version 1.1.1.2, 2000/01/22 14:15:46 |
version 1.1.1.3, 2003/09/15 07:09:21 |
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Gnuplot FAQ |
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Gnuplot FAQ |
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Contents |
Contents |
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* Contents |
* 0 Meta - Questions |
* Meta - Questions |
+ 0.1 Where do I get this document? |
o 0.1 Where do I get this document? |
+ 0.2 Where do I send comments about this document? |
o 0.2 Where do I send comments about this document? |
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* 1. General Information |
* 1 General Information |
o 1.1 What is gnuplot? |
+ 1.1 What is gnuplot? |
o 1.2 How did it come about and why is it called gnuplot? |
+ 1.2 How did it come about and why is it called gnuplot? |
o 1.3 Does gnuplot have anything to do with the FSF and the GNU |
+ 1.3 Does gnuplot have anything to do with the FSF and the GNU project? |
project? |
+ 1.4 What does gnuplot offer? |
o 1.4 What does gnuplot offer? |
+ 1.5 Is gnuplot suitable for batch processing? |
o 1.5 Is gnuplot suitable for batch processing? |
+ 1.6 Can I run gnuplot on my computer? |
o 1.6 Can I run gnuplot on my computer? |
+ 1.7 Legalize it! |
o 1.7 Legalize it! |
+ 1.8 Is gnuplot Y2K compliant? |
o 1.8 Is gnuplot Y2K compliant? |
+ 1.9 Where do I get further information? |
o 1.9 Where do I get further information? |
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* 2. Setting it up |
* 2 Setting it up |
o 2.1 What is the current version of gnuplot? |
+ 2.1 What is the current version of gnuplot? |
o 2.2 Where can I get gnuplot? |
+ 2.2 Where can I get gnuplot? |
o 2.3 How do I get gnuplot to compile on my system? |
+ 2.3 How do I get gnuplot to compile on my system? |
o 2.4 What documentation is there, and how do I get it? |
+ 2.4 What documentation is there, and how do I get it? |
* 3. Working with it. |
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o 3.1 How do I get help? |
* 3 Working with it. |
o 3.2 How do I print out my graphs? |
+ 3.1 How do I get help? |
o 3.3 How do I include my graphs in <word processor>? |
+ 3.2 How do I print out my graphs? |
o 3.4 How do I post-process a gnuplot graph? |
+ 3.3 How do I include my graphs in <word processor>? |
o 3.5 How do I change symbol size, line thickness and the like? |
+ 3.4 How do I post-process a gnuplot graph? |
o 3.6 How do I generate plots in the GIF format? |
+ 3.5 How do I change symbol size, line thickness and the like? |
o 3.7 Can I animate my graphs? |
+ 3.6 How do I generate plots in the GIF format? |
o 3.8 How do I plot implicit defined graphs? |
+ 3.7 Can I animate my graphs? |
* 4. Wanted features |
+ 3.8 How do I plot implicit defined graphs? |
o 4.1 What's new in gnuplot 3.7? |
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o 4.2 Does gnuplot have hidden line removal? |
* 4 Wanted features |
o 4.3 Does gnuplot support bar-charts/histograms/boxes? |
+ 4.1 What's new in gnuplot 3.7? |
o 4.4 Does gnuplot support pie charts? |
+ 4.2 Does gnuplot have hidden line removal? |
o 4.5 Does gnuplot quarterly time charts? |
+ 4.3 Does gnuplot support bar-charts/histograms/boxes? |
o 4.6 Does gnuplot support multiple y-axes on a single plot? |
+ 4.4 Does gnuplot support pie charts? |
o 4.7 Can I put multiple pages on one page? |
+ 4.5 Does gnuplot quarterly time charts? |
o 4.8 Can I put both data files and commands into a single file? |
+ 4.6 Does gnuplot support multiple y-axes on a single plot? |
o 4.9 Can I put Greek letters and super/subscripts into my labels? |
+ 4.7 Can I put multiple pages on one page? |
o 4.10 Can I do 1:1 scaling of axes? |
+ 4.8 Can I put both data files and commands into a single file? |
o 4.11 Can I put tic marks for x and y axes into 3d plots? |
+ 4.9 Can I put Greek letters and super/subscripts into my labels? |
o 4.12 Does gnuplot support a driver for <graphics format>? |
+ 4.10 Can I do 1:1 scaling of axes? |
o 4.13 Can I put different text sizes into my plots? |
+ 4.11 Can I put tic marks for x and y axes into 3d plots? |
o 4.14 How do I modify gnuplot, and apply 'patches'? |
+ 4.12 Does gnuplot support a driver for <graphics format>? |
o 4.15 How do I skip data points? |
+ 4.13 Can I put different text sizes into my plots? |
o 4.16 How do I plot every nth point? |
+ 4.14 How do I modify gnuplot, and apply 'patches'? |
o 4.17 How do I plot a vertical line? |
+ 4.15 How do I skip data points? |
* 5. Miscellaneous |
+ 4.16 How do I plot every nth point? |
o 5.1 I've found a bug, what do I do? |
+ 4.17 How do I plot a vertical line? |
o 5.2 Can I use gnuplotroutines for my own programs? |
+ 4.18 How do I plot data files |
o 5.3 What extensions have people made to gnuplot? Where can I get |
+ 4.19 How do I include accentuated characters in Postscript output? |
them? |
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o 5.4 Can I do heavy-duty data processing with gnuplot? |
* 5 Miscellaneous |
o 5.5 I have ported gnuplotto another system, or patched it. What do |
+ 5.1 I've found a bug, what do I do? |
I do? |
+ 5.2 Can I use gnuplot routines for my own programs? |
o 5.6 I want to help in developing the next version of gnuplot. What |
+ 5.3 What extensions have people made to gnuplot? Where can I get them? |
can I do? |
+ 5.4 I need an integration, fft, iir-filter,....! |
* 6. Making life easier |
+ 5.5 Can I do heavy-duty data processing with gnuplot? or What is beyond |
o 6.1 How do I plot two functions in non-overlapping regions? |
gnuplot? |
o 6.2 How do I run my data through a filter before plotting? |
+ 5.6 I have ported gnuplot to another system, or patched it. What do I |
o 6.3 How do I make it easier to use gnuplot with LATEX? |
do? |
o 6.4 How do I save and restore my settings? |
+ 5.7 I want to help in developing the next version of gnuplot. What can |
o 6.5 How do I plot lines (not grids) using splot? |
I do? |
o 6.6 How do I plot a function f(x,y) which is bounded by other |
+ 5.8 Open questions for inclusion into the FAQ? |
functions in the x-y plain? |
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o 6.7 How do I get rid of <feature in a plot>? |
* 6 Making life easier |
o 6.8 How do I call gnuplot from my own programs? |
+ 6.1 How do I plot two functions in non-overlapping regions? |
o 6.9 What if I need h-bar (Planck's constant)? |
+ 6.2 How do I run my data through a filter before plotting? |
* 7. Known Problems |
+ 6.3 How do I make it easier to use gnuplot with LATEX? |
o 7.1 Gnuplot is not plotting any points under X11! How come? |
+ 6.4 How do I save and restore my settings? |
o 7.2 My isoline data generated by a Fortran program is not handled |
+ 6.5 How do I plot lines (not grids) using splot? |
correctly. What can I do? |
+ 6.6 How do I plot a function f(x,y) which is bounded by other functions |
o 7.3 Why does gnuplot ignore my very small numbers? |
in the x-y plain? |
o 7.4 Gnuplot is plotting nothing when run via gnuplot <filename>! |
+ 6.7 How do I get rid of <feature> in a plot? |
What can I do? |
+ 6.8 How do I call gnuplot from my own programs? |
o 7.5 My formulas are giving me nonsense results! What's going on? |
+ 6.9 What if I need h-bar (Planck's constant)? |
o 7.6 Set output 'filename' isn't outputting everything it should! |
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o 7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the |
* 7 Known Problems |
LATEX-run! |
+ 7.1 Gnuplot is not plotting any points under X11! How come? |
o 7.8 The exit command does not work as documented! |
+ 7.2 My isoline data generated by a Fortran program is not handled |
o 7.9 I can't find the demos and example files at the URLs in the |
correctly. What can I do? |
documentation! |
+ 7.3 Why does gnuplot ignore my very small numbers? |
o 7.10 Calling gnuplot in a pipe or with a gnuplot-script doesn't |
+ 7.4 Gnuplot is plotting nothing when run via gnuplot <filename>! What |
produce aplot! |
can I do? |
* 8. Credits |
+ 7.5 My formulas are giving me nonsense results! What's going on? |
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+ 7.6 Set output 'filename' isn't outputting everything it should! |
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+ 7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the |
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LATEX-run! |
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+ 7.8 The exit command does not work as documented! |
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+ 7.9 I can't find the demos and example files at the URLs in the |
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documentation! |
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+ 7.10 Calling gnuplot in a pipe or with a gnuplot-script doesn't produce |
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a plot! |
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* 8 Credits |
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Meta - Questions |
0 Meta - Questions |
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0.1 Where do I get this document? |
0.1 Where do I get this document? |
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This document is posted about once every two weeks to the newsgroups |
This document is posted about once every two weeks to the newsgroups ~ |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot . Its newest (plaintext) version is available via |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot. Its newest (plaintext) version is available via |
anonymous ftp from ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnuplot/faq/gnuplot-faq.txt . |
anonymous ftp from ftp.gnuplot.info in /pub/gnuplot/faq/gnuplot-faq.txt. |
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If you have access to the WWW, you can get the newest version of this |
If you have access to the WWW, you can get the newest version of this document |
document from ~http://www.ucc.ie/gnuplot/gnuplot-faq.html . |
from http://www.ucc.ie/gnuplot/gnuplot-faq.html. |
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Today's version is version Revision: 1.4, dated Date: 99/10/07 09:37:56 |
Today's version is version $Revision$, dated 2002/12/07 18:33: |
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30 $ |
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0.2 Where do I send comments about this document? |
0.2 Where do I send comments about this document? |
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Send comments, suggestions etc via email to the developer newsgroup |
Send comments, suggestions etc via email to the developer mailing list |
info-gnuplot-beta@Dartmouth.EDU and additionally to j.vonhagen@web.de . |
info-gnuplot-beta@Dartmouth.EDU. |
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1. General Information |
1 General Information |
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1.1 What is gnuplot? |
1.1 What is gnuplot? |
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gnuplot is a command-driven interactive function plotting program. It can be |
gnuplot is a command-driven interactive function plotting program. It can be |
used to plot functions and data points in both two- and three-dimensional |
used to plot functions and data points in both two- and three-dimensional plots |
plots in many different formats, and will accommodate many of the needs of |
in many different formats, and will accommodate many of the needs of today's |
today's scientists for graphic data representation. gnuplot is copyrighted, |
scientists for graphic data representation. gnuplot is copyrighted, but freely |
but freely distributable; you don't have to pay for it. |
