Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
0
votes
1
answers
362
views
Using Grapher, how to edit or enter data points directly in the graph with the mouse?
I am a rookie Grapher user. I am creating 2D piecewise linear curves using Grapher. So far, I've only discovered how to enter or edit datapoints via the `Edit Points` button at the top of the graph. Editing the points using the keyboard is tedious, unfortunately. Is it possible to move points in the...
I am a rookie Grapher user. I am creating 2D piecewise linear curves using Grapher. So far, I've only discovered how to enter or edit datapoints via the
Edit Points button at the top of the graph. Editing the points using the keyboard is tedious, unfortunately. Is it possible to move points in the point set using the mouse, via drag-and-drop?
I'm getting the idea the answer is "no".
Electro-Bunny
(203 rep)
Aug 25, 2020, 08:31 PM
• Last activity: Jul 14, 2023, 05:51 PM
0
votes
1
answers
498
views
Simple function in Grapher?
I am trying to have just a simple function -> *f*(*x*, *y*) = *x* + *y*\ This is in a 3D default graphing environment. Is this possible, or do I need to use a different graphing tool? I want this function to be accessible in other equations/functions
I am trying to have just a simple function -> *f*(*x*, *y*) = *x* + *y*\
This is in a 3D default graphing environment.
Is this possible, or do I need to use a different graphing tool?
I want this function to be accessible in other equations/functions
CATboardBETA
(103 rep)
Apr 18, 2022, 10:52 PM
• Last activity: Apr 21, 2022, 04:41 PM
3
votes
2
answers
268
views
Cannot open graph .gcx file saved by Grapher
I'm facing an issue where I am unable to re-open any saved graphs that have a contour plot inside. For example, if you plot *sin(x)\*cos(y)* and save it, you will not be able to reopen it in Grapher. It will just say: **The document “test.gcx” could not be opened**. Example of a plot that I cannot s...
I'm facing an issue where I am unable to re-open any saved graphs that have a contour plot inside. For example, if you plot *sin(x)\*cos(y)* and save it, you will not be able to reopen it in Grapher. It will just say: **The document “test.gcx” could not be opened**.
Example of a plot that I cannot save and re-open:
Abdul Fatir
(181 rep)
May 25, 2020, 08:14 PM
• Last activity: Jan 14, 2022, 04:03 AM
1
votes
0
answers
57
views
How to draw an animated point to point line in grapher
I am using grapher and want o create some animations for a PHY class. I have figured out how to animate a dot moving in a circle, and what I am trying to do is draw a line from the dot as i moves around to a fixed point. What I have is a t=0 as my parameter, and I am using the animate parameter func...
I am using grapher and want o create some animations for a PHY class. I have figured out how to animate a dot moving in a circle, and what I am trying to do is draw a line from the dot as i moves around to a fixed point. What I have is a t=0 as my parameter, and I am using the animate parameter function with a like matrix set up in x,y, where x=cos(t) and y = sin(t). I also managed o have a line go from the center to the dot and follow it around, but I want the line to stop at the dot and set it up so it runs from off-center. (The whole point is to illustrate the difference between distance from a starting point and displacement).
Anyhow this is what I have so far, if anyone has suggestions that would be most appreciated. (I want to draw a line from the edge of the circle on the x-axis to the blue dot, so you can see the length change as it moves) 
Jesse
(221 rep)
Oct 11, 2020, 08:43 PM
3
votes
1
answers
204
views
Can I find the source code for Grapher?
[Grapher][1] is an application that is installed on macOS by default. Can I find its source code, or is it proprietary? [1]: https://support.apple.com/guide/grapher/welcome-gcalb3dec608/mac
Grapher is an application that is installed on macOS by default. Can I find its source code, or is it proprietary?
user379205
Jun 14, 2020, 04:39 AM
• Last activity: Jun 14, 2020, 10:19 AM
3
votes
1
answers
414
views
macOS Grapher recursive function
Can grapher in macOS work with recursive functions??? If so how? There doesn't seem to be an obvious way and there are no answers to this online. Thanks
Can grapher in macOS work with recursive functions???
