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Gnuplot FAQ

Contents

* 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?

* 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?

* 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.

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?

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?

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?

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!

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?

+ 7.6 Set output 'filename' isn't outputting everything it should!

+ 7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the

LATEX-run!

+ 7.8 The exit command does not work as documented!

+ 7.9 I can't find the demos and example files at the URLs in the

documentation!

+ 7.10 Calling gnuplot in a pipe or with a gnuplot-script doesn't produce

a plot!

* 8 Credits

Meta - Questions

0 Meta - Questions

0.1 Where do I get this document?

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.

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.

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:

30 $

0.2 Where do I send comments about this document?

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.

1. General Information

1 General Information

1.1 What is gnuplot?

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.

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.

1.2 How did it come about and why is it called gnuplot?

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.

The following quote comes from Thomas Williams:

I was taking a differential equation class and Colin was taking

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.

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.

1.3 Does gnuplot have anything to do with the FSF and the GNU project?

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.

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

your distribution.

1.4 What does gnuplot offer?

* Plotting of two-dimensional functions and data points in many different

styles (points, lines, error bars)

* 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

* 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

* labels for title, axes, data points

* command line editing and history on most platforms

1.5 Is gnuplot suitable for batch processing?

Line 185 use.

Line 194 use.

1.6 Can I run gnuplot on my computer?

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.

Please notify the FAQ-maintainer of any further ports you might be aware of.

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.

1.7 Legalize it!

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.

Citing from the README of a mathematical subroutine package by R. Freund:

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?

1.8 Is gnuplot Y2K compliant?

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.

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.

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.

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

Line 234 problem with gnuplot per se.

Line 242 problem with gnuplot per se.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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.

1.9 Where do I get further information?

The following sites have more information about gnuplot.

* ~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

some more links to other sites

Some documentation is available in other languages than English. Those

Some documentation is available in other languages than English. Those include:

include:

* ~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 Moli�re: 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 appelle� "1ers pas avec gnuplot". Le cours est aussi disponible en

fran�aise avec possibilit� de t�l�chargement des versions binaires

Postscript.

* http://www.al.lu/euler/gnuplot.shtml encore des informations en langue

fran�aise avec possibilit� de t�l�chargement des versions binaires

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.

* ~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

* ~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

* ~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?

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?

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

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.

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,

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.

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

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

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

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

directory.

Line 380 directory.

Line 387 directory.

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?

The documentation is included in the source distribution. Look at the docs

subdirectory, where you'll find

* a Unix man page, which says how to start gnuplot

* a help file, which also can be printed as a manual

* a tutorial on using gnuplot with LATEX

* 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

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?

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.

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

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?

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

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>

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>?

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

generated by the "set terminal postscript eps" command. Most MS-DOS word

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

maintained by the author called netpbm, with the newest version called

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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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> f(x,y) = y - x**2 / tan(y)

gnuplot> set contour base

Line 572 gnuplot> splot f(x,y)

Line 574 gnuplot> splot f(x,y)

gnuplot> set out

gnuplot> set term {your usual terminal for interactive work}

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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"

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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".

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?

Line 666 help for the different terminals.

Line 677 help for the different terminals.

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?

By specifying ? as a data value, as in

1 2

2 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:

* 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

* 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 � 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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

* barchart_via_fig: awk scripts to produce barcharts with filled boxes.

* date-errorbar: allows dates in the hi/lo fields for errorbars.

* gp37os2-mouse: OS/2 binaries with mouse support (feature included in

current beta versions).

* perltk: A perl/tk canvas widget.

* 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.

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

gnuplot3.7.

gnuplot 3.7.

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

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

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

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?

Use a parametric plot. An example:

gnuplot> set parametric

gnuplot> a=1

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"

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

gnuplot> set xran [-10:10]

gnuplot> plot (abs(x)>0.5?1/0: x**2)

plots a quadratic function only for |x| < 0.5.

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"

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?

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?

Line 869 for details.

Line 910 for details.

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

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:

gnuplot> f(x,y) = x**2 + y **2

gnuplot> x(u) = 3*u

gnuplot> yu(x) = x**2

Line 889 gnuplot> set cont

Line 928 gnuplot> set cont

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)

6.7 How do I get rid of <feature in a plot>?

6.7 How do I get rid of <feature> in a plot?

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.

6.8 How do I call gnuplot from my own programs?

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.

6.9 What if I need h-bar (Planck's constant)?

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.

One more possibility would be {/=14 @^{/Symbol=10 -}{/=14 h}}.

(This is a hint by Richard Crawford).

7. Known Problems

7 Known Problems

7.1 Gnuplot is not plotting any points under X11! How come?

Line 931 On VMS, you need to make several symbols:

Line 970 On VMS, you need to make several symbols:

Then run gnuplot from your command line, and use "set term x11".

If you run gnuplot on Unix systems, be sure that the newest gnuplot_x11 is the

first in your search path.

7.2 My isoline data generated by a Fortran program is not handled correctly.

What can I do?

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.

7.3 Why does gnuplot ignore my very small numbers?

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:

gnuplot> plot 'test1'

Warning: empty y range [4.047e-19:3e-11], adjusting to [-1:1]

Line 953 gnuplot> plot 'test1'

Line 994 gnuplot> plot 'test1'

y range is less than `zero`

The solution is to change gnuplot's idea of "zero":

gnuplot> set zero 1e-20

For more information, "help set zero"

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?

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

Line 985 You need to flush the output with a closing 'set outpu

Line 1024 You need to flush the output with a closing 'set outpu

7.7 When using the LATEX-terminal, there is an error during the LATEX-run!

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.

The LATEX2$\epsilon$ -core does no longer include the commands "

Diamond" and "

Box"; they are included in the latexsym package, which is part of the base

distribution and thus part of any LaTeX implementation. Please do not forget to

use this package.

7.8 The exit command does not work as documented!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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;

GP->autoflush(1);

print GP,"set term x11;plot '/tmp/data.dat' with lines\n";

close GP

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.

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.

8. Credits

8 Credits

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.

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 J�rgen 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.

About this document ...

Gnuplot FAQ

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)

Learning Unit, University of Leeds.

University of Leeds.

University, Sydney.

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

faq.tex

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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