8.3.5.3.1 The (3D Function Plot) Function Tab

PD-Dialog-3DFunc-Tab

A matrix of Z values is simultaneously generated when you create a 3D Function Plot.

Mesh Grid

When you plot a 3D function plot, Origin first creates a matrix from which to generate the plot. Specify the matrix dimensions in the Columns and Rows edit box. This will determine the density of the 3D surface grid.

Scale

From and To

Specify the beginning and ending of the x and y ranges.

Auto

Select this check box to allow Origin to automatically decide the XY range. This is selected by default when Add to Active Graph is selected. You can clear this check box to specify the beginning and ending of the X/Y range in the From and To text boxes.

Z(x,y)

Enter the surface formula here.

Common mathematical and statistical distribution functions are available by clicking the triangle button to the right of the Z(x,y) text box. For detailed information about these functions, please read build-in LabTalk functions.

In addition, you can type a function directly in the text box using any operators recognized by Origin. For multiplication, you must include the multiplication operator (*). You can also call any of the Origin's, even those not available from the triangle button fly-out menu, or from any functions that you have defined. You can also use a named range in your expression.

If you click the Show-in-separate-window button under the triangle button, a new Z(x,y)= dialog with a wider input box and a Preview panel will open. The preview panel shows a matrix calculated from Z(x,y) you defined. Click the triangle button you can toggle between Data mode and Image mode, and choose to show XY values or indexes. You can check the result and edit the formula in the input box if needed.

Definition

Define names and values of variables. These variables can be used in function definition. If a variable is not defined yet but is used in function body, it will be highlighted in red.

Show LabTalk Script

Select this check box to define variables using LabTalk scripts. If you have already defined some variables in the Definition table, select this check box to show the LabTalk script equivalents of these definitions.

In addition to built-in functions or user-defined functions, any LabTalk scripts are supported here. You can use range variables, string variables, loops, and LabTalk-accessible X-Functions. Scripts entered here will be run before the formula definition.

There is a quick way to load a conditional control or loop script when you are doing script in Before Formula Script box. Right click on Before Formula Script box to select Conditional/Loop at the bottom of the context menu, and then select a conditional structure or loop you desired in the flyout. The syntax will be added at cursor with simple comments.

Output Function plot

The drop-down option list on the bottom-left corner is used to specify how to output the function plot curve, Create New Graph, Add to Active Graph or Add to Active Graph and Rescale.

Since Origin 2022, you can click Add button to add a function plot into active graph window or a new graph window without closing the dialog. In this way, you can add multiple function plots into one graph window at one time.