Setting a graph's shape and size

Changing the overall size and shape of a graph

Use the Zoom buttons to change the view of a graph while working on it in Prism. This does not change its size when printed or exported.

Use the following methods to actually change the size and shape of the graph.

Stretch an axis:

Click on the axis to select it. Knobs appear on both ends. Move the mouse over the right knob of the X-axis or the top knob of the Y-axis. Drag the axis to make it longer or shorter.

To set the exact size and shape of a graph:

Double-click on the origin to bring up the Frame and Origin tab of the Format Axes dialog. Select a custom shape, and enter both width and height. Or select a standard (tall, square, or wide) shape, enter either height or width, and Prism will automatically change the other value. On a wide or tall graph, the long axis is 1.5 times the length of the short axis.

To set the default shape for new graphs:

Pull down the Edit/Preferences menu and from the Graph tab choose Wide, Tall, or Square. On a wide or tall graph, the long axis is 1.5 times the length of the short axis.

To quickly make a graph larger or smaller:

Click the Resize Graph button in the Change section of the Prism toolbar. This button enlarges or shrinks both the graph and also the graph's symbols and fonts. Resizing by stretching an axis doesn't change symbol or font size.

If you click More Choices, a dialog lets you pick the exact size you want and lets you resize the graph without changing font size. This can be useful when the journal specifies both the exact graph size it wants and the point size of fonts.