distributable; you don't have to pay for it. |
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This document deals with gnuplot Version 3.7 which is the latest official |
This document deals with gnuplot Version 3.7 which is the latest official |
release as of October 20, 1999. References to bug-fix versions or (recent) |
release as of December 10, 2002. References to bug-fix versions or (recent) |
beta versions are explicitly marked. |
beta versions are explicitly marked. |
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1.2 How did it come about and why is it called gnuplot? |
1.2 How did it come about and why is it called gnuplot? |
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The authors of gnuplot are: Thomas Williams, Colin Kelley, Russell Lang, |
The authors of gnuplot are: Thomas Williams, Colin Kelley, Russell Lang, Dave |
Dave Kotz, John Campbell, Gershon Elber, Alexander Woo and many others. |
Kotz, John Campbell, Gershon Elber, Alexander Woo and many others. |
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The following quote comes from Thomas Williams: |
The following quote comes from Thomas Williams: |
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I was taking a differential equation class and Colin was taking |
I was taking a differential equation class and Colin was taking |
Electromagnetics, we both thought it'd be helpful to visualize the |
Electromagnetics, we both thought it'd be helpful to visualize the |
mathematics behind them. We were both working as sys admin for an |
mathematics behind them. We were both working as sys admin for an EE VLSI |
EE VLSI lab, so we had the graphics terminals and the time to do |
lab, so we had the graphics terminals and the time to do some coding. The |
some coding. The posting was better received than we expected, and |
posting was better received than we expected, and prompted us to add some, |
prompted us to add some, albeit lame, support for file data. |
albeit lame, support for file data. |
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Any reference to GNUplot is incorrect. The real name of the |
Any reference to GNUplot is incorrect. The real name of the program is |
program is "gnuplot". You see people use "gnuplot" quite a bit |
"gnuplot". You see people use "gnuplot" quite a bit because many of us have |
because many of us have an aversion to starting a sentence with a |
an aversion to starting a sentence with a lower case letter, even in the |
lower case letter, even in the case of proper nouns and titles. |
case of proper nouns and titles. gnuplot is not related to the GNU project |
gnuplot is not related to the GNU project or the FSF in any but |
or the FSF in any but the most peripheral sense. Our software was designed |
the most peripheral sense. Our software was designed completely |
completely independently and the name "gnuplot" was actually a compromise. |
independently and the name "gnuplot" was actually a compromise. I |
I wanted to call it "llamaplot" and Colin wanted to call it "nplot." We |
wanted to call it "llamaplot" and Colin wanted to call it "nplot." |
agreed that "newplot" was acceptable but, we then discovered that there was |
We agreed that "newplot" was acceptable but, we then discovered |
an absolutely ghastly pascal program of that name that the Computer Science |
that there was an absolutely ghastly pascal program of that name |
Dept. occasionally used. I decided that "gnuplot" would make a nice pun and |
that the Computer Science Dept. occasionally used. I decided that |
after a fashion Colin agreed. |
"gnuplot" would make a nice pun and after a fashion Colin agreed. |
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1.3 Does gnuplot have anything to do with the FSF and the GNU project? |
1.3 Does gnuplot have anything to do with the FSF and the GNU project? |
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Gnuplot is neither written nor maintained by the FSF. It is not covered by |
Gnuplot is neither written nor maintained by the FSF. It is not covered by the |
the General Public License, either. It used to be distributed by the FSF, |
General Public License, either. It used to be distributed by the FSF, however, |
however, due to licensing issues it is no longer. |
due to licensing issues it is no longer. |
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Gnuplot is freeware in the sense that you don't have to pay for it. However |
Gnuplot is freeware in the sense that you don't have to pay for it. However it |
it is not freeware in the sense that you would be allowed to distribute a |
is not freeware in the sense that you would be allowed to distribute a modified |
modified version of your gnuplot freely. Please read and accept the |
version of your gnuplot freely. Please read and accept the Copyright file in |
Copyright file in your distribution. |
your distribution. |
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1.4 What does gnuplot offer? |
1.4 What does gnuplot offer? |
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* Plotting of two-dimensional functions and data points in many different |
* Plotting of two-dimensional functions and data points in many different |
styles (points, lines, error bars) |
styles (points, lines, error bars) |
* computations in integer, float and complex arithmetic |
* computations in integer, float and complex arithmetic |
* plotting of three-dimensional data points and surfaces in many |
* plotting of three-dimensional data points and surfaces in many different |
different styles (contour plot, mesh). |
styles (contour plot, mesh). |
* support for complex arithmetic |
* support for complex arithmetic |
* self - defined functions |
* self - defined functions |
* support for a large number of operating systems, graphics file formats |
* support for a large number of operating systems, graphics file formats and |
and devices |
devices |
* extensive on-line help |
* extensive on-line help |
* labels for title, axes, data points |
* labels for title, axes, data points |
* command line editing and history on most platforms |
* command line editing and history on most platforms |
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1.5 Is gnuplot suitable for batch processing? |
1.5 Is gnuplot suitable for batch processing? |
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1.6 Can I run gnuplot on my computer? |
1.6 Can I run gnuplot on my computer? |
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Gnuplot is available for a number of platforms. These are: Unix (X11 and |
Gnuplot is available for a number of platforms. These are: Unix (X11 and |
NeXTSTEP), VAX/VMS, OS/2, MS-DOS, Amiga, MS-Windows, OS-9/68k, Atari ST, |
NeXTSTEP), VAX/VMS, OS/2, MS-DOS, Amiga, MS-Windows, OS-9/68k, Atari ST, BeOS, |
BeOS, and the Macintosh. |
and the Macintosh. |
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Please notify the FAQ-maintainer of any further ports you might be aware of. |
Please notify the FAQ-maintainer of any further ports you might be aware of. |
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You should be able to compile the gnuplot source more or less out of the box |
You should be able to compile the gnuplot source more or less out of the box on |
on any reasonable standard (ANSI/ISO C, POSIX) environment. |
any reasonable standard (ANSI/ISO C, POSIX) environment. |
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1.7 Legalize it! |
1.7 Legalize it! |
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Gnuplot is freeware authored by a collection of volunteers, who cannot make |
Gnuplot is freeware authored by a collection of volunteers, who cannot make any |
any legal statement about the compliance or non-compliance of gnuplot or its |
legal statement about the compliance or non-compliance of gnuplot or its uses. |
uses. There is also no warranty whatsoever. Use at your own risk. |
There is also no warranty whatsoever. Use at your own risk. |
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Citing from the README of a mathematical subroutine package by R. Freund: |
Citing from the README of a mathematical subroutine package by R. Freund: |
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For all intent and purpose, any description of what the codes are |
For all intent and purpose, any description of what the codes are doing |
doing should be construed as being a note of what we thought the |
should be construed as being a note of what we thought the codes did on our |
codes did on our machine on a particular Tuesday of last year. If |
machine on a particular Tuesday of last year. If you're really lucky, they |
you're really lucky, they might do the same for you someday. Then |
might do the same for you someday. Then again, do you really feel *that* |
again, do you really feel *that* lucky? |
lucky? |
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1.8 Is gnuplot Y2K compliant? |
1.8 Is gnuplot Y2K compliant? |
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Gnuplot's compliance depends in part on the compliance of the underlying |
Gnuplot's compliance depends in part on the compliance of the underlying |
operating system and hardware. The only use gnuplot makes of a system- |
operating system and hardware. The only use gnuplot makes of a system- supplied |
supplied date is in the "set timestamp" command, which simply echos the date |
date is in the "set timestamp" command, which simply echos the date on the |
on the plot. If the underlying OS cannot produce an accurate time string, |
plot. If the underlying OS cannot produce an accurate time string, then the |
then the "set timestamp" command may fail to print the correct date on |
"set timestamp" command may fail to print the correct date on plots. |
plots. |
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In gnuplot 3.5, if the user chooses to use %y in a timestamp format, rather |
In gnuplot 3.5, if the user chooses to use %y in a timestamp format, rather |
than %Y, it will print 2-digit rather than 4-digit years. The effects depend |
than %Y, it will print 2-digit rather than 4-digit years. The effects depend on |
on the importance you place on the timestamps printed on plots. |
the importance you place on the timestamps printed on plots. |
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Gnuplot3.7 also allows the use of time/date data as variables, but the user |
Gnuplot 3.7 also allows the use of time/date data as variables, but the user |
has complete control over the input format of the data and the output format |
has complete control over the input format of the data and the output format of |
of the tic labels - the same 2-digit "%y" (interpreted as 1900+) and 4-digit |
the tic labels - the same 2-digit "%y" (interpreted as 1900+) and 4-digit "%Y" |
"%Y" formats are both available. But again, these are user-specifiable, so |
formats are both available. But again, these are user-specifiable, so if there |
if there is a Y2K problem here, it is the responsibility of the user. |
is a Y2K problem here, it is the responsibility of the user. |
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Of course, gnuplot is built by executing a makefile, which may well be |
Of course, gnuplot is built by executing a makefile, which may well be |
date-dependent. So if the operating system has a Y2K problem, the process of |
date-dependent. So if the operating system has a Y2K problem, the process of |
Line 234 problem with gnuplot per se. |
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Line 242 problem with gnuplot per se. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE |
