Any 3D graph plotting tools for Mac?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for free 3D graph plotting tools for Mac, exploring various software options and user preferences. Participants express their experiences with different applications and their specific needs for functionality, such as data import and real-time surface rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for free tools and mentions a dislike for Gnuplot.
  • Another suggests using Wine to run GraphCalc, indicating a willingness to use non-native applications.
  • A participant prefers native OS X applications and is hesitant to use Wine due to time constraints.
  • Warren advocates for Gnuplot, highlighting its scripting capabilities and integration with other programs.
  • Grapher.app is mentioned as a built-in option for entering equations, but some participants note its limitations regarding data import.
  • One participant expresses frustration with Gnuplot, citing its complexity and lack of real-time surface rotation.
  • Paraview is mentioned as a potential option, but concerns are raised about the complexity of writing data in vtk format.
  • There is a nostalgic reference to a previous graphing software that came with MacOS, which had a basic version and a premium version for implicit functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best tool, with multiple competing views on the usability and functionality of different software options remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their preferred tools, such as the inability to import data into Grapher and the complexity of using Paraview with vtk format. There is also a noted aversion to Gnuplot among some users.

christianjb
Messages
529
Reaction score
1
Anything free that is?

BTW, I have a biological aversion to Gnuplot.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Hmmm, I don't really want to spend half a day messing around with Wine. I'd prefer a native OS X app.
 
Gnuplot's wonderful. In fact, it's one of the best graphing utilities on the planet, mainly because you can script it and embed it within a flow involving other programs.

- Warren
 
/Applications/Utitilities/Grapher.app

Not sure if that's exactly what you're looking for. But it allows you enter equations and nice way. For example, if you type (5x^2)/2 it will format it for you.
 
Kuno said:
/Applications/Utitilities/Grapher.app

Not sure if that's exactly what you're looking for. But it allows you enter equations and nice way. For example, if you type (5x^2)/2 it will format it for you.

Thanks. I love grapher, but I want to import my own data and grapher won't let me do this.
 
chroot said:
Gnuplot's wonderful. In fact, it's one of the best graphing utilities on the planet, mainly because you can script it and embed it within a flow involving other programs.

- Warren

Thanks. I'm not sure I really want to battle with gnuplot one more time. It nerds me out. Plus, it doesn't allow you to rotate surfaces in real time.

I'm amazed there isn't a simple free 3d scientific visualization code for the mac.

Paraview looked simple, but it requires writing data in vtk format which seems quite complicated. I haven't been able to find a good vtk tutorial on the web.
 
Whatever happened to that graphing software that came with the MacOS? I think it was a basic version and you paid if you wanted a premium version that allowed implicit functions. It was very pretty.
 
FulhamFan3 said:
Whatever happened to that graphing software that came with the MacOS? I think it was a basic version and you paid if you wanted a premium version that allowed implicit functions. It was very pretty.

Thanks. It's called Grapher. See my answer above.
 

Similar threads

How to control volume by hovering & scrolling anywhere in Mac Menu Bar
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Looking for a reliable screen recorder for Mac? Any recommendations?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
3D graph plot of a function of multiple variables.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Did My Old Mac Pro Die of a Broken Heart Before Its Replacement Arrived?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Is There a Reliable Mac Emulator for Windows 10?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Create a bootable USB for Windows?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
I want to see the plot of an inverse function -- can I use a TI84?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
What's a Free & Safe Video Conferencing Tool?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Writing: Read Only Programs to help with stellar cartography
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Windows on Mac: Dual Boot or Virtual Desktop?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K