Plot Axes

ETBX two-dimensional plot axes are designated the X Axis and the Y Axis. Each can be uniquely modified to suit most presentation requirements. The axis scale, number format, font, color, and associated grid lines can all be customized.

To edit a plot axis, open its properties dialog box by double-clicking on it; or right-click on the axis and select the Format Axis... menu item.

The Axis dialog box has 4 tabs that define the various axis properties: the Scale tab, the Font tab, the Number tab, and the Gridlines tab. The sections that follow describe each tab in detail. Click the OK button to accept your edits. If the Scale box next to the Apply To All Plots: label is selected, your scale settings (minimum and maximum limits and number of grid divisions) will be applied to all plots in the plot panel. If the Format box is selected, the new display properties (e.g., font, number format, and grid lines) will be applied to all plots in the plot panel.

Scale Tab

The Scale tab contains options to adjust the axis scale, such as specifying min/max limits and the number of divisions.

If the Auto option is checked next to the axis Minimum or Maximum input fields, the axis range is automatically generated based on the data minimum and maximum. To change the axis minimum or maximum limits, type a number into the axis Minimum or Maximum input fields. The Auto option will be automatically unchecked to reflect your manual entry.

The Log Scale option allows you to change the axis scale to a log scale (base 10). Log (base 10) axes cannot contain values equal to or less than zero. An error message will displayed if you try to accept a Log Scale and your data contains values that are less than or equal to zero. Similarly, an error message will be displyed if you try to accept a Log Scale and your axis minimum or maximum values are set to a value that is less than or equal to zero.

Font Tab

Use the Font tab to change font attributes for displayed axis values. This tab lets you modify the font face, style, color, and size.

Number Tab

Use the Number tab to specify a number format for axis values.

The Format input group lets you define custom number formats. The Sample input group lets you enter an arbitrary numeric value and see how it looks when the current format is applied.

Two basic types of numeric formats are available in the Number tab. The Scientific format has the general form d.dddE+ddd. There is exactly one digit to the left of the decimal point. The number of digits to the right of the decimal point is set by the Displayed Precision input field. The Decimal format has the general form d.ddd. The number of digits to the left of the decimal point can vary. The number of digits to the right of the decimal point is set by the Displayed Precision input field.

A detailed description of other format parameters is given below.

Gridlines Tab

The Gridlines tab lets you add and configure grid lines for the current axis. In ETBX, horizontal and vertical grid lines are assigned separately. To define horizontal grid lines, you must be editing the Y Axis. To define vertical grid lines, you must be editing the X Axis.

ETBX provides two types of grid lines: Major and Minor. By default, the divisions of the major grid are longer than the minor grid. Minor grid lines traditionally subdivide the region between the major grid lines.

To change the line properties of major or minor grid lines, click on the appropriate Style drop-down menu and select a new line style. Click the up and down arrows next to the appropriate Weight input to change the line thickness. Click on the appropriate Color box to open the Color dialog and select a new line color.