IMPORTANT NOTICE |
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As of gnuplot beta version 3.7.0.9, the interpretation of the "%y" two digit |
As of gnuplot beta version 3.7.0.9, the interpretation of the "%y" two digit |
year specifier was changed in accordance with the recommendations of The |
year specifier was changed in accordance with the recommendations of The Open |
Open Group and all major Unix vendors. When a century is not otherwise |
Group and all major Unix vendors. When a century is not otherwise specified, |
specified, values in the range 69-99 refer to the twentieth century and |
values in the range 69-99 refer to the twentieth century and values in the |
values in the range 00-68 refer to the twenty-first century. Be very careful |
range 00-68 refer to the twenty-first century. Be very careful when |
when interpreting 2-digit year expressions. |
interpreting 2-digit year expressions. |
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1.9 Where do I get further information? |
1.9 Where do I get further information? |
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The following sites have more information about gnuplot. |
The following sites have more information about gnuplot. |
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* ~http://www.comnets.rwth-aachen.de/doc/gnu/gnuplot37/gnuplot.html an |
* http://www.comnets.rwth-aachen.de/doc/gnu/gnuplot37/gnuplot.html an online |
online documentation in html-format |
documentation in html-format |
* ~http://www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/gnuplot/index.en.html |
* http://www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/gnuplot/index.en.html has |
has many links to many features and add-ons for gnuplot |
many links to many features and add-ons for gnuplot |
* ~http://web.math-cs.uni.edu/cs/Help/gnuplot/TOC.html contains an online |
* http://web.cs.uni.edu/Help/gnuplot/ contains an online tutorial |
tutorial |
* http://brian.me.tufts.edu/GnuplotInLaTeX/ contains infos abount gnuplot and |
* ~http://brian.me.tufts.edu/GnuplotInLaTeX/ contrains infos abount |
LATEX |
gnuplot and LATEX |
* http://ndevilla.free.fr/gnuplot/ explains the use of a gnuplot API in ANSI |
* ~http://www.eso.org/ ndevilla/gnuplot/ explains the use of a gnuplot |
C (commonly known as gnuplot_pipes |
API in ANSI C (commonly known as gnuplot_(pipes) |
* http://ricardo.ecn.wfu.edu/ cottrell/qplot/ on how to plot quarterly time |
* ~http://ricardo.ecn.wfu.edu/ cottrell/qplot/ on how to plot quarterly |
data |
time data |
* http://monsoon.harvard.edu/ mhagger/download a Python interface for gnuplot |
* ~http://monsoon.harvard.edu/ mhagger/download a Python interface for |
* ftp.thewrittenword.com in /free/by-package/ contains Solaris, IRIX, HP-UX |
gnuplot |
and Digital Unix binaries |
* ftp.thewrittenword.com in /free/by-package/ contains Solaris, IRIX, |
* http://www.sci.muni.cz/ mikulik/gnuplot.html has Petr's famous OS/2 mouse |
HP-UX and Digital Unix binaries |
support and the pm3d terminal for colour 3d surfaces. Furthermore some more |
* ~http://www.sci.muni.cz/ mikulik/gnuplot.html has Petr's famous OS/2 |
links to other sites |
mouse support and the pm3d terminal for colour 3d surfaces. Furthermore |
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some more links to other sites |
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Some documentation is available in other languages than English. Those |
Some documentation is available in other languages than English. Those include: |
include: |
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* ~http://mucha.obspm.fr/ grouss/gnuplt/gnuplot.html contient des |
* http://www.multimania.com/ gersoo/gnuplt/index.html contient des |
informations dans la langue de Molière: les 1ers pas avec gnuplot, |
informations dans la langue de Molière: les 1ers pas avec gnuplot, |
malheureusement seulement version 3.5 |
malheureusement seulement version 3.5. Vous trouverez un cours directement |
* ~http://www.al.lu/euler/gnuplot.shtml encore des informations en langue |
en ligne appelleé "1ers pas avec gnuplot". Le cours est aussi disponible en |
française avec possibilité de téléchargement des versions binaires |
Postscript. |
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* http://www.al.lu/euler/gnuplot.shtml encore des informations en langue |
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française avec possibilité de téléchargement des versions binaires |
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Here are some more sites, however these are somewhat outdated in carrying |
Here are some more sites, however these are somewhat outdated in carrying still |
still references to beta versions. If you download software from there you |
references to beta versions. If you download software from there you should be |
should be aware that beta versions are not officially endorsed. |
aware that beta versions are not officially endorsed. |
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* ~http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/gnuplot_info.html slightly outdated site |
* http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/gnuplot_info.html slightly outdated site for |
for the 3.6 beta version, but also a web-gateway to the users' |
the 3.6 beta version, but also a web-gateway to the users' newsgroup |
newsgroup |
* http://members.theglobe.com/gnuplot/ basically same as above. |
* ~http://members.theglobe.com/gnuplot/ basically same as above. |
* http://homepage.mac.com/gnuplot/ is the new site for a Macintosh port of |
* ~http://users.ece.gatech.edu/ schooley/gnuplot.html contains a |
gnuplot |
Macintosh version based on 3.6 beta 322 |
|
|
|
The following sites were said to exist, howevere they seem to be down right |
The following sites were said to exist, however they seem to be down right now. |
now. |
|
|
|
* ~http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Foothills/6647/ the copyright |
* http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Foothills/6647/ the copyright |
statement and some binaries contains ads |
statement and some binaries contains ads |
* ~http://www.delorie.com/gnu/docs/gnuplot/gplot_toc.html doesn't work |
* http://www.delorie.com/gnu/docs/gnuplot/gplot_toc.html doesn't work |
* picard.tamu.edu in /pub/gnuplot gives a tutorial |
* picard.tamu.edu in /pub/gnuplot gives a tutorial |
* ~http://feff.phys.washington.edu/ ravel/gnuplot has a new mode for the |
* http://feff.phys.washington.edu/ ravel/gnuplot has a new mode for the users |
users of (X)Emacs |
of (X)Emacs |
|
|
2. Setting it up |
2 Setting it up |
|
|
2.1 What is the current version of gnuplot? |
2.1 What is the current version of gnuplot? |
|
|
Line 304 The current version of gnuplot is 3.7, which has many |
|
Line 309 The current version of gnuplot is 3.7, which has many |
|
|
|
2.2 Where can I get gnuplot? |
2.2 Where can I get gnuplot? |
|
|
The source distribution ("gnuplot-3.7.tar.gz" or a similar name) is |
The best place is definitly http://www.gnuplot.info. From there you find |
available from the official distribution site and its mirrors. |
various pointers to other sites. |
|
|
The main server is ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnuplot/ . This server is mirrored by |
The source distribution ("gnuplot-3.7.tar.gz" or a similar name) is available |
several others, among those are |
from the official distribution site and its mirrors. |
|
|
* mirror.aarnet.edu.au in /pub/gnuplot/ |
The main server is ftp.gnuplot.info in /pub/gnuplot/. This server is mirrored |
* ftp.dartmouth.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ |
by several others, among those are |
* ftp.irisa.fr in /pub/gnuplot/ |
|
* ftp.gnuplot.vt.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ |
|
|
|
You can also have a look at the following WWW-pages which provide a source |
* mirror.aarnet.edu.au in /pub/gnuplot/ |
to obtain gnuplot: |
* ftp.dartmouth.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ |
|
* ftp.irisa.fr in /pub/gnuplot/ |
|
* ftp.gnuplot.vt.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ |
|
|
* ~http://members.theglobe.com/gnuplot/ |
You can also have a look at the following WWW-pages which provide a source to |
* ~http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Foothills/6647/ |
obtain gnuplot: |
* ~http://mirror.aarnet.edu.au/pub/gnuplot/ |
|
|
|
|
* http://members.theglobe.com/gnuplot/ |
|
* http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Foothills/6647/ |
|
* http://mirror.aarnet.edu.au/pub/gnuplot/ |
|
|
The current version for the Macintosh is 2.04b, based on gnuplot 3.5 |
The current version for the Macintosh is 2.04b, based on gnuplot 3.5 |
pre3.6beta338, and is available from |
pre3.6beta338, and is available from |
|
|
* ~http://users.ece.gatech.edu/ schooley/ . |
* http://users.ece.gatech.edu/ schooley/. |
|
|
Unfortunately, this version does not seem to be maintained anymore. |
Unfortunately, this version does not seem to be maintained anymore. |
|
|
Source and binary distributions for the Amiga are available on Aminet |
Source and binary distributions for the Amiga are available on Aminet |
ftp.wustl.edu in aminet/ and its mirrors, for example ftp.uni-kl.de, |
ftp.wustl.edu in aminet/ and its mirrors, for example ftp.uni-kl.de, |
oes.orst.edu or ftp.luth.se. |
oes.orst.edu or ftp.luth.se. |
|
|
Line 338 called gp37dos.zip, gp37dj.zip, gp37w16.zip, gp37mgw.z |
|
Line 346 called gp37dos.zip, gp37dj.zip, gp37w16.zip, gp37mgw.z |
|
|
|
OS/2 binaries are called gp37os2.zip. |
OS/2 binaries are called gp37os2.zip. |
|
|
An X11 Window System front-end is available at |
An X11 Window System front-end is available at http://www.flash.net/ dmishee/ |
~http://www.flash.net/ dmishee/xgfe/xgfe.html . |
xgfe/xgfe.html. |
|
|
The NeXTSTEP front end can be found at next-ftp.peak.org in |
The NeXTSTEP front end can be found at next-ftp.peak.org in /pub/next/binaries/ |
/pub/next/binaries/plotting/Gnuplot1.2_bin.tar.Z . |
plotting/Gnuplot1.2_bin.tar.Z. |
|
|
A version for OS-9/68K can be found at cabrales.cs.wisc.edu in |
A version for OS-9/68K can be found at cabrales.cs.wisc.edu in /pub/OSK/ |
/pub/OSK/GRAPHICS/gnuplot32x.tar.Z ; it includes both an X-Window Systems |
GRAPHICS/gnuplot32x.tar.Z; it includes both an X-Window Systems and a non - |
and a non - X-Window Systems version. |
X-Window Systems version. |
|
|
Versions for the Atari ST and TT, which include some GEM windowing support, |
Versions for the Atari ST and TT, which include some GEM windowing support, are |
are available from ftp.uni-kl.de in /pub/atari/graphics/ , as gplt35st.zip |
available from ftp.uni-kl.de in /pub/atari/graphics/, as gplt35st.zip and |
and gplt35tt.zip. They work best under MiNT. |
gplt35tt.zip. They work best under MiNT. |
|
|
Executable files, plus documentation in Japanese, exist for the X680x0 on |
Executable files, plus documentation in Japanese, exist for the X680x0 on |
ftp.csis.oita-u.ac.jp in /pub/x68k/fj.binaries.x68000/vol2 . |
ftp.csis.oita-u.ac.jp in /pub/x68k/fj.binaries.x68000/vol2. |
|
|
It is a good idea to look for a nearby ftp site when downloading things. You |
It is a good idea to look for a nearby ftp site when downloading things. You |
can use archie for this. See if an archie client is installed at your system |
can use archie for this. See if an archie client is installed at your system |
(by simply typing archie at the command prompt), or send mail to |
(by simply typing archie at the command prompt), or send mail to |
archie@sura.net with the word 'help' in both the subject line and the body |
