Graph Creation and Formatting

Presenting data in an understandable format requires thought and attention to detail. Follow these guidelines when preparing graphs for lab reports and presentations.

Formatting

• Use a white background for all graphs.
• Most data will have both x and y values and thus should be presented using an xy scatter plot.
• Label all axes and include units where appropriate.
• Axis scale labels should be in the margin of the graph and not inside the graph border.
• Eliminate parts of the range in both x and y axis that aren't used or that aren't meaningful.
• Place a caption with a brief description below the graph. Add this caption using the wiki formatting, not in your graphing software.
• Use data symbols to show data points unless there is so much data that the symbols overlap. If the data symbols overlap it is better to connect the data points with a line and not show the data symbols.
• When presenting multiple plots on a single graph make sure that it is easy to distinguish the plots using the legend.
• If curve fitting is used explain why and include the equation (elsewhere in the report).
• If a model or theoretical curve is presented it should be a smooth curve without data points.
• Use the same font in the graphs as you use in the text of the report.
• Insert the graph in your report after the first reference to it in the text. Inserted the graph after the next paragraph break
• Scale the size of the graph so it is large enough to see the data and read the text.

How to Include Graphs from MathCAD

• Select the graph in MathCAD by dragging a box with your mouse over the
  graph. This prevents the graph from going into edit mode and losing
  the formatting!
• Copy the graph from MathCAD
• Paste it into PowerPoint
• Right click on the graph and select Save as picture.
• Select the png option for the file type and give the file a descriptive name
• Upload the file into the page that you want to post the graph on.