript simulation, or None if an error occurred.
+    """
+    import requests
+    import subprocess
+    #import json
+    import os
+
+    # Convert to raw GitHub URL only if "raw" is not in the original URL
+    # For example, the first link below gets converted to the second one.
+    # https://github.com/AdityaSavara/JSONGrapherExamples/blob/main/ExampleSimulators/Langmuir_Isotherm.js
+    # https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AdityaSavara/JSONGrapherExamples/main/ExampleSimulators/Langmuir_Isotherm.js    
+    
+    if "raw" not in javascript_simulator_url:
+        javascript_simulator_url = convert_to_raw_github_url(javascript_simulator_url)
+
+    # Extract filename from URL
+    js_filename = os.path.basename(javascript_simulator_url)
+
+    # Download the JavaScript file
+    response = requests.get(javascript_simulator_url, timeout=300)
+
+    if response.status_code == 200:
+        with open(js_filename, "w", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+            file.write(response.text)
+
+        # Append the export statement to the JavaScript file
+        with open(js_filename, "a", encoding="utf-8") as file:  # Specify UTF-8 encoding for compatibility
+            file.write("\nmodule.exports = { simulate };")
+
+        # Convert input dictionary to a JSON string
+        input_json_str = json.dumps(simulator_input_json_dict)
+
+        # Prepare JavaScript command for execution
+        js_command = f"""
+        const simulator = require('./{js_filename}');
+        console.log(JSON.stringify(simulator.simulate({input_json_str})));
+        """
+
+        result = subprocess.run(["node", "-e", js_command], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
+
+        # Print output and errors if verbose
+        if verbose:
+            print("Raw JavaScript Output:", result.stdout)
+            print("Node.js Errors:", result.stderr)
+
+        # Parse JSON if valid
+        if result.stdout.strip():
+            try:
+                data_dict_with_simulation = json.loads(result.stdout) #This is the normal case.
+                return data_dict_with_simulation
+            except json.JSONDecodeError:
+                print("Error: JavaScript output is not valid JSON.")
+                return None
+    else:
+        print(f"Error: Unable to fetch JavaScript file. Status code {response.status_code}")
+        return None
+
+def convert_to_raw_github_url(url):
+    """
+    Converts a GitHub file URL to its raw content URL if necessary, preserving the filename.
+    This function is really a support function for run_js_simulation
+    """
+    from urllib.parse import urlparse
+    parsed_url = urlparse(url)
+
+    # If the URL is already a raw GitHub link, return it unchanged
+    if "raw.githubusercontent.com" in parsed_url.netloc:
+        return url
+
+    path_parts = parsed_url.path.strip("/").split("/")
+
+    # Ensure it's a valid GitHub file URL
+    if "github.com" in parsed_url.netloc and len(path_parts) >= 4:
+        if path_parts[2] == "blob":  
+            # If the URL contains "blob", adjust extraction
+            user, repo, branch = path_parts[:2] + [path_parts[3]]
+            file_path = "/".join(path_parts[4:])  # Keep full file path including filename
+        else:
+            # Standard GitHub file URL (without "blob")
+            user, repo, branch = path_parts[:3]
+            file_path = "/".join(path_parts[3:])  # Keep full file path including filename
+
+        return f"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/{user}/{repo}/{branch}/{file_path}"
+
+    return url  # Return unchanged if not a GitHub file URL
+
+#This function takes in a data_series_dict object and then
+#calls an external javascript simulation if needed
+#Then fills the data_series dict with the simulated data.
+#This function is not intended to be called by the regular user
+#because it returns extra fields that need to be parsed out.
+#and because it does not do unit conversions as needed after the simulation resultss are returned.