archie@sura.net with the word 'help' in both the subject line and the body of |
of the mail. However, be aware that the version you find at a near ftp site |
the mail. However, be aware that the version you find at a near ftp site may |
may well be out of date; check the last modification date and the number of |
well be out of date; check the last modification date and the number of bytes |
bytes against the newest release at one of the official servers. |
against the newest release at one of the official servers. |
|
|
If you can't locate a working archie server, you can use other web-based |
If you can't locate a working archie server, you can use other web-based search |
search engines for searching for gnuplot. One of these would be Lycos at |
engines for searching for gnuplot. One of these would be Lycos at http:// |
~http://ftpsearch.lycos.com/ . |
ftpsearch.lycos.com/. |
|
|
As of June 1999, the gnuplot distribution is also mirrored at the |
As of June 1999, the gnuplot distribution is also mirrored at the Comprehensive |
Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN) in the graphics/gnuplot directory. |
TeX Archive Network (CTAN) in the graphics/gnuplot directory. See |
See |
|
|
|
* ~http://www.ctan.org/ . |
* http://www.ctan.org/. |
|
|
Bug fixes can also be found at gnuplot distribution sites in the patches |
Bug fixes can also be found at gnuplot distribution sites in the patches |
directory. |
directory. |
|
|
|
|
As you would any other installation. Read the files README.1ST and README. |
As you would any other installation. Read the files README.1ST and README. |
|
|
For Unix, use configure and make. For DOS, if you are using bash and DJGPP, |
For Unix, use configure and make. For DOS, if you are using bash and DJGPP, you |
you can just run djconfig.sh. For other platforms, copy the relevant |
can just run djconfig.sh. For other platforms, copy the relevant makefile from |
makefile from config/ to src, change to src and run make. |
config/ to src, change to src and run make. |
|
|
2.4 What documentation is there, and how do I get it? |
2.4 What documentation is there, and how do I get it? |
|
|
The documentation is included in the source distribution. Look at the docs |
The documentation is included in the source distribution. Look at the docs |
subdirectory, where you'll find |
subdirectory, where you'll find |
|
|
* a Unix man page, which says how to start gnuplot |
* a Unix man page, which says how to start gnuplot |
* a help file, which also can be printed as a manual |
* a help file, which also can be printed as a manual |
* a tutorial on using gnuplot with LATEX |
* a tutorial on using gnuplot with LATEX |
* a quick reference summary sheet for TEXonly |
* a quick reference summary sheet for TEXonly |
|
|
PostScript copies of the documentation can be ftp'd from ftp.dartmouth.edu |
PostScript copies of the documentation can be ftp'd from ftp.dartmouth.edu in / |
in /pub/gnuplot , as manual.ps.Z and tutorial.ps.Z |
pub/gnuplot, as manual.ps.Z and tutorial.ps.Z |
|
|
The documentation is built during the installation if you have LATEX |
The documentation is built during the installation if you have LATEX installed |
installed on your system, look in the directories docs and tutorial. |
on your system, look in the directories docs and tutorial. |
|
|
Documentation about gnuplot is available in the most common formats at the |
Documentation about gnuplot is available in the most common formats at the |
gnuplot distribution sites in the files gpdoc.zip and gpdoc2.zip. |
gnuplot distribution sites in the files gpdoc.zip and gpdoc2.zip. |
|
|
3. Working with it. |
3 Working with it. |
|
|
3.1 How do I get help? |
3.1 How do I get help? |
|
|
Read this document. |
Read this document. |
|
|
Give the 'help' command at the initial prompt. After that, keep looking |
Give the 'help' command at the initial prompt. After that, keep looking through |
through the keywords. Good starting points are 'plot' and 'set'. |
the keywords. Good starting points are 'plot' and 'set'. |
|
|
Read the manual, if you have it. |
Read the manual, if you have it. |
|
|
Look through the demo subdirectory; it should give you some ideas. |
Look through the demo subdirectory; it should give you some ideas. |
|
|
Ask your colleagues, the system administrator or the person who set up |
Ask your colleagues, the system administrator or the person who set up gnuplot. |
gnuplot. |
|
|
|
If all these fail, please upgrade to the newest version of gnuplot or urge |
If all these fail, please upgrade to the newest version of gnuplot or urge your |
your system-administrator to do so. Then post a question to |
system-administrator to do so. Then post a question to ~ |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot or send mail to the gatewayed mailing list |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot or send mail to the gatewayed mailing list |
info-gnuplot@dartmouth.edu . Do not forget to cite the version number and |
info-gnuplot@dartmouth.edu. Do not forget to cite the version number and the |
the operating system. If you want to subscribe to the mailing list, send a |
operating system. If you want to subscribe to the mailing list, send a mail to |
mail to majordomo@dartmouth.edu with the body of the message being |
majordomo@dartmouth.edu with the body of the message being 'subscribe |
'subscribe info-gnuplot'. Please don't do this if you can get |
info-gnuplot'. Please don't do this if you can get ~comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot directly. If you post a question there, it is |
directly. If you post a question there, it is considered good form to solicit |
considered good form to solicit e-mail replies and post a summary. |
e-mail replies and post a summary. |
|
|
3.2 How do I print out my graphs? |
3.2 How do I print out my graphs? |
|
|
The kind of output produced is determined by the 'set terminal' command; for |
The kind of output produced is determined by the 'set terminal' command; for |
example, 'set terminal postscript' will produce the graph in PostScript |
example, 'set terminal postscript' will produce the graph in PostScript format. |
format. Output can be redirected using the 'set output' command. |
Output can be redirected using the 'set output' command. |
|
|
As an example, the following prints out a graph of sin(x) on a Unix machine |
As an example, the following prints out a graph of sin(x) on a Unix machine |
running the X-Window System. |
running the X-Window System. |
Line 452 lp: printed file sin.ps on fg20.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de (5 |
|
Line 458 lp: printed file sin.ps on fg20.rz.uni-karlsruhe.de (5 |
|
! |
! |
gnuplot> |
gnuplot> |
|
|
In Microschrott Windows you click in the upper left corner of the graph |
In Microschrott Windows you click in the upper left corner of the graph window |
window and print directly from there. |
and print directly from there. |
|
|
3.3 How do I include my graphs in <word processor>? |
3.3 How do I include my graphs in <word processor>? |
|
|
Basically, you save your plot to a file in a format your word processor can |
Basically, you save your plot to a file in a format your word processor can |
understand (using "set term" and "set output", see above), and then you read |
understand (using "set term" and "set output", see above), and then you read in |
in the plot from your word processor. Vector formats should be prefered, as |
the plot from your word processor. Vector formats should be preferred, as you |
you can scale your graph later to the right size. |
can scale your graph later to the right size. |
|
|
Details depend on the kind of word processor you use; use "set term" to get |
Details depend on the kind of word processor you use; use "set term" to get a |
a list of available file formats. |
list of available file formats. |
|
|
Many word processors can use Encapsulated PostScript for graphs. This can be |
Many word processors can use Encapsulated PostScript for graphs. This can be |
generated by the "set terminal postscript eps" command. Most MS-DOS word |
generated by the "set terminal postscript eps" command. Most MS-DOS word |
processors understand HPGL (terminal type hpgl). |
processors understand HPGL (terminal type hpgl). |
|
|
With TeX, it depends on what you use to print your dvi files. If you use |
With TeX, it depends on what you use to print your dvi files. If you use dvips |
dvips or dvi2ps, you can use Encapsulated PostScript. For emTeX (popular for |
or dvi2ps, you can use Encapsulated PostScript. For emTeX (popular for MS-DOSns |
MS-DOSns OS/2), you can use emTeX, otherwise use the LATEXterminal type, |
OS/2), you can use emTeX, otherwise use the LATEX terminal type, which |
which generates a picture environment. |
generates a picture environment. |
|
|
If nothing else helps, try using the pgm or ppm format and converting it to |
If nothing else helps, try using the pgm or ppm format and converting it to a |
a bitmap format your favourite word processor can understand. An invaluable |
bitmap format your favourite word processor can understand. An invaluable tool |
tool for this is Jef Poskanzer's PBMPLUS package. |
for this is Jef Poskanzer's PBMPLUS package. |
|
|
The PBMPLUS package is available in the contrib distribution for the |
The PBMPLUS package is available in the contrib distribution for the X-Window |
X-Window System. The original site for this is ftp.x.org in /contrib/ . |
System. The original site for this is ftp.x.org in /contrib/. There are many |
There are many mirrors, e.g. ftp.tu-darmstadt.de in /pub/X11/contrib/ or . |
mirrors, e.g. ftp.tu-darmstadt.de in /pub/X11/contrib/ or . sunsite.unc.edu in |
sunsite.unc.edu in /pub/X11/contrib/ . |
/pub/X11/contrib/. |
|
|
The most recent release of pbm by the author is dated December 91 and is |
The most recent release of pbm by the author is dated December 91 and is called |
called pbmplus10dec91.tar.Z. |
pbmplus10dec91.tar.Z. |
|
|
There is new version including lots of patches from the net that is not |
There is new version including lots of patches from the net that is not |
maintained by the author called netpbm, with the newest version called |
maintained by the author called netpbm, with the newest version called |
netpbm-1mar1994.tar.gz. |
netpbm-1mar1994.tar.gz. |
|
|
Check archie (see Q2.2) for an archive site near you. |
Check archie (see Q[*] ) for an archive site near you. |
|
|
For Microso$t Windows and MacOS you can use the clip board to copy your |
For Microso$t Windows and MacOS you can use the clip board to copy your graph |
graph and paste it into your favourite Windows or MacOS word processor. |
and paste it into your favourite Windows or MacOS word processor. |
|
|
3.4 How do I post-process a gnuplot graph? |
3.4 How do I post-process a gnuplot graph? |
|
|
This depends on the terminal type you use. |
This depends on the terminal type you use. |
|
|
You can use the terminal type fig (you may need to recompile gnuplot to |
You can use the terminal type fig (you may need to recompile gnuplot to enable |
enable this terminal type, by putting #define FIG into <term.h>), and use |
this terminal type, by putting #define FIG into <term.h>), and use the xfig |
the xfig drawing program to edit the plot afterwards. You can obtain the |
drawing program to edit the plot afterwards. You can obtain the xfig program |
xfig program from its web site ~http://www.xfig.org/ . More information |
from its web site http://www.xfig.org/. More information about the text-format |
about the text-format used for fig can be found in the fig-package. |
used for fig can be found in the fig-package. |
|
|
