FAQ
Answers to the questions people usually ask before they generate their first chart.
This page covers how Chartwave uses Last.fm data, how its chart logic works, what affects image coverage, and what to expect from the export flow.
What does Chartwave use to generate charts?
Chartwave uses the Last.fm API and public artist pages to gather listening data, weekly chart context, and supporting imagery. The app then reformats that information into visual chart layouts and album quilts.
Do I need to log in with my Last.fm account?
No. You only need to enter a Last.fm username. Chartwave reads public profile data and does not require your Last.fm password.
What timeframes are supported?
The current version supports 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month chart windows. Those periods are useful for balancing recency with enough listening volume to produce interesting charts.
How are movement arrows calculated?
For tracks and artists, Chartwave compares the latest completed Last.fm weekly chart to the completed weekly chart immediately before it. Up arrows mean the item improved, down arrows mean it slipped, and right arrows mean it held the same rank.
What does the No. 1 streak mean?
The No. 1 streak shows how many consecutive completed weekly charts the current top track or top artist has held the number one position, along with the week the streak started when that data is available.
Why do some images still not appear?
Image coverage depends on what Last.fm has available. Track and album artwork usually has better coverage than artist portraits. Chartwave uses multiple fallbacks, but if Last.fm has no usable image for an item, the app falls back to initials or a placeholder tile.
What is the album quilt?
The album quilt is a grid-based visual made from a random sample of albums in your top album pool. You can switch between 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5 layouts and reshuffle the result before exporting.
Does the PNG export match what I see on screen?
Yes. The export uses the active chart mode, accent color, and album shuffle state shown in the results view so the downloaded PNG reflects the current design choices.
Can private or empty profiles work?
Chartwave works best with public Last.fm profiles that have enough listening history for charts to be meaningful. If a profile has very little data or restricted visibility, some chart types may return limited or empty results.
Is Chartwave affiliated with Last.fm?
No. Chartwave uses the Last.fm API, but it is not an official Last.fm product and is not endorsed by Last.fm.