+def simulate_data_series(data_series_dict, simulator_link='', verbose=False):
+    if simulator_link == '':
+        simulator_link = data_series_dict["simulate"]["model"]  
+    try:
+        simulation_return = run_js_simulation(simulator_link, data_series_dict, verbose=verbose)
+        if isinstance(simulation_return, dict) and "error" in simulation_return: # Check for errors in the returned data
+            print(f"Simulation failed: {simulation_return.get('error_message', 'Unknown error')}")
+            print(simulation_return)
+            return None
+        return simulation_return.get("data", None)
+
+    except Exception as e: # This is so VS code pylint does not flag this line. pylint: disable=broad-except
+        print(f"Exception occurred in simulate_data_series function of JSONRecordCreator.py: {e}")
+        return None
+
+#Function that goes through a fig_dict data series and simulates each data series as needed.
+#If the simulated data returned has "x_label" and/or "y_label" with units, those will be used to scale the data, then will be removed.
+def simulate_as_needed_in_fig_dict(fig_dict, simulator_link='', verbose=False):
+    data_dicts_list = fig_dict['data']    
+    for data_dict_index in range(len(data_dicts_list)):
+        fig_dict = simulate_specific_data_series_by_index(fig_dict, data_dict_index, simulator_link=simulator_link, verbose=verbose)
+    return fig_dict
+
+#Function that takes fig_dict and dataseries index and simulates if needed. Also performs unit conversions as needed.
+#If the simulated data returned has "x_label" and/or "y_label" with units, those will be used to scale the data, then will be removed.
+def simulate_specific_data_series_by_index(fig_dict, data_series_index, simulator_link='', verbose=False):
+    data_dicts_list = fig_dict['data']
+    data_dict_index = data_series_index
+    data_dict = data_dicts_list[data_dict_index]
+    if 'simulate' in data_dict:
+        data_dict_filled = simulate_data_series(data_dict, simulator_link=simulator_link, verbose=verbose)
+        # Check if unit scaling is needed
+        if ("x_label" in data_dict_filled) or ("y_label" in data_dict_filled):
+            #first, get the units that are in the layout of fig_dict so we know what to convert to.
+            existing_record_x_label = fig_dict["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"]
+            existing_record_y_label = fig_dict["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"]
+            # Extract units  from the simulation output.
+            existing_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(existing_record_x_label).get("units", "")
+            existing_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(existing_record_y_label).get("units", "")
+            simulated_data_series_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(data_dict_filled.get('x_label', '')).get("units", "")
+            simulated_data_series_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(data_dict_filled.get('y_label', '')).get("units", "")
+            # Compute unit scaling ratios
+            x_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(simulated_data_series_x_units, existing_record_x_units) if simulated_data_series_x_units and existing_record_x_units else 1
+            y_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(simulated_data_series_y_units, existing_record_y_units) if simulated_data_series_y_units and existing_record_y_units else 1
+            # Apply scaling to the data series
+            scale_dataseries_dict(data_dict_filled, num_to_scale_x_values_by=x_units_ratio, num_to_scale_y_values_by=y_units_ratio)
+            #Verbose logging for debugging
+            if verbose:
+                print(f"Scaling X values by: {x_units_ratio}, Scaling Y values by: {y_units_ratio}")
+            #Now need to remove the "x_label" and "y_label" to be compatible with plotly.
+            data_dict_filled.pop("x_label", None)
+            data_dict_filled.pop("y_label", None)
+        # Update the figure dictionary
+        data_dicts_list[data_dict_index] = data_dict_filled
+    fig_dict['data'] = data_dicts_list
+    return fig_dict
+
+def evaluate_equations_as_needed_in_fig_dict(fig_dict):
+    data_dicts_list = fig_dict['data']
+    for data_dict_index, data_dict in enumerate(data_dicts_list):
+        if 'equation' in data_dict:
+            fig_dict = evaluate_equation_for_data_series_by_index(fig_dict, data_dict_index)
+    return fig_dict
+
+#TODO: Should add z units ratio scaling here (just to change units when merging records). Should do the same for the simulate_specific_data_series_by_index function.
