> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tlcfem.gitbook.io/suanpan-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tlcfem.gitbook.io/suanpan-manual/command-collection/process/plot.md).

# plot

The `plot` command can be used to plot and save visualization as files.

**Only binaries compiled with VTK libraries can use this command. Otherwise, it does nothing.**

Since `Paraview` can be used to perform all kinds of post-processing, the objective is not to implement a full-featured visualisation support.

## Syntax

The `plot` command uses a different parsing mechanism.

```
plot [-keyword [-parameters]...]
```

Available keywords and corresponding parameters are listed as follows.

1. `scale` controls the scale of deformed configuration. A single double value is required as parameter. Default is zero (undeformed). Example: `scale 2`
2. `type` controls which quantity shall be extracted and plotted. A single string is required as parameter. Available values can be seen in output types. Example: `type U1`
3. `fontsize` controls the font size of legend, title, etc. This has no effect if the plot is saved. Example: `fontsize 14`
4. `nobar` disables legend in plot window.
5. `size` controls the size of plot window. Two double values are required. Examples: `size 300 400`
6. `save` indicates the file name. A string value is required. The extension suffix will be automatically appended. Example: `save S11`

## Remarks

Invoking this command with proper parameters spawn an interactive rendering window using VTK. It offers a quick view of the model. The spawned window can be closed by pressing `q` key. The spawned window does not block the application so it is possible to plot multiple quantities at the same time. However, new analysis won't be performed until all the windows are closed.

## Example

![plot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/flathub/io.github.tlcfem.suanPan/screenshot/plot.png)


---

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