If so how? There doesn't seem to be an obvious way and there are no answers to this online.
Thanks
Michael Ilie
(265 rep)
Aug 14, 2018, 07:03 PM
• Last activity: May 18, 2020, 08:42 PM
1
votes
0
answers
230
views
Grapher can not open saved file if axis numbering orientation is changed
When I try to open a saved Grapher file after doing the following with Grapher on my iMac, I get (presumably from the Grapher) the error message > The document "xxx" could not be opened and can not open the file. Here is what I do: 1. Create a new Grapher file (for example based on the "Default" tem...
When I try to open a saved Grapher file after doing the following with Grapher on my iMac, I get (presumably from the Grapher) the error message
> The document "xxx" could not be opened
and can not open the file.
Here is what I do:
1. Create a new Grapher file (for example based on the "Default" template).
1. Choose the x-axis.
1. Modify the orientation of the numbering of the axis via inspector (for example change it to 90 degrees).
1. Save and close the file.
I have tried this also with, for example, "Margins" and "Classic" templates and also by modifying the original orientation of the numbering of the axis to 1 degree, 30 degrees, 180 degrees, etc. and the result (error) is always the same. I have tried these with two separate Mac computers (MacBook running on macOS Catalina and iMac on High Sierra) and the results (errors) are always the same.
Of course, it does not matter if I do this in a newly created file or do it in one of my previously created Grapher files. I have not used Grapher too much before and I believe this is the first time I tried to change the orientation of the numbering of an axis.
Is this a known Grapher bug or am I possibly doing something wrong?
Alper
(4199 rep)
Jan 26, 2020, 11:21 PM
• Last activity: Jan 29, 2020, 02:56 PM
3
votes
1
answers
804
views
How to restrict the domain of a function in Grapher?
In some math software, you can restrict the domain of a function by adding a command and the conditions after the function definition. Example, for Symbolab: ``` x^2, x >0 ``` But this doesn't work in Grapher. I get this yellow warning: [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic....
In some math software, you can restrict the domain of a function by adding a command and the conditions after the function definition. Example, for Symbolab:
x^2, x >0
Paul Razvan Berg
(463 rep)
Nov 24, 2019, 01:20 PM
• Last activity: Nov 24, 2019, 02:21 PM
1
votes
0
answers
49
views
How to change the function plot colour in Grapher and make it persistent?
Here's `y=x^2` plotted in blue: [![x^2][1]][1] I coloured the function by going to "Window > Show Inspector". So all is nice and smooth, but when I change the function to, say, `y=x^3`, the plot turns black and has an the width of 1.0 again: [![x^3][2]][2] How to keep the style of the function objec...
Here's 
I coloured the function by going to "Window > Show Inspector".
So all is nice and smooth, but when I change the function to, say, 
How to keep the style of the function object the same, even if I change its parameters?
y=x^2 plotted in blue:
I coloured the function by going to "Window > Show Inspector".
So all is nice and smooth, but when I change the function to, say, y=x^3, the plot turns black and has an the width of 1.0 again:
How to keep the style of the function object the same, even if I change its parameters?
Paul Razvan Berg
(463 rep)
Nov 24, 2019, 01:15 PM
• Last activity: Nov 24, 2019, 01:49 PM
3
votes
0
answers
113
views
Grapher Having Problems After High Sierra Upgrade
My wife just upgraded to OS 10.12.6. She uses Grapher to make pictures for work. Now Grapher can no longer read her old .gcx files. She had a template she was using a lot. So, she had to remake the template in the new Grapher. It worked at first, but now Grapher won't even open that file. Has anyone...
My wife just upgraded to OS 10.12.6. She uses Grapher to make pictures for work. Now Grapher can no longer read her old .gcx files. She had a template she was using a lot. So, she had to remake the template in the new Grapher. It worked at first, but now Grapher won't even open that file. Has anyone had this happen? Is there a potential fix? I tried to Google, but no one seems to care about Grapher.