You may use the tgif terminal, which creates output suitable for reading |
You may use the tgif terminal, which creates output suitable for reading within |
within tgif (~http://bourbon.cs.umd.edu:8001/tgif/ ), an interactive 2-D |
tgif (http://bourbon.cs.umd.edu:8001/tgif/), an interactive 2-D drawing tool |
drawing tool under X11. |
under X11. |
|
|
Both tgif and xfig can also be obtained from the X Window contrib |
Both tgif and xfig can also be obtained from the X Window contrib distribution |
distribution (see Q3.3). |
(see Q3.3). |
|
|
Pstoedit can convert Postscript into a wide variety of formats. Pstoedit is |
Pstoedit can convert Postscript into a wide variety of formats. Pstoedit is |
available a ~http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Nework/1958/pstoedit/ . |
available a http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Nework/1958/pstoedit/. |
|
|
Gimp may be able to post-process pixel graphics generated with gnuplot. |
Gimp may be able to post-process pixel graphics generated with gnuplot. |
|
|
Line 525 graphic formats, and pixel based programs for pixel gr |
|
Line 531 graphic formats, and pixel based programs for pixel gr |
|
Again, this depends on the terminal type. For PostScript, you can edit the |
Again, this depends on the terminal type. For PostScript, you can edit the |
generated PostScript file. An overview of what means what in the PostScript |
generated PostScript file. An overview of what means what in the PostScript |
files gnuplot generates can be found at picard.tamu.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ as |
files gnuplot generates can be found at picard.tamu.edu in /pub/gnuplot/ as |
gs-ps.doc. A general introduction to PostScript can be found at |
gs-ps.doc. A general introduction to PostScript can be found at |
unix.hensa.ac.uk in /pub/misc/ukc.reports/comp.sci/reports/ as 11-92.ps.Z. |
unix.hensa.ac.uk in /pub/misc/ukc.reports/comp.sci/reports/ as 11-92.ps.Z. |
|
|
3.6 How do I generate plots in the GIF format? |
3.6 How do I generate plots in the GIF format? |
|
|
If gnuplot was compiled with the external GD library, there is a gif |
If gnuplot was compiled with the external GD library, there is a gif terminal. |
terminal. |
|
|
|
As of version 1.6, gd library dropped support for gif in favour of the |
As of version 1.6, gd library dropped support for gif in favour of the superior |
superior png format. For those who absolutely need gif support in gnuplot, |
png format. For those who absolutely need gif support in gnuplot, we are |
we are providing older versions of gd library at the gnuplot distribution |
providing older versions of gd library at the gnuplot distribution sites which |
sites which are free of Unisys patented code. Please read also the file |
are free of Unisys patented code. Please read also the file README a the |
README a the ftp-sites. |
ftp-sites. |
|
|
3.7 Can I animate my graphs? |
3.7 Can I animate my graphs? |
|
|
First have a look at animate.dem in the demo directory of gnuplot. |
First have a look at animate.dem in the demo directory of gnuplot. Basically, |
Basically, animated graphs are a sequence of plots in a suitable format. |
animated graphs are a sequence of plots in a suitable format. |
|
|
Then have a look at the tool whirlgif 3.04, available at |
Then have a look at the tool whirlgif 3.04, available at http://www.danbbs.dk/ |
~http://www.danbbs.dk/ dineo/whirlgif . It reads run-length encoded gifs and |
dino/whirlgif. It reads run-length encoded gifs and packs them into a minimal |
packs them into a minimal animation. On the web-pages you will find a manual |
animation. On the web-pages you will find a manual and an example. |
and an example. |
|
|
|
You can also write a small script to get gnuplot to output a family of GIF |
You can also write a small script to get gnuplot to output a family of GIF |
files, then have it execute some animator such as gifsicle: |
files, then have it execute some animator such as gifsicle: http://http:// |
~http://http://www.lcdf.org/ eddietwo/gifsicle or gifmerge |
www.lcdf.org/ eddietwo/gifsicle or gifmerge http://http://the-labs.com/GIFMerge |
~http://http://the-labs.com/GIFMerge |
|
|
|
mpeg_encode will encode a sequence of images into the mpeg-format. |
mpeg_encode will encode a sequence of images into the mpeg-format. |
|
|
3.8 How do I plot implicit defined graphs? |
3.8 How do I plot implicit defined graphs? |
|
|
Implicit graphs or curves cannot be plotted directly in gnuplot. However |
Implicit graphs or curves cannot be plotted directly in gnuplot. However there |
there is a workaround. |
is a workaround. |
|
|
gnuplot> # as example. Place your definition in the following line |
gnuplot> # as example. Place your definition in the following line |
gnuplot> f(x,y) = y - x**2 / tan(y) |
gnuplot> f(x,y) = y - x**2 / tan(y) |
gnuplot> set contour base |
gnuplot> set contour base |
Line 572 gnuplot> splot f(x,y) |
|
Line 574 gnuplot> splot f(x,y) |
|
gnuplot> set out |
gnuplot> set out |
gnuplot> set term {your usual terminal for interactive work} |
gnuplot> set term {your usual terminal for interactive work} |
gnuplot> plot 'curve.dat' w l |
gnuplot> plot 'curve.dat' w l |
|
The trick is to draw the single contour line z=0 of the surface z=f(x,y), and |
|
store the resulting contour curve to a gnuplot datafile. |
|
|
The trick is to draw the single contour line z=0 of the surface z=f(x,y), |
4 Wanted features |
and store the resulting contour curve to a gnuplot datafile. |
|
|
|
4. Wanted features |
|
|
|
4.1 What's new in gnuplot 3.7? |
4.1 What's new in gnuplot 3.7? |
|
|
Too many things to be named here. Please refer to the NEWS file in the |
Too many things to be named here. Please refer to the NEWS file in the source |
source distribution. |
distribution. |
|
|
4.2 Does gnuplot have hidden line removal? |
4.2 Does gnuplot have hidden line removal? |
|
|
Version 3.7 supports hidden line removal on all platforms; use the command |
Version 3.7 supports hidden line removal on all platforms; use the command set |
set hidden3d. |
hidden3d. |
|
|
The 16-bit binaries of gnuplot support the hidden line removal only |
The 16-bit binaries of gnuplot support the hidden line removal only partially |
partially as the hidden-line algorithm may hit the 640k memory limit. |
as the hidden-line algorithm may hit the 640k memory limit. |
|
|
4.3 Does gnuplot support bar-charts/histograms/boxes? |
4.3 Does gnuplot support bar-charts/histograms/boxes? |
|
|
Use the style "with boxes" for bar charts. To get filled boxes, you can try |
Use the style "with boxes" for bar charts. To get filled boxes, you can try a |
a modification by Steve Cumming and jturk, available via ftp from the |
modification by Steve Cumming and jturk, available via ftp from the contrib |
contrib directory ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnuplot/contrib/gpl37fboxpatch.tar.gz . |
directory ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnuplot/contrib/gpl37fboxpatch.tar.gz. |
|
|
Bernhard Reiter wrote an AWK script to post-process the fig-terminal output. |
Bernhard Reiter wrote an AWK script to post-process the fig-terminal output. |
Please have a look at |
Please have a look at http://www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/gnuplot/ |
~http://www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/gnuplot/barcharts.en.html . |
barcharts.en.html. |
|
|
4.4 Does gnuplot support pie charts? |
4.4 Does gnuplot support pie charts? |
|
|
It's not possible in gnuplot, but have a look at |
It's not possible in gnuplot, but have a look at http:// |
~http://www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/piechart/piecharts.en.html |
www.usf.uni-osnabrueck.de/ breiter/tools/piechart/piecharts.en.html |
|
|
4.5 Does gnuplot quarterly time charts? |
4.5 Does gnuplot quarterly time charts? |
|
|
It's not possible in gnuplot, but have a look at |
It's not possible in gnuplot, but have a look at http://ricardo.ecn.wfu.edu/ |
~http://ricardo.ecn.wfu.edu/ cottrell/qplot . The corresponding file |
cottrell/qplot. The corresponding file qplot.zip can be obtained from the |
qplot.zip can be obtained from the contrib directory on any gnuplot server. |
contrib directory on any gnuplot server. |
|
|
4.6 Does gnuplot support multiple y-axes on a single plot? |
4.6 Does gnuplot support multiple y-axes on a single plot? |
|
|
Line 620 Yes. You can have 2 x- and 2 y-axes per plot. See "plo |
|
Line 621 Yes. You can have 2 x- and 2 y-axes per plot. See "plo |
|
|
|
Yes. "set multiplot" |
Yes. "set multiplot" |
|
|
If you use the postscript terminal and plot one graph per page you can use |
If you use the postscript terminal and plot one graph per page you can use the |
the program mpage (~http://www.mesa.nl/pub/mpage ) to print multiple logical |
program mpage (http://www.mesa.nl/pub/mpage) to print multiple logical pages |
pages per physical page. A similar program is the psnup program in the |
per physical page. A similar program is the psnup program in the psutils |
psutils package. This package is available at any CTAN mirror. |
package. This package is available at any CTAN mirror. |
|
|
4.8 Can I put both data files and commands into a single file? |
4.8 Can I put both data files and commands into a single file? |
|
|
This feature is in gnuplot 3.7 when using the set multiplot command. |
This is possible by the new plot "-" possibility. The plot "-" command allows |
|
to read the data to be plot from standard input or the current batch job. |
|
|
|
gnuplot> plot "-" |
|
1 1 |
|
2 4 |
|
3 9 |
|
<CTRL-D> |
|
|
4.9 Can I put Greek letters and super/subscripts into my labels? |
4.9 Can I put Greek letters and super/subscripts into my labels? |
|
|
You might try using the LATEXterminal type and putting text like |
You might try using the LATEX terminal type and putting text like "\\alpha_{3}" |
"\alpha_{3}" into it. |
or '\alpha_{3}' into it. |
|
|
The enhanced option in the postscript terminal is also able to use sub- and |
The enhanced option in the postscript terminal is also able to use sub- and |
superscripts. |
superscripts. It also allows to use Greek letters and symbols via symbol fonts. |
|
|
If you include your gnuplot-graphs into a LATEX document you can use the |
If you include your gnuplot-graphs into a LATEX document you can use the |
LATEX-package psfrag to typeset any characters into your graphs. |
LATEX-package psfrag to typeset any characters into your graphs. |
|
|
|
One more possibility is to use the MetaPost terminal. It supports TEX syntax |
|
and is converted onto encapsulated PostScript by mpost. |
|
|
4.10 Can I do 1:1 scaling of axes? |
4.10 Can I do 1:1 scaling of axes? |
|
|
Use "set size square". |
Use "set size square". |
Line 654 To see a list of the available graphic drivers for you |
|
Line 665 To see a list of the available graphic drivers for you |
|
gnuplot, type "set term". |
gnuplot, type "set term". |
|
|
Some graphics drivers are included in the normal distribution, but are |
Some graphics drivers are included in the normal distribution, but are |
uncommented by default. If you want to use them, you'll have to change |
uncommented by default. If you want to use them, you'll have to change gnuplot/ |
gnuplot/term.h, and recompile. |
term.h, and recompile. |
|
|
4.13 Can I put different text sizes into my plots? |
4.13 Can I put different text sizes into my plots? |
|
|
Line 666 help for the different terminals. |
|
Line 677 help for the different terminals. |
|
|
|
For this, you will need to recompile gnuplot. |
For this, you will need to recompile gnuplot. |
|
|
Modifications people make are either done by replacing files, such as |
