Use the graph tool palette

Updated 28 Aug 2023

The Freehand Graph tool and the Grapher include a palette that contains drawing tools you can use to create your graphs. When you move your mouse pointer over a toolbar object, a short description displays. If you click a toolbar object, brief instructions on using the object show at the top of the window.

  1. Click the tool in the tool palette.
  2. Move your mouse to the point where you want to begin drawing and click to anchor the starting point.
  3. Move your mouse to the location of the next point on the object and click to anchor that point. Continue to position and anchor points to shape the object.
  4. After you have drawn your object, you can move, resize, or reshape it.

You can use the arrow keys to move selected objects.

Click Reset at the bottom of the tool palette to remove all objects from your graph.

The following sections explain how to use the individual Grapher tools.

Tool Use How to use
Select objects Click the object or point on the object to draw, move, or select the object for other operations.
Apply color to selected objects Select the object and then click the color tool icon to open a color palette. Select a color to apply it to the selected object.
Delete selected objects Select the object and click the deletion tool to remove the selected object.
Tool Use How to use
Draw a straight line Click to anchor the beginning of the line; click again to position the end of the line.
Draw a 3-point curve Click to anchor the beginning of the curve; click again to position the second point; click to position the end point.
Draw a 4-point curve Click to anchor the beginning of the curve; click again to position the second and third points; click to position the end point.
Plot points Click where you want to locate the plot point.
Draw lines between multiple points Click to anchor the beginning of the first line; click again to position the end of the first line and the beginning of the next. Continue until you have completed all segments of your lines. Press the Escape key to complete the series of connected lines.
Draw an arrow with a single head Click to position the beginning of the arrow (without the head); click again to position the head of the arrow.
Draw an arrow with a head at both ends. Click to position the beginning of the arrow; click again to position the end of the arrow.
Draw a filled rectangle Click to position a corner of the rectangle; click again to position the opposite corner. Click the color selection tool and click on a color in the palette to change the color of the fill.
Draw a filled triangle Click to position a corner of the triangle; click again to position the next corner; click again to complete the triangle. Click the color selection tool and click on a color in the palette to change the color of the fill.
Draw a filled polygon Click each point in your polygon. To complete the polygon, either press Escape or click again on the first point.
Enter text Click where you want to insert text. Click on the question-marks to open a box where you can enter your text. Press Enter when you are finished.

 

See also: Plot freehand graphs in economics | Set graph properties | Work with the Grapher in finance, accounting, OM, and engineering