J126
(223 rep)
Nov 16, 2017, 01:24 PM
• Last activity: Nov 20, 2018, 07:37 PM
6
votes
1
answers
1510
views
Can Grapher plot periodic functions, other than trigonometric ones?
That is, something like: > f(x) = f(x+c) Where `c` is an arbitrary constant. Examples: [![enter image description here][1]][1] How might I get grapher to chart this or select an appropriate tool to visualize these functions? [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/IWOhR.png
That is, something like:
> f(x) = f(x+c)
Where 
How might I get grapher to chart this or select an appropriate tool to visualize these functions?
c is an arbitrary constant. Examples:
How might I get grapher to chart this or select an appropriate tool to visualize these functions?
Paul Razvan Berg
(463 rep)
Aug 25, 2018, 04:03 PM
• Last activity: Aug 25, 2018, 09:09 PM
3
votes
1
answers
902
views
In Grapher, can functions be used to define parametric curves?
I'm drawing a curve using matrices in Grapher, for instance: [![enter image description here][1]][1] However, any time I try to use a function (i.e. `a(x)`) as a matrix element: [![enter image description here][2]][2] I get errors: [![enter image description here][3]][3] I've looked through the unof...
I'm drawing a curve using matrices in Grapher, for instance:
However, any time I try to use a function (i.e. 
I get errors:
I've looked through the unofficial manual, but it doesn't specifically say. If I'm not able to use a function as an element, I'd have to re-type the expression in multiple locations whenever I want to change it :(
However, any time I try to use a function (i.e. a(x)) as a matrix element:
I get errors:
I've looked through the unofficial manual, but it doesn't specifically say. If I'm not able to use a function as an element, I'd have to re-type the expression in multiple locations whenever I want to change it :(
T3db0t
(365 rep)
Jun 11, 2018, 08:02 PM
• Last activity: Jun 12, 2018, 12:36 PM
1
votes
1
answers
128
views
Symbolic integration in Grapher.app?
Several months ago I was using Grapher, something strange happened. Instead of going to Equation → Integrate , I clicked the symbols menu (with the summation notation, cube root, etc.) and clicked the integral there instead. Now, whenever I do Equation → Integrate it does the silly integral computat...
Several months ago I was using Grapher, something strange happened. Instead of going to
Equation → Integrate, I clicked the symbols menu (with the summation notation, cube root, etc.) and clicked the integral there instead. Now, whenever I do Equation → Integrate it does the silly integral computation instead of the symbolic integration which is so much better. The silly integral computation struggles to compute an integral of 2x to the left of the y-axis, although it may have its uses with integrals which cannot be solved symbolically. It used to say about symbolic integration here but now that page isn't working so now it's turned into a bit of a conspiracy theory.
Does anyone have access to the original symbolic integration? Has anyone else experienced this bug?
I have been meaning to ask this somewhere for a while, also, I have no evidence that the symbolic integration even existed so anything about that helps.
cmarangu
(796 rep)
Apr 18, 2018, 09:48 PM
• Last activity: Apr 18, 2018, 10:04 PM
3
votes
2
answers
6258
views
How do I shade the region between two curves in Grapher?
How do I shade the region (or area) between two curves in Grapher? I'm looking for a way to do this in a 2D graph. The only example which comes close to this is the "Evaluation and Integration" example, but I can't figure it out. For example, I would like to shade the region bound by these two curve...
How do I shade the region (or area) between two curves in Grapher?
I'm looking for a way to do this in a 2D graph. The only example which comes close to this is the "Evaluation and Integration" example, but I can't figure it out.
For example, I would like to shade the region bound by these two curves:
y = x^2 - 2
y = 0
I'm assuming it's possible based on this comment .
Senseful
(24445 rep)
Feb 29, 2012, 02:41 AM
• Last activity: Dec 30, 2017, 11:27 AM
1
votes
1
answers
141
views
How to shade region between polar curves in Grapher?
