Index:
The four ways to import data
Importing and plotting data
Renaming a data serie
Deleting data series
Extracting data
The four ways to import data
You can import data within
using any of these four methods:
1) Importing a previously saved tab separated file (txt file). You can easily create such a file by using a spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. Then, import your file by using the import button or by choosing Import data file (cmd+I) in the data menu.
2) Drag a txt file into the data window and drop it. You can import multiple files in one go by this method
3) Simply copy the data in your spreadsheet and then paste it into the
data window
4) Select the data in your spreadsheet application or any other application and use the &Mac198;Plot/plot data in your service menu . See the note on using services under Mac OSX v. 10.2 for further information.
Importing and plotting data
Once you have chosen by which means you want to import the data, a panel will open giving you the opportunity to control the import (see bellow).
First, you have to choose whether the first row in your data set represents the column names or simply a data point. Next, by pressing the Option button you can decide how data point with zeros will be treated. You can choose to remove data point with at least 2 zeros, with one zero, or to keep all the data points. Data point with 3 zeros or with unsuitable data will be automatically removed.
Then, you can choose which column in your data set represents which data by using the appropriate pull-down menu. Sample Name is the name of the samples. height/Age is a numerical column by which your data will be automatically sorted. You can choose any type of numerical data for this column, be it age, depth of the sample or an independent parameter (such as a mineral content or else). The default sorting is an ascending sort, but you can modify this at any time by using the appropriate "sorting" pull down menu on the data window. It is important to understand that your data set will be sorted using this column and that this impacts on your ability to analyze trends (see Working with plots).
The next step is to choose the appropriate data column for each one of the three corner of the ternary diagram, and then press the OK button to import the data set. A new data serie will appear and will be directly plotted in your ternary diagram. You can import as many different data series as needed using these steps.

Importing data
Renaming a data serie
To rename a serie, simply double click its name in the data browser of the data window. A new panel will appear asking you for a new name.
Deleting data serie
To delete a serie, simply select it in the data window and press the delete button or choose Delete data serie (cmd+shift+D) from the data menu. An alert panel will ask you to confirm this action.
Extracting data
To extract data, first select the appropriate data serie. Then, you can either select Extract text file (cmd+shift+T) under the data menu, or simply copy the data in
(simply select the data window and press cmd+C) and paste them in the appropriate software (such as excel).