+def evaluate_equation_for_data_series_by_index(fig_dict, data_series_index, verbose="auto"):   
+    try:
+        # Attempt to import from the json_equationer package
+        import json_equationer.equation_creator as equation_creator
+    except ImportError:
+        try:
+             # Fallback: attempt local import
+            from . import equation_creator
+        except ImportError as exc:
+             # Log the failure and handle gracefully
+            print(f"Failed to import equation_creator: {exc}")
+    import copy
+    data_dicts_list = fig_dict['data']
+    data_dict = data_dicts_list[data_series_index]
+    if 'equation' in data_dict:
+        equation_object = equation_creator.Equation(data_dict['equation'])
+        if verbose == "auto":
+            equation_dict_evaluated = equation_object.evaluate_equation()
+        else:
+            equation_dict_evaluated = equation_object.evaluate_equation(verbose=verbose)
+        if "graphical_dimensionality" in equation_dict_evaluated:
+            graphical_dimensionality = equation_dict_evaluated["graphical_dimensionality"]
+        else:
+            graphical_dimensionality = 2
+        data_dict_filled = copy.deepcopy(data_dict)
+        data_dict_filled['equation'] = equation_dict_evaluated
+        data_dict_filled['x_label'] = data_dict_filled['equation']['x_variable'] 
+        data_dict_filled['y_label'] = data_dict_filled['equation']['y_variable'] 
+        data_dict_filled['x'] = equation_dict_evaluated['x_points']
+        data_dict_filled['y'] = equation_dict_evaluated['y_points']
+        if graphical_dimensionality == 3:
+            data_dict_filled['z_label'] = data_dict_filled['equation']['z_variable'] 
+            data_dict_filled['z'] = equation_dict_evaluated['z_points']
+        #data_dict_filled may include "x_label" and/or "y_label". If it does, we'll need to check about scaling units.
+        if (("x_label" in data_dict_filled) or ("y_label" in data_dict_filled)) or ("z_label" in data_dict_filled):
+            #first, get the units that are in the layout of fig_dict so we know what to convert to.
+            existing_record_x_label = fig_dict["layout"]["xaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            existing_record_y_label = fig_dict["layout"]["yaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            existing_record_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(existing_record_x_label)["units"]
+            existing_record_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(existing_record_y_label)["units"]
+            if "z_label" in data_dict_filled:
+                existing_record_z_label = fig_dict["layout"]["zaxis"]["title"]["text"] #this is a dictionary.
+            if (existing_record_x_units == '') and (existing_record_y_units == ''): #skip scaling if there are no units.
+                pass
+            else: #If we will be scaling...
+                #now, get the units from the evaluated equation output.
+                simulated_data_series_x_units = separate_label_text_from_units(data_dict_filled['x_label'])["units"]
+                simulated_data_series_y_units = separate_label_text_from_units(data_dict_filled['y_label'])["units"]
+                x_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(simulated_data_series_x_units, existing_record_x_units)
+                y_units_ratio = get_units_scaling_ratio(simulated_data_series_y_units, existing_record_y_units)
+                #We scale the dataseries, which really should be a function.
+                scale_dataseries_dict(data_dict_filled, num_to_scale_x_values_by = x_units_ratio, num_to_scale_y_values_by = y_units_ratio)
+            #Now need to remove the "x_label" and "y_label" to be compatible with plotly.
+            data_dict_filled.pop("x_label", None)
+            data_dict_filled.pop("y_label", None)
+            if "z_label" in data_dict_filled:
+                data_dict_filled.pop("z_label", None)
+        if "type" not in data_dict:
+            if graphical_dimensionality == 2:
+                data_dict_filled['type'] = 'spline'
+            elif graphical_dimensionality == 3:
+                data_dict_filled['type'] = 'mesh3d'
+        data_dicts_list[data_series_index] = data_dict_filled
+    fig_dict['data'] = data_dicts_list
+    return fig_dict
+
+
+def update_implicit_data_series_data(target_fig_dict, source_fig_dict, parallel_structure=True, modify_target_directly = False):
+    """
+    Updates the x and y values of implicit data series (equation/simulate) in target_fig_dict 
+    using values from the corresponding series in source_fig_dict.
+
+    Args:
+        target_fig_dict (dict): The figure dictionary that needs updated data.
+        source_fig_dict (dict): The figure dictionary that provides x and y values.
