Rename groups in Grapher

Mar 08, '07 07:30:00AM

Contributed by: jhp

So, I recently discovered this great app in OS X 10.4 called Grapher. I won't review the merits of this hidden gem here, however, it seems like it managed to slip into the final release in a slightly unpolished version. One problem that I encountered is that while it is possible to sort functions into groups, it is not possible to rename these groups.

A slightly cumbersome workaround for this is to backup your Grapher file and then close it. Open the file in your favourite text editor and search for the string untitled. You will see that all group names are actually saved in clear text, allowing you to edit them in the text editor by replacing Untitled Group.

However, you do need to make sure that your group name of choice is exactly 14 characters long. If you can't think of catchy 14-character group names, you can also fill up shorter names with spaces, underscores, or whatever other filler you prefer (e.g., Parameters____).

Save, and reopen the file in Grapher and ... voila! Hope this helps, and hopefully there will be an improved Grapher in 10.5.

[robg adds: This seems really strange to me, as Apple went through the effort to include a "gear" icon that has a New Group menu option, but then no way to rename those groups -- or new sets, for that matter.]

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