I've graphed two polar curves and would like to shade the region inside one and outside the other. When I select the two equations and then select `Integrate` from the Equation menu, I get the error message > Cannot integrate the difference between the selected graphs. It seems simple. Why can't Gra...
I've graphed two polar curves and would like to shade the region inside one and outside the other. When I select the two equations and then select
Integrate from the Equation menu, I get the error message
> Cannot integrate the difference between the selected graphs.
It seems simple. Why can't Grapher do it?
In case it makes a difference, the two equations are r = 6 (a circle) and r = 6 - 6 sin(theta) (a cardioid). I want to shade the region inside the cardioid but outside the circle.
Concha Gomez
(111 rep)
Dec 9, 2017, 08:00 PM
• Last activity: Dec 29, 2017, 11:34 AM
4
votes
1
answers
587
views
How do I delete an equation in Grapher?
What it says in the title. There is no obvious way for me to remove an equation in Grapher. I used Grapher a few years ago and I probably knew how to then, but I cannot remember now.
What it says in the title. There is no obvious way for me to remove an equation in Grapher. I used Grapher a few years ago and I probably knew how to then, but I cannot remember now.
Melab
(1039 rep)
Dec 28, 2017, 03:55 PM
• Last activity: Dec 28, 2017, 04:32 PM
0
votes
1
answers
308
views
Leave superscript mode in Mac Grapher
Mac Grapher has is a keyboard shortcut for entering superscripts: use the `^` key. For instance, you can type `x^2` to get the expression *x* 2 . Once I've entered superscript mode, how do I leave superscript mode? For instance, if I want to enter in the expression *x* 2 + 3, what do I type? If I ty...
Mac Grapher has is a keyboard shortcut for entering superscripts: use the
^ key. For instance, you can type x^2 to get the expression *x*2.
Once I've entered superscript mode, how do I leave superscript mode? For instance, if I want to enter in the expression *x*2 + 3, what do I type? If I type the characters x^2 + 3 on the keyboard, I get the expression *x*2 + 3, which is not what I wanted.
I couldn't find any description of this in the help pages for Grapher.
D.W.
(4097 rep)
Nov 6, 2017, 06:24 AM
• Last activity: Nov 6, 2017, 10:41 AM
6
votes
3
answers
6739
views
How Do You Label The 3D Axis in Grapher?
I want to label each axis with an x, y, and z. I know it's possible to label x and y axes in 2D view, but for some reason, I can't do it in 3D view. Any suggestions?
I want to label each axis with an x, y, and z. I know it's possible to label x and y axes in 2D view, but for some reason, I can't do it in 3D view.
Any suggestions?
Dante
(812 rep)
Sep 20, 2011, 07:53 AM
• Last activity: Oct 7, 2016, 08:54 AM
4
votes
0
answers
382
views
Parameters in Grapher
I am trying to plot a family of similar functions in built-in Grapher. I read that one way to do this is to write one formula for all functions to be plotted and then define the parameter by which the functions differ. For example, typing in "y=sin(ax),a={1,2,3}" should plot sin(x), sin(2x), and sin...
I am trying to plot a family of similar functions in built-in Grapher. I read that one way to do this is to write one formula for all functions to be plotted and then define the parameter by which the functions differ. For example, typing in "y=sin(ax),a={1,2,3}" should plot sin(x), sin(2x), and sin(3x) simultaneously; however, I got an error message so I am thinking the last updates changed the way to do this; in that case, how do I do that?
Arthur
(153 rep)
Jul 3, 2016, 04:09 AM
4
votes
1
answers
939
views
Can Grapher evaluate a function?
I just noticed that Grapher fails to evaluate a function at a constant. In the image, the graph of y = c should of course be a horizontal line. Is there a way to fix or work around it? This seems like such a fundamental bug that I can't understand why I haven't run into it before. 
JWWalker
(985 rep)
Dec 4, 2014, 06:35 PM
• Last activity: Nov 10, 2015, 04:43 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions