LabTalk Scripting Guide

Copyright 2010 by OriginLab Corporation

All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without the written permission of OriginLab Corporation.
OriginLab, Origin, and LabTalk are either registered trademarks or trademarks of OriginLab
Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of
their respective owners.

OriginLab Corporation
One Roundhouse Plaza
Northampton, MA 01060
USA
(413) 586-2013
(800) 969-7720
Fax (413) 585-0126
www.OriginLab.com

Table of Contents
1 Introduction.......................................................................................................... 1
2 Getting Started with LabTalk............................................................................... 3
2.1 Hello World .....................................................................................................................3
2.1.1
2.1.2

Script Window .................................................................................................................3

Custom Routine ..............................................................................................................3

2.2 Hello LabTalk..................................................................................................................4

2.3 Using = to Get Quick Output ..........................................................................................4
2.4 Working with Data ..........................................................................................................5
2.4.1
2.4.2

Input and Operators ........................................................................................................5

Import..............................................................................................................................6

2.5 Where to Go from Here? ................................................................................................7

3 Language Fundamentals..................................................................................... 9
3.1 General Language Features...........................................................................................9
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6

Data Types and Variables...............................................................................................9

Programming Syntax.....................................................................................................19
Operators ......................................................................................................................25
Conditional and Loop Structures...................................................................................32
Macros ..........................................................................................................................37
Functions ......................................................................................................................39

3.2 Special Language Features..........................................................................................46

3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6

Range Notation .............................................................................................................46

Substitution Notation.....................................................................................................57
LabTalk Objects ............................................................................................................67
Origin Objects ...............................................................................................................70
String registers............................................................................................................119
X-Functions.................................................................................................................124

3.3 LabTalk Script Precedence ........................................................................................124

4 Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts ...................................................... 127

4.1 Running Scripts ..........................................................................................................127
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7
4.1.8
4.1.9
4.1.10
4.1.11
4.1.12
4.1.13

From Script and Command Window ...........................................................................128

From Files ...................................................................................................................129
From Set Values Dialog ..............................................................................................134
From Worksheet Script ...............................................................................................136
From Script Panel .......................................................................................................137
From Graphical Objects ..............................................................................................137
ProjectEvents Script....................................................................................................139
From Import Wizard ....................................................................................................140
From Nonlinear Fitter ..................................................................................................141
From an External Application ......................................................................................142
From Console .............................................................................................................143
On A Timer..................................................................................................................147
From a Custom Menu Item .........................................................................................148
iii

LabTalk Scripting Guide

4.1.14 From a Toolbar Button ................................................................................................ 149

4.2 Debugging Scripts...................................................................................................... 151

4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3

Interactive Execution................................................................................................... 151

Debugging Tools......................................................................................................... 152
Error Handling............................................................................................................. 157

5 Working With Data............................................................................................159

5.1 Numeric Data ............................................................................................................. 159
5.1.1
5.1.2

Converting to String .................................................................................................... 159

Operations .................................................................................................................. 161

5.2 String Processing....................................................................................................... 162

5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4

String Variables and String Registers ......................................................................... 162

String Processing........................................................................................................ 163
Conversion to Numeric ............................................................................................... 165
String Arrays ............................................................................................................... 166

5.3 Date and Time Data................................................................................................... 167

5.3.1
5.3.2

Dates and Times......................................................................................................... 167

Formatting for Output.................................................................................................. 169

6 Workbooks and Matrixbooks...........................................................................171

6.1 Worksheet Manipulation ............................................................................................ 171
6.1.1
6.1.2

Basic Worksheet Operation ........................................................................................ 171

Worksheet Data Manipulation..................................................................................... 174

6.2 Matrix Manipulation.................................................................................................... 177

6.2.1
6.2.2

Basic Matrix Operation................................................................................................ 177

Data Manipulation....................................................................................................... 180

6.3 Worksheet and Matrix Conversion............................................................................. 183

6.3.1
6.3.2

Worksheet to Matrix .................................................................................................... 184

Matrix to Worksheet .................................................................................................... 184

6.4 Virtual Matrix .............................................................................................................. 185

