The QtiPlot Handbook
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# Chapter 1. Introduction

# What QtiPlot does

QtiPlot is a program for two- and three-dimensional graphical presentation of data sets and for data analysis. Plots can be produced from data sets stored in tables or from analytical functions.

The project was created by Ion Vasilief in 2000. Ion was the only programmer from 2000 until 2005. Since 2006, new contributors have joined Ion, and the project is hosted by BerliOS Developer. The software aims to be a tool for analysis and graphical representation of data in the way of commercial software like Origin.

QtiPlot is a dynamic tool: Plots created from data sets, and the tables owning that data, are interconnected. When any table is modified, all objects in dependent plots (curves, axes scales, legends) are automatically updated. For example, deleting a table, or perhaps only some of the columns, will automatically remove all the corresponding curves from dependent plots. Plots can be exported in several graphic formats (eg: jpeg, png, bmp, pdf, etc) and inserted as images in documents or presentations.

All settings for a complete set of tables, matrices and plots can be saved in a project file having the extension ".qti". These project files may be opened using the command line, the File menu, or by using the Open project icon from the File toolbar.

Data analysis operations (integration, interpolation, FFT, curve fitting, etc.) can be performed on the curves in a 2D plot via the Analysis menu. The results of all these operations are also stored in the project file. They can be visualized at any time using the Results log command and can be deleted from the project file via the Clear Log Information command.

When the application is launched, a new untitled project file is created consisting of a grey main window (the workspace) which may initially contain an empty child window, depending on your preferences. The type of this initial child window can be customized using the Preferences dialog. It may be a table, a matrix, a note or an empty 2D graph window. In order to be operational, the workspace must be populated with at least one data container. Either empty tables or matrices may be created manually (New -> New Table command) and then filled with data, or they may created by importing ASCII files (Import -> Import ASCII... command), which automatically creates new tables.

The user can easily navigate through the objects of a project file by using either the project explorer or the Windows menu. The project explorer also allows the user to perform various operations on the windows (tables and plots) in the workspace: hiding, minimizing, closing, renaming, printing, etc.

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