Modifications people make are either done by replacing files, such as terminal |
terminal drivers, or by 'patching'. If a file is a replacement, it will |
drivers, or by 'patching'. If a file is a replacement, it will probably tell |
probably tell you in its README or in the lines at the beginning. |
you in its README or in the lines at the beginning. |
|
|
To patch a file, you need Larry Wall's patch utility. On many UNIX systems, |
To patch a file, you need Larry Wall's patch utility. On many UNIX systems, it |
it is already installed; do a man patch to check. If it isn't, you'll have |
is already installed; do a man patch to check. If it isn't, you'll have to get |
to get it; it can be found wherever GNU software is archived. |
it; it can be found wherever GNU software is archived. |
|
|
4.15 How do I skip data points? |
4.15 How do I skip data points? |
|
|
By specifying ? as a data value, as in |
By specifying ? as a data value, as in |
|
|
1 2 |
1 2 |
2 3 |
2 3 |
3 ? |
3 ? |
Line 691 This can be specified with the various options for the |
|
Line 701 This can be specified with the various options for the |
|
|
|
Depending on context, the main methods are: |
Depending on context, the main methods are: |
|
|
* set arrow .... .... nohead where you have to compute explicitly the |
* set arrow .... .... nohead where you have to compute explicitly the start |
start and the end of the arrow. |
and the end of the arrow. |
* generate (inlined) datapoints and plot them |
* generate (inlined) datapoints and plot them |
* switch to parametric mode |
* switch to parametric mode |
|
|
5. Miscellaneous |
4.18 How do I plot data files |
|
|
|
4.19 How do I include accentuated characters in Postscript output? |
|
|
|
To obtain accentuated characters like ü or n into postscript plots you should |
|
use the postscript character codes together with the appropriate encoding |
|
option. See the following example: |
|
|
|
gnuplot> set encoding iso_8859_1 |
|
gnuplot> set title "M\374nchner Bierverbrauch \374ber die Jahre" |
|
gnuplot> plot "bier.dat" u 1:2 |
|
|
|
5 Miscellaneous |
|
|
5.1 I've found a bug, what do I do? |
5.1 I've found a bug, what do I do? |
|
|
First, try to see whether it actually is a bug, or whether it is a feature |
First, try to see whether it actually is a bug, or whether it is a feature |
Line 707 Next, see whether you have an old version of gnuplot; |
|
Line 729 Next, see whether you have an old version of gnuplot; |
|
the bug has been fixed in a newer release. |
the bug has been fixed in a newer release. |
|
|
Fixes for bugs reported since the release of the current version are held in |
Fixes for bugs reported since the release of the current version are held in |
the patches directory at gnuplotdistribution sites. Before submitting a bug |
the patches directory at gnuplot distribution sites. Before submitting a bug |
report, please check whether the bug in question has already been fixed. |
report, please check whether the bug in question has already been fixed. |
|
|
If, after checking these things, you still are convinced that there is a |
If, after checking these things, you still are convinced that there is a bug, |
bug, proceed as follows. If you have a fairly general sort of bug report, |
proceed as follows. If you have a fairly general sort of bug report, posting |
posting to comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot is probably the way to go. If you have |
to ~comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot is probably the way to go. If you have |
investigated a problem in detail, especially if you have a context or |
investigated a problem in detail, especially if you have a context or unified |
unified diff that fixes the problem, please e-email a report to |
diff that fixes the problem, please e-email a report to |
bug-gnuplot@dartmouth.edu . |
bug-gnuplot@dartmouth.edu. |
|
|
The bug-gnuplot list is for reporting and collecting bug fixes, the |
The bug-gnuplot list is for reporting and collecting bug fixes, the ~ |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot newsgroup will be more help for finding work |
comp.graphics.apps.gnuplot newsgroup will be more help for finding work arounds |
arounds or actually solving gnuplotrelated problems. If you do send in a bug |
or actually solving gnuplot related problems. If you do send in a bug report, |
report, be sure and include the version of gnuplot (including patchlevel) as |
be sure and include the version of gnuplot (including patchlevel) as shown by |
shown by the command "show version long", terminal driver, operating system, |
the command "show version long", terminal driver, operating system, an exact |
an exact description of the bug and input which can reproduce the bug. |
description of the bug and input which can reproduce the bug. Failure to |
Failure to indicate these details can render a solution to your problem |
indicate these details can render a solution to your problem almost impossible. |
almost impossible. Also, any context diffs should be referenced against the |
Also, any context diffs should be referenced against the latest official |
latest official version of gnuplotif at all possible. |
version of gnuplot if at all possible. |
|
|
5.2 Can I use gnuplotroutines for my own programs? |
5.2 Can I use gnuplot routines for my own programs? |
|
|
Yes. John Campbell jdc@nauvax.ucc.nau.edu has written gplotlib, a version of |
Yes. John Campbell jdc@nauvax.ucc.nau.edu has written gplotlib, a version of |
gnuplotas C subroutines callable from a C program. This is available as |
gnuplot as C subroutines callable from a C program. This is available as |
gplotlib.tar.Z at ftp.nau.edu in /pub/gplotlib.tar.Z . This library has been |
gplotlib.tar.gz at ftp.nau.edu in /pub/gplotlib.tar.gz. This library has been |
updated to be compatible with version 3.5. |
updated to be compatible with version 3.5. |
|
|
On systems supporting the pipes, you can pipe commands to gnuplotfrom other |
On systems supporting the pipes, you can pipe commands to gnuplot from other |
programs. |
programs. |
|
|
5.3 What extensions have people made to gnuplot? Where can I get them? |
5.3 What extensions have people made to gnuplot? Where can I get them? |
Line 743 Extensions are available from ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnupl |
|
Line 765 Extensions are available from ftp.ucc.ie in /pub/gnupl |
|
|
|
Some extensions available: |
Some extensions available: |
|
|
* barchart_via_fig: awk scripts to produce barcharts with filled boxes. |
* barchart_via_fig: awk scripts to produce barcharts with filled boxes. |
* date-errorbar: allows dates in the hi/lo fields for errorbars. |
* date-errorbar: allows dates in the hi/lo fields for errorbars. |
* gp37os2-mouse: OS/2 binaries with mouse support (feature included in |
* gp37os2-mouse: OS/2 binaries with mouse support (feature included in |
current beta versions). |
current beta versions). |
* perltk: A perl/tk canvas widget. |
* perltk: A perl/tk canvas widget. |
* polyg.patch: Implements a polygon plotting style. |
* polyg.patch: Implements a polygon plotting style. |
* xgfe: graphical front end using the Qt widgets available at |
* xgfe: graphical front end using the Qt widgets available at http:// |
~http://lnc.usc.edu/docs/xgfe/xgfe.html . |
lnc.usc.edu/docs/xgfe/xgfe.html. |
|
* Gnuplot.py: A python package to create graphs from within python. More |
|
information at http://monsoon.harvard.edu/ mhagger/Gnuplot/Gnuplot.html. |
|
|
5.4 Can I do heavy-duty data processing with gnuplot? |
5.4 I need an integration, fft, iir-filter,....! |
|
|
gnuplotalone is not suited very well for this. One thing you might try is |
Gnuplot has been and is a plotting program, no data processing or mathematical |
|
program suite. Therefore gnuplot can't do that. Look into the demo |
|
"bivariat.dem" for a basic implementation of an integration. |
|
|
|
For more sophisticated data-processing read the next section. |
|
|
|
5.5 Can I do heavy-duty data processing with gnuplot? or What is beyond |
|
gnuplot? |
|
|
|
gnuplot alone is not suited very well for this. One thing you might try is |
fudgit, an interactive multi-purpose fitting program written by Martin-D. |
fudgit, an interactive multi-purpose fitting program written by Martin-D. |
Lacasse (isaac@frodo.physics.mcgill.ca). It can use gnuplotas its graphics |
Lacasse (isaac@frodo.physics.mcgill.ca). It can use gnuplot as its graphics |
back end and is available from ftp.physics.mcgill.ca in |
back end and is available from ftp.physics.mcgill.ca in /pub/Fudgit/ |
/pub/Fudgit/fudgit_2.33.tar.Z and from the main Linux server, tsx-11.mit.edu |
fudgit_2.33.tar.Z and from the main Linux server, tsx-11.mit.edu and its |
and its numerous mirrors around the world as |
numerous mirrors around the world as /pub/linux/sources/usr.bin/ |
/pub/linux/sources/usr.bin/fudgit-2.33.tar.z. Versions are available for |
fudgit-2.33.tar.z. Versions are available for AIX, Data General, HP-UX, IRIX 4, |
AIX, Data General, HP-UX, IRIX 4, Linux, NeXT, Sun3, Sun4, Ultrix, OS/2 and |
Linux, NeXT, Sun3, Sun4, Ultrix, OS/2 and MS-DOS. The MS-DOS version is |
MS-DOS. The MS-DOS version is available on simtel20 mirrors (simtel20 itself |
available on simtel20 mirrors (simtel20 itself has closed down) in the "math" |
has closed down) in the "math" subdirectory as fudg_231.zip. |
subdirectory as fudg_231.zip. |
|
|
Carsten Grammes has written a fitting program which has been merged into |
Carsten Grammes has written a fitting program which has been merged into |
gnuplot3.7. |
gnuplot 3.7. |
|
|
Michael Courtney has written a program called lsqrft, which uses the |
Michael Courtney has written a program called lsqrft, which uses the |
Levenberg-Marquardt - Algorithm for fitting data to a function. It is |
Levenberg-Marquardt - Algorithm for fitting data to a function. It is available |
available from hobbes.nmsu.edu in /pub/os2/apps/analysis/lsqrft15.zip ; |
from hobbes.nmsu.edu in /pub/os2/apps/analysis/lsqrft15.zip; sources, which |
sources, which should compile on Unix, and executables for MS-DOS and OS/2 |
should compile on Unix, and executables for MS-DOS and OS/2 are available. |
are available. There is an interface to the OS/2 presentation manager. |
There is an interface to the OS/2 presentation manager. |
|
|
You might also want to look at the applications developed by the Software |
You might also want to look at the applications developed by the Software Tools |
Tools Group (STG) at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. |
Group (STG) at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. Ftp to |
Ftp to ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu and get the file README.BROCHURE for more |
ftp.ncsa.uiuc.edu and get the file README.BROCHURE for more information. |
information. |
|
|
|
You can also try pgperl, an integration of the PGPLOT plotting package with |
You can also try pgperl, an integration of the PGPLOT plotting package with |
Perl 5. Information can be found at |
Perl 5. Information can be found at http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/AAO/local/www/kgb/ |
~http://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/AAO/local/www/kgb/pgperl , the source is available |
pgperl, the source is available from ftp.ast.cam.ac.uk in /pub/kgb/pgperl/ or |
from ftp.ast.cam.ac.uk in /pub/kgb/pgperl/ or linux.nrao.edu in |
linux.nrao.edu in /pub/packages/pgperl/. |
/pub/packages/pgperl/ . |
|
|
|
Another possibility is Octave. To quote from its README: Octave is a |
Another possibility is Octave. To quote from its README: Octave is a high-level |