7 Graphing ...........................................................................................................187
7.1 Creating Graphs......................................................................................................... 187
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.1.4

Creating a Graph with the PLOTXY X-Function.......................................................... 187

Create Graph Groups with the PLOTGROUP X-Function .......................................... 190
Create 3D Graphs with Worksheet -p Command........................................................ 190
Create 3D Graph and Contour Graphs from Virtual Matrix ......................................... 191

7.2 Formatting Graphs ..................................................................................................... 192

7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
iv

Graph Window ............................................................................................................ 192

Page Properties .......................................................................................................... 192
Layer Properties.......................................................................................................... 192
Axis Properties............................................................................................................ 193
Data Plot Properties.................................................................................................... 194
Legend and Label ....................................................................................................... 195

Table of Contents

7.3 Managing Layers ........................................................................................................195

7.3.1
7.3.2
7.3.3
7.3.4
7.3.5
7.3.6
7.3.7
7.3.8

Creating a panel plot...................................................................................................195

Adding Layers to a Graph Window .............................................................................196
Arranging the layers ....................................................................................................196
Moving a layer.............................................................................................................196
Swap two layers ..........................................................................................................197
Aligning layers.............................................................................................................197
Linking Layers.............................................................................................................197
Setting Layer Unit .......................................................................................................197

7.4 Creating and Accessing Graphical Objects................................................................198

7.4.1
7.4.2
7.4.3

Labels .........................................................................................................................198
Graph Legend .............................................................................................................199
Draw............................................................................................................................201

8 Importing .......................................................................................................... 203

8.1 X-Functions for Importing ...........................................................................................203
8.2 Importing Data ............................................................................................................205
8.2.1
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.2.4
8.2.5
8.2.6
8.2.7

Import an ASCII Data File Into a Worksheet or Matrix ................................................205

Import ASCII Data with Options Specified...................................................................205
Import Multiple Data Files ...........................................................................................206
Import an ASCII File to Worksheet and Convert to Matrix...........................................206
Related: the Open Command .....................................................................................207
Import with Themes and Filters...................................................................................207
Import from a Database ..............................................................................................208

8.3 Importing Images ........................................................................................................209

8.3.1
8.3.2
8.3.3
8.3.4

Import Image to Matrix and Convert to Data ...............................................................209

Import Single Image to Matrix .....................................................................................210
Import Multiple Images to Matrix Book ........................................................................210
Import Image to Graph Layer ......................................................................................210

9 Exporting.......................................................................................................... 213
9.1 Exporting Worksheets ................................................................................................213
9.1.1

Export a Worksheet ....................................................................................................213

9.2 Exporting Graphs........................................................................................................215

9.2.1
9.2.2

Export a Graph with Specific Width and Resolution (DPI)...........................................215

Exporting All Graphs in the Project .............................................................................215

9.3 Exporting Matrices ......................................................................................................216

9.3.1
9.3.2

Exporting a Non-Image Matrix ....................................................................................216

Exporting an Image Matrix ..........................................................................................216

10 The Origin Project............................................................................................ 219

10.1 Managing the Project..................................................................................................219
10.1.1 The DOCUMENT Command.......................................................................................219
10.1.2 Project Explorer X-Functions ......................................................................................221

LabTalk Scripting Guide

10.2 Accessing Metadata................................................................................................... 222

10.2.1 Column Label Rows.................................................................................................... 222
10.2.2 Even Sampling Interval ............................................................................................... 224
10.2.3 Trees........................................................................................................................... 225

10.3 Looping Over Objects ................................................................................................ 228

10.3.1 Looping over Objects in a Project ............................................................................... 229
10.3.2 Perform Peak Analysis on All Layers in Graph ........................................................... 233

11 Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions ..................................................235

11.1 X-Functions................................................................................................................ 235
11.1.1
11.1.2
11.1.3
11.1.4

X-Functions................................................................................................................. 235
X-Function Input and Output....................................................................................... 237
X-Function Execution Options .................................................................................... 240
X-Function Exception Handling................................................................................... 242

11.2 Origin C Functions ..................................................................................................... 243