+        parallel_structure (bool, optional): If True, assumes both data lists are the same 
+                                             length and updates using zip(). If False, 
+                                             matches by name instead. Default is True.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: A new figure dictionary with updated x and y values for implicit data series.
+
+    Notes:
+        - If parallel_structure=True and both lists have the same length, updates use zip().
+        - If parallel_structure=False, matching is done by the "name" field.
+        - Only updates data series that contain "simulate" or "equation".
+        - Ensures deep copying to avoid modifying the original structures.
+    """
+    if modify_target_directly == False:
+        import copy  # Import inside function to limit scope   
+        updated_fig_dict =  copy.deepcopy(target_fig_dict)  # Deep copy to avoid modifying original
+    else:
+        updated_fig_dict = target_fig_dict
+
+    target_data_series = updated_fig_dict.get("data", [])
+    source_data_series = source_fig_dict.get("data", [])
+
+    if parallel_structure and len(target_data_series) == len(source_data_series):
+        # Use zip() when parallel_structure=True and lengths match
+        for target_series, source_series in zip(target_data_series, source_data_series):
+            if ("equation" in target_series) or ("simulate" in target_series):
+                target_series["x"] = source_series.get("x", [])  # Extract and apply "x" values
+                target_series["y"] = source_series.get("y", [])  # Extract and apply "y" values
+                if "z" in source_series:
+                    target_series["z"] = source_series.get("z", [])  # Extract and apply "z" values                    
+    else:
+        # Match by name when parallel_structure=False or lengths differ
+        source_data_dict = {series["name"]: series for series in source_data_series if "name" in series}
+
+        for target_series in target_data_series:
+            if ("equation" in target_series) or ("simulate" in target_series):
+                target_name = target_series.get("name")
+               
+                if target_name in source_data_dict:
+                    source_series = source_data_dict[target_name]
+                    target_series["x"] = source_series.get("x", [])  # Extract and apply "x" values
+                    target_series["y"] = source_series.get("y", [])  # Extract and apply "y" values
+                    if "z" in source_series:
+                        target_series["z"] = source_series.get("z", [])  # Extract and apply "z" values                    
+    return updated_fig_dict
+
+
+def execute_implicit_data_series_operations(fig_dict, simulate_all_series=True, evaluate_all_equations=True, adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True):
+    """
+    This function is designed to be called during creation of a plotly or matplotlib figure creation.
+    Processes implicit data series (equation/simulate), adjusting ranges, performing simulations,
+    and evaluating equations as needed.
+
+    The important thing is that this function creates a "fresh" fig_dict, does some manipulation, then then gets the data from that
+    and adds it to the original fig_dict.
+    That way the original fig_dict is not changed other than getting the simulated/evaluated data.
+
+    The reason the function works this way is that the x_range_default of the implicit data series (equations and simulations)
+    are adjusted to match the data in the fig_dict, but we don't want to change the x_range_default of our main record.
+    That's why we make a copy for creating simulated/evaluated data from those adjusted ranges, and then put the simulated/evaluated data
+    back into the original dict.
+
+    
+
+    Args:
+        fig_dict (dict): The figure dictionary containing data series.
+        simulate_all_series (bool): If True, performs simulations for applicable series.
+        evaluate_all_equations (bool): If True, evaluates all equation-based series.
+        adjust_implicit_data_ranges (bool): If True, modifies ranges for implicit data series.
+
+    Returns:
+        dict: Updated figure dictionary with processed implicit data series.
+
+    Notes:
+        - If adjust_implicit_data_ranges=True, retrieves min/max values from regular data series 
+          (those that are not equations and not simulations) and applies them to implicit data.
+        - If simulate_all_series=True, executes simulations for all series that require them 
+          and transfers the computed data back to fig_dict without copying ranges.
+        - If evaluate_all_equations=True, solves equations as needed and transfers results 
+          back to fig_dict without copying ranges.
+        - Uses deepcopy to avoid modifying the original input dictionary.
+    """
+    import copy  # Import inside function for modularity
+
+    # Create a copy for processing implicit series separately
+    fig_dict_for_implicit = copy.deepcopy(fig_dict)
+    #first check if any data_series have an equatinon or simulation field. If not, we'll skip.