high-level language, primarily intended for numerical computations. It |
language, primarily intended for numerical computations. It provides a |
provides a convenient command line interface for solving linear and |
convenient command line interface for solving linear and nonlinear problems |
nonlinear problems numerically. The latest released version of Octave is |
numerically. The latest released version of Octave is always available from |
always available from ~http://www.che.wisc.edu/octave/ and via anonymous ftp |
http://www.che.wisc.edu/octave/ and via anonymous ftp from bevo.che.wisc.edu in |
from bevo.che.wisc.edu in /pub/octave . |
/pub/octave. Octave is licensed under GPL (see http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/ |
|
gpl.html). By the way, octave uses gnuplot as its plotting engine, so you get a |
|
data-processing program on top of gnuplot. |
|
|
5.5 I have ported gnuplotto another system, or patched it. What do I do? |
Finally, there is scilab at http://www-rocq.inria.fr/scilab/ doing about the |
|
same as matlab. It is free but copyrighted software. |
|
|
If your patch is small, mail it to info-gnuplot-beta@dartmouth.edu , with a |
5.6 I have ported gnuplot to another system, or patched it. What do I do? |
|
|
|
If your patch is small, mail it to info-gnuplot-beta@dartmouth.edu, with a |
thorough description of what the patch is supposed to do, which version of |
thorough description of what the patch is supposed to do, which version of |
gnuplotit is relative to, etc. Also, you can send notification of the patch |
gnuplot it is relative to, etc. Also, you can send notification of the patch to |
to the FAQ maintainer, if you want a mention. Please don't send the patch |
the FAQ maintainer, if you want a mention. Please don't send the patch itself |
itself to me. |
to me. |
|
|
If your modifications are extensive (such as a port to another system), |
If your modifications are extensive (such as a port to another system), place |
place them on a web/ftp site for download. There is currently no possibility |
them on a web/ftp site for download. There is currently no possibility to |
to upload patches. Send a note to info-gnuplot-beta@dartmouth.edu on where |
upload patches. Send a note to info-gnuplot-beta@dartmouth.edu on where to find |
to find the patch, what it is supposed to do, which version of gnuplotit is |
the patch, what it is supposed to do, which version of gnuplot it is to be |
to be applied against. For the time being (summer 1999) you can also send |
applied against. For the time being (summer 1999) you can also send the patch |
the patch to gnuplot@ftp.ucc.ie . |
to gnuplot@ftp.ucc.ie. |
|
|
5.6 I want to help in developing the next version of gnuplot. What can I do? |
5.7 I want to help in developing the next version of gnuplot. What can I do? |
|
|
Join the gnuplotbeta test mailing list by sending a mail containing the line |
Join the gnuplot beta test mailing list by sending a mail containing the line |
subscribe info-gnuplot-beta in the body (not the subject) of the mail to |
subscribe info-gnuplot-beta in the body (not the subject) of the mail to |
Majordomo@Dartmouth.EDU . |
Majordomo@Dartmouth.EDU. |
|
|
6. Making life easier |
Also check with http://sourceforge.net/projects/gnuplot about latest source for |
|
beta releases for development. |
|
|
|
5.8 Open questions for inclusion into the FAQ? |
|
|
|
info-gnuplot-beta@Dartmouth.EDU. |
|
|
|
Please submit your questions (along with the answer) to |
|
info-gnuplot-beta@Dartmouth.EDU. |
|
|
|
6 Making life easier |
|
|
6.1 How do I plot two functions in non-overlapping regions? |
6.1 How do I plot two functions in non-overlapping regions? |
|
|
Use a parametric plot. An example: |
Use a parametric plot. An example: |
|
|
gnuplot> set parametric |
gnuplot> set parametric |
gnuplot> a=1 |
gnuplot> a=1 |
gnuplot> b=3 |
gnuplot> b=3 |
Line 831 gnuplot> f2(x) = x**2/8 |
|
Line 876 gnuplot> f2(x) = x**2/8 |
|
gnuplot> plot [t=0:1] x1(t),f1(x1(t)) title "f1", x2(t), f2(x2(t)) title "f2" |
gnuplot> plot [t=0:1] x1(t),f1(x1(t)) title "f1", x2(t), f2(x2(t)) title "f2" |
|
|
You can also use gnuplot's ability to ignore mathematically undefined |
You can also use gnuplot's ability to ignore mathematically undefined |
expressions: the expression 1/0 is silently ignored, thus a construction |
expressions: the expression 1/0 is silently ignored, thus a construction like |
like |
|
|
|
gnuplot> set xran [-10:10] |
gnuplot> set xran [-10:10] |
gnuplot> plot (abs(x)>0.5?1/0: x**2) |
gnuplot> plot (abs(x)>0.5?1/0: x**2) |
|
|
plots a quadratic function only for |x| < 0.5. |
plots a quadratic function only for |x| < 0.5. |
|
|
6.2 How do I run my data through a filter before plotting? |
6.2 How do I run my data through a filter before plotting? |
|
|
If your system supports the popen() function, as Unix does, you should be |
If your system supports the popen() function, as Unix does, you should be able |
able to run the output through another process, for example a short awk |
to run the output through another process, for example a short awk program, |
program, such as |
such as |
|
|
gnuplot> plot "< awk ' { print $1, $3/$2 } ' file.in" |
gnuplot> plot "< awk ' { print $1, $3/$2 } ' file.in" |
|
|
Line 853 datafiles. See "help plot". |
|
Line 895 datafiles. See "help plot". |
|
6.3 How do I make it easier to use gnuplot with LATEX? |
6.3 How do I make it easier to use gnuplot with LATEX? |
|
|
There is a set of LATEX macros and shell scripts that are meant to make your |
There is a set of LATEX macros and shell scripts that are meant to make your |
life easier when using gnuplot with LaTeX. This package can be found on |
life easier when using gnuplot with LATEX. This package can be found on |
ftp.dartmouth.edu in pub/gnuplot/latex.shar , by David Kotz. For example, |
ftp.dartmouth.edu in pub/gnuplot/latex.shar, by David Kotz. For example, the |
the program "plotskel" can turn a gnuplot-output file plot.tex into a |
program "plotskel" can turn a gnuplot-output file plot.tex into a skeleton file |
skeleton file skel.tex, that has the same size as the original plot but |
skel.tex, that has the same size as the original plot but contains no graph. |
contains no graph. With the right macros, the skeleton can be used for |
With the right macros, the skeleton can be used for preliminary LATEX passes, |
preliminary LATEX passes, reserving the full graph for later passes, saving |
reserving the full graph for later passes, saving tremendous amounts of time. |
tremendous amounts of time. |
|
|
|
6.4 How do I save and restore my settings? |
6.4 How do I save and restore my settings? |
|
|
|
|
6.5 How do I plot lines (not grids) using splot? |
6.5 How do I plot lines (not grids) using splot? |
|
|
If the data in a data file for splot is arranged in such a way that each one |
If the data in a data file for splot is arranged in such a way that each one |
has the same number of data points (using blank lines as delimiters, as |
has the same number of data points (using blank lines as delimiters, as usual), |
usual), splot will plot the data with a grid. If you want to plot just |
splot will plot the data with a grid. If you want to plot just lines, use a |
lines, use a different number of data entries (you can do this by doubling |
different number of data entries (you can do this by doubling the last data |
the last data point, for example). Don't forget to set parametric mode, of |
point, for example). Don't forget to set parametric mode, of course. |
course. |
|
|
|
6.6 How do I plot a function f(x,y) which is bounded by other functions in |
6.6 How do I plot a function f(x,y) which is bounded by other functions in the |
the x-y plain? |
x-y plain? |
|
|
An example: |
An example: |
|
|
gnuplot> f(x,y) = x**2 + y **2 |
gnuplot> f(x,y) = x**2 + y **2 |
gnuplot> x(u) = 3*u |
gnuplot> x(u) = 3*u |
gnuplot> yu(x) = x**2 |
gnuplot> yu(x) = x**2 |
Line 889 gnuplot> set cont |
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Line 928 gnuplot> set cont |
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gnuplot> splot [0:1] [0:1] u,yl(x(u))+(yu(x(u)) - yl(x(u)))*v,\ |
gnuplot> splot [0:1] [0:1] u,yl(x(u))+(yu(x(u)) - yl(x(u)))*v,\ |
> f(x(u), (yu(x(u)) - yl(x(u)))*v) |
> f(x(u), (yu(x(u)) - yl(x(u)))*v) |
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6.7 How do I get rid of <feature in a plot>? |
6.7 How do I get rid of <feature> in a plot? |
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Usually, there is a set command to do this; do a gnuplot> ?set no for a |
Usually, there is a set command to do this; do a gnuplot> ?set no for a short |
short overview. |
overview. |
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6.8 How do I call gnuplot from my own programs? |
6.8 How do I call gnuplot from my own programs? |
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There's a code which works for a UNIX system, using (efficient) named pipes. |
There's a code which works for a UNIX system, using (efficient) named pipes. On |
On M$ Windows platforms, due to the lacking standard input of GUI programs, |
M$ Windows platforms, due to the lacking standard input of GUI programs, you |
you need to use the C-code pgnuplot written by Hans-Bernhard Broeker |
need to use the C-code pgnuplot written by Hans-Bernhard Broeker |
broeker@physik.rwth-aachen.de . You can obtain this file on a ftp-server |
broeker@physik.rwth-aachen.de. You can obtain this file on a ftp-server |
carrying the source for gnuplot. |
carrying the source for gnuplot. |
|
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6.9 What if I need h-bar (Planck's constant)? |
6.9 What if I need h-bar (Planck's constant)? |
|
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There is no predefined variable like pi. However to put h-bar as a character |
There is no predefined variable like pi. However to put h-bar as a character |
into the label, you must use the PostScript terminal. You can play around |
into the label, you must use the PostScript terminal. You can play around with |
with constructs like @{/=56 -} {/=24 h} or {/=8 @{/Symbol=24 -} _{/=14 h}} |
constructs like @{/=56 -} {/=24 h} or {/=8 @{/Symbol=24 -} _{/=14 h}} In the |
In the latter, the "-" (a long one in /Symbol) is non-spacing and 24-pt. The |
latter, the "-" (a long one in /Symbol) is non-spacing and 24-pt. The 14-pt "h" |
14-pt "h" is offset by an 8-pt space (which is the space preceding the "_") |
is offset by an 8-pt space (which is the space preceding the "_") but smaller, |
but smaller, since it's written as a subscript. But these don't look too |
since it's written as a subscript. But these don't look too much like the hbar |
much like the hbar we're used to, since the bar is horizontal instead of |
we're used to, since the bar is horizontal instead of sloped. I don't see a way |
sloped. I don't see a way to get that. I tried using an accent ( |
to get that. I tried using an accent ( |
264 in isoLatin encoding), but I haven't found a way to scale and position |
264 in isoLatin encoding), but I haven't found a way to scale and position the |
the pieces correctly. |
pieces correctly. |
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One more possibility would be {/=14 @^{/Symbol=10 -}{/=14 h}}. |
One more possibility would be {/=14 @^{/Symbol=10 -}{/=14 h}}. |
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(This is a hint by Richard Crawford). |
(This is a hint by Richard Crawford). |
|
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7. Known Problems |
7 Known Problems |
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7.1 Gnuplot is not plotting any points under X11! How come? |