11.2.1
11.2.2
11.2.3
11.2.4

Loading and Compiling Origin C Functions................................................................. 243

Passing Variables To and From Origin C Functions ................................................... 244
Updating an Existing Origin C File .............................................................................. 246
Using Origin C Functions ............................................................................................ 246

12 Analysis and Applications ...............................................................................247

12.1 Mathematics............................................................................................................... 247
12.1.1
12.1.2
12.1.3
12.1.4

Average Multiple Curves............................................................................................. 247

Differentiation.............................................................................................................. 248
Integration................................................................................................................... 249
Interpolation ................................................................................................................ 249

12.2 Statistics..................................................................................................................... 254

12.2.1
12.2.2
12.2.3
12.2.4

Descriptive statistics ................................................................................................... 254

Hypothesis Testing ..................................................................................................... 256
Nonparametric Tests................................................................................................... 257
Survival Analysis......................................................................................................... 259

12.3 Curve Fitting............................................................................................................... 261

12.3.1 Linear Fitting ............................................................................................................... 261
12.3.2 Non-linear Fitting......................................................................................................... 262

12.4 Signal Processing ...................................................................................................... 264

12.4.1 Smoothing................................................................................................................... 264
12.4.2 FFT and Filtering......................................................................................................... 265

12.5 Peaks and Baseline ................................................................................................... 266

12.5.1
12.5.2
12.5.3
12.5.4

X-Functions For Peak Analysis ................................................................................... 266

Creating a Baseline..................................................................................................... 267
Finding Peaks ............................................................................................................. 267
Integrating and Fitting Peaks ...................................................................................... 268

12.6 Image Processing ...................................................................................................... 268

12.6.1 Rotate and Make Image Compact .............................................................................. 268
12.6.2 Edge Detection ........................................................................................................... 270
vi

Table of Contents
12.6.3 Apply Rainbow Palette to Gray Image ........................................................................271
12.6.4 Converting Image to Data ...........................................................................................272

13 User Interaction ............................................................................................... 273

13.1 Getting Numeric and String Input ...............................................................................273
13.1.1 Get a Yes/No Response .............................................................................................273
13.1.2 Get a String.................................................................................................................274
13.1.3 Get Multiple Values .....................................................................................................274

13.2 Getting Points from Graph..........................................................................................277

13.2.1 Screen Reader............................................................................................................277
13.2.2 Data Reader................................................................................................................278
13.2.3 Data Selector ..............................................................................................................279

13.3 Bringing Up a Dialog...................................................................................................282

14 Working with Excel .......................................................................................... 285

15 Automation and Batch Processing................................................................. 287
15.1 Analysis Templates ....................................................................................................287
15.2 Using Set Column Values to Create an Analysis Template .......................................288
15.3 Batch Processing........................................................................................................288
15.3.1 Processing Each Dataset in a Loop ............................................................................288
15.3.2 Using Analysis Template in a Loop.............................................................................289
15.3.3 Using Batch Processing X-Functions ..........................................................................290

16 Reference Tables ............................................................................................. 293

16.1 Column Label Row Characters...................................................................................293
16.2 Date and Time Format Specifiers...............................................................................294
16.3 LabTalk Keywords ......................................................................................................295
16.3.1 Keywords in String ......................................................................................................295
16.3.2 Examples ....................................................................................................................296

16.4 Last Used System Variables ......................................................................................296

16.5 List of Colors...............................................................................................................298
16.6 List of Line Styles .......................................................................................................299
16.7 List of Symbol Shapes................................................................................................301
16.8 System Variables........................................................................................................303
16.8.1 Numeric System Variables..........................................................................................303
16.8.2 @ System Variables ...................................................................................................305
16.8.3 Automatically Assigned System Variables ..................................................................317

16.9 Text Label Options .....................................................................................................317

17 Function Reference ......................................................................................... 321

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions ....................................................................................321
17.1.1
17.1.2
17.1.3
17.1.4

Statistical Functions ....................................................................................................322

Mathematical Functions ..............................................................................................326
Origin Worksheet and Dataset Functions....................................................................331