+    #initialize with false:
+    implicit_series_present = False
+
+    for data_series in fig_dict["data"]:
+        if ("equation" in data_series) or ("simulate" in data_series):
+            implicit_series_present = True
+    if implicit_series_present == True:
+        if adjust_implicit_data_ranges:
+            # Retrieve ranges from data series that are not equation-based or simulation-based.
+            fig_dict_ranges, data_series_ranges = get_fig_dict_ranges(fig_dict, skip_equations=True, skip_simulations=True)
+            data_series_ranges # Variable not used. The remainder of this comment is to avoid vs code pylint flagging. pylint: disable=pointless-statement
+            # Apply the extracted ranges to implicit data series before simulation or equation evaluation.
+            fig_dict_for_implicit = update_implicit_data_series_x_ranges(fig_dict, fig_dict_ranges)
+
+        if simulate_all_series:
+            # Perform simulations for applicable series
+            fig_dict_for_implicit = simulate_as_needed_in_fig_dict(fig_dict_for_implicit)
+            # Copy data back to fig_dict, ensuring ranges remain unchanged
+            fig_dict = update_implicit_data_series_data(target_fig_dict=fig_dict, source_fig_dict=fig_dict_for_implicit, parallel_structure=True, modify_target_directly=True)
+
+        if evaluate_all_equations:
+            # Evaluate equations that require computation
+            fig_dict_for_implicit = evaluate_equations_as_needed_in_fig_dict(fig_dict_for_implicit)
+            # Copy results back without overwriting the ranges
+            fig_dict = update_implicit_data_series_data(target_fig_dict=fig_dict, source_fig_dict=fig_dict_for_implicit, parallel_structure=True, modify_target_directly=True)
+
+    return fig_dict
+
+
+
+### End of section of file that has functions for "simulate" and "equation" fields, to evaluate equations and call external javascript simulators, as well as support functions###
+
+# Example Usage
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    # Example of creating a record with optional attributes.
+    Record = JSONGrapherRecord(
+        comments="Here is a description.",
+        graph_title="Here Is The Graph Title Spot",
+        data_objects_list=[
+            {"comments": "Initial data series.", "uid": "123", "name": "Series A", "trace_style": "spline", "x": [1, 2, 3], "y": [4, 5, 8]}
+        ],
+    )
+    x_label_including_units= "Time (years)" 
+    y_label_including_units = "Height (m)"
+    Record.set_comments("Tree Growth Data collected from the US National Arboretum")
+    Record.set_datatype("Tree_Growth_Curve")
+    Record.set_x_axis_label_including_units(x_label_including_units)
+    Record.set_y_axis_label_including_units(y_label_including_units)
+
+
+    Record.export_to_json_file("test.json")
+
+    print(Record)
+
+    # Example of creating a record from an existing dictionary.
+    example_existing_JSONGrapher_record = {
+        "comments": "Existing record description.",
+        "graph_title": "Existing Graph",
+        "data": [
+            {"comments": "Data series 1", "uid": "123", "name": "Series A", "type": "spline", "x": [1, 2, 3], "y": [4, 5, 8]}
+        ],
+    }
+    Record_from_existing = JSONGrapherRecord(existing_JSONGrapher_record=example_existing_JSONGrapher_record)
+    x_label_including_units= "Time (years)" 
+    y_label_including_units = "Height (cm)"
+    Record_from_existing.set_comments("Tree Growth Data collected from the US National Arboretum")
+    Record_from_existing.set_datatype("Tree_Growth_Curve")
+    Record_from_existing.set_x_axis_label_including_units(x_label_including_units)
+    Record_from_existing.set_y_axis_label_including_units(y_label_including_units)
+    print(Record_from_existing)
+    
+    print("NOW WILL MERGE THE RECORDS, AND USE THE SECOND ONE TWICE (AS A JSONGrapher OBJECT THEN JUST THE FIG_DICT)")
+    print(merge_JSONGrapherRecords([Record, Record_from_existing, Record_from_existing.fig_dict]))
+
+
+