7.1 Gnuplot is not plotting any points under X11! How come? |
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Line 931 On VMS, you need to make several symbols: |
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Line 970 On VMS, you need to make several symbols: |
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Then run gnuplot from your command line, and use "set term x11". |
Then run gnuplot from your command line, and use "set term x11". |
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If you run gnuplot on Unix systems, be sure that the newest gnuplot_x11 is the |
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first in your search path. |
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7.2 My isoline data generated by a Fortran program is not handled correctly. |
7.2 My isoline data generated by a Fortran program is not handled correctly. |
What can I do? |
What can I do? |
|
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Update to the newest gnuplot. Gnuplot 3.7 is able to read Fortran-style |
Update to the newest gnuplot. Gnuplot 3.7 is able to read Fortran-style files |
files where a blanc line can contain more than a linefeed. |
where a blank line can contain more than a linefeed. |
|
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7.3 Why does gnuplot ignore my very small numbers? |
7.3 Why does gnuplot ignore my very small numbers? |
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Gnuplot treats all numbers less than 1e-08 as zero, by default. Thus, if you |
Gnuplot treats all numbers less than 1e-08 as zero, by default. Thus, if you |
are trying to plot a collection of very small numbers, they may be plotted |
are trying to plot a collection of very small numbers, they may be plotted as |
as zero. Worse, if you're plotting on a log scale, they will be off scale. |
zero. Worse, if you're plotting on a log scale, they will be off scale. Or, if |
Or, if the whole set of numbers is "zero", your range may be considered |
the whole set of numbers is "zero", your range may be considered empty: |
empty: |
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gnuplot> plot 'test1' |
gnuplot> plot 'test1' |
Warning: empty y range [4.047e-19:3e-11], adjusting to [-1:1] |
Warning: empty y range [4.047e-19:3e-11], adjusting to [-1:1] |
Line 953 gnuplot> plot 'test1' |
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Line 994 gnuplot> plot 'test1' |
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y range is less than `zero` |
y range is less than `zero` |
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The solution is to change gnuplot's idea of "zero": |
The solution is to change gnuplot's idea of "zero": |
|
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gnuplot> set zero 1e-20 |
gnuplot> set zero 1e-20 |
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For more information, "help set zero" |
For more information, "help set zero" |
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7.4 Gnuplot is plotting nothing when run via gnuplot <filename>! What can I |
7.4 Gnuplot is plotting nothing when run via gnuplot <filename>! What can I do? |
do? |
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Put a pause -1 after the plot command in the file. On an X-Window System |
Put a pause -1 after the plot command in the file. On an X-Window System |
system, you can also use the -persist option, the X11 window is then not |
system, you can also use the -persist option, the X11 window is then not |
Line 985 You need to flush the output with a closing 'set outpu |
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Line 1024 You need to flush the output with a closing 'set outpu |
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7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the LATEX-run! |
7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the LATEX-run! |
|
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Please upgrade to gnuplot 3.7. Some versions of its beta-release had a |
Please upgrade to gnuplot 3.7. Some versions of its beta-release had a problem |
problem in the LATEX-terminal. |
in the LATEX-terminal. |
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The LATEX2$\epsilon$ -core does no longer include the commands " |
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Diamond" and " |
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Box"; they are included in the latexsym package, which is part of the base |
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distribution and thus part of any LaTeX implementation. Please do not forget to |
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use this package. |
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7.8 The exit command does not work as documented! |
7.8 The exit command does not work as documented! |
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This is a known bug and is fixed in the latest release. If you need the |
This is a known bug and is fixed in the latest release. If you need the feature |
feature please upgrade to the latest release. |
please upgrade to the latest release. |
|
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7.9 I can't find the demos and example files at the URLs in the |
7.9 I can't find the demos and example files at the URLs in the documentation! |
documentation! |
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The examples have been removec from the NASA site. You can find the examples |
The examples have been removed from the NASA site. You can find the examples |
now at ~http://www.gnuplot.vt.edu/gnuplot/gpdocs . There you will find both |
now at http://www.gnuplot.vt.edu/gnuplot/gpdocs. There you will find both PNG |
PNG and GIF versions of the demo plots. There are some licensing problems |
and GIF versions of the demo plots. There are some licensing problems with GIF |
with GIF images, so you should probably prefer the PNG ones. They also have |
images, so you should probably prefer the PNG ones. They also have the |
the advantage to be much smaller in size. |
advantage to be much smaller in size. |
|
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7.10 Calling gnuplot in a pipe or with a gnuplot-script doesn't produce |
7.10 Calling gnuplot in a pipe or with a gnuplot-script doesn't produce a plot! |
aplot! |
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You can call gnuplot by using a short Perl-script like the following: |
You can call gnuplot by using a short Perl-script like the following: |
|
#!/usr/local/bin/perl -w |
#!/usr/bin/perl |
open (GP, "|/usr/local/bin/gnuplot -persist") or die "no gnuplot"; |
open GP, "/usr/local/bin/gnuplot"; |
# force buffer to flush after each write |
print GP,"plot '/tmp/data.dat' with lines\n"; |
use FileHandle; |
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GP->autoflush(1); |
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print GP,"set term x11;plot '/tmp/data.dat' with lines\n"; |
close GP |
close GP |
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Gnuplot closes its plot window on exit. The close GP command is executed, |
Gnuplot closes its plot window on exit. The close GP command is executed, and |
and the plot window is closed even before you have a chance to look at it. |
the plot window is closed even before you have a chance to look at it. |
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There are thre solutions to this: first, use the pause -1 command in gnuplot |
There are three solutions to this: first, use the pause -1 command in gnuplot |
before closing the pipe. Second, close the pipe only if you are sure that |
before closing the pipe. Second, close the pipe only if you are sure that you |
you don't need gnuplot and its plot window anymore. Last, you can use the |
don't need gnuplot and its plot window anymore. Last, you can use the command |
command line option -persist: this option leaves the X-Window System plot |
line option -persist: this option leaves the X-Window System plot window open. |
window open. |
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8. Credits |
8 Credits |
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Gnuplot 3.7's main contributors are (in alphabetical order) Hans-Bernhard |
Gnuplot 3.7's main contributors are (in alphabetical order) Hans-Bernhard |
Broeker, John Campbell, Robert Cunningham, David Denholm, Gershon Elber, |
Broeker, John Campbell, Robert Cunningham, David Denholm, Gershon Elber, Roger |
Roger Fearick, Carsten Grammes, Lucas Hart, Lars Hecking, Thomas Koenig, |
Fearick, Carsten Grammes, Lucas Hart, Lars Hecking, Thomas Koenig, David Kotz, |
David Kotz, Ed Kubaitis, Russell Lang, Alexander Lehmann, Alexander Mai, |
Ed Kubaitis, Russell Lang, Alexander Lehmann, Alexander Mai, Carsten Steger, |
Carsten Steger, Tom Tkacik, Jos Van der Woude, James R. Van Zandt, and Alex |
Tom Tkacik, Jos Van der Woude, James R. Van Zandt, and Alex Woo. |
Woo. |
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This list was initially compiled by John Fletcher with contributions from |
This list was initially compiled by John Fletcher with contributions from |
Russell Lang, John Campbell, David Kotz, Rob Cunningham, Daniel Lewart and |
Russell Lang, John Campbell, David Kotz, Rob Cunningham, Daniel Lewart and Alex |
Alex Woo. Reworked by Thomas Koenig from a draft by Alex Woo, with |
Woo. Reworked by Thomas Koenig from a draft by Alex Woo, with corrections and |
corrections and additions from Alex Woo, John Campbell, Russell Lang, David |
additions from Alex Woo, John Campbell, Russell Lang, David Kotz and many |
Kotz and many corrections from Daniel Lewart. Again reworked for gnuplot 3.7 |
corrections from Daniel Lewart. Again reworked for gnuplot 3.7 by Alexander Mai |
by Alexander Mai and Jürgen v.Hagen with corrections by , Lars Hecking, |
and Juergen v.Hagen with corrections by Lars Hecking, Hans-Bernhard Broecker |
Hans-Bernhard Broecker and other people. |
and other people. |
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About this document ... |
About this document ... |
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Gnuplot FAQ |
Gnuplot FAQ |
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This document was generated using the LaTeX2HTML translator Version 98.1p1 |
This document was generated using the LaTeX2HTML translator Version 2002-2-1 |
release (March 2nd, 1998) |
(1.70) |
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Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, Nikos Drakos, Computer Based |
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, Nikos Drakos, Computer Based Learning Unit, |
Learning Unit, University of Leeds. |
University of Leeds. |
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Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999, Ross Moore, Mathematics Department, Macquarie |
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University, Sydney. |
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The command line arguments were: |
The command line arguments were: |
latex2html -split 0 -show_section_numbers -html_version 3.2 gnuplot-faq.tex. |
latex2html -split 0 -show_section_numbers -html_version 4.0 -nonavigation |
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faq.tex |
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The translation was initiated by Juergen von Hagen on 1999-10-20 |
The translation was initiated by Lars Hecking on 2002-12-10 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Juergen von Hagen |
Lars Hecking 2002-12-10 |
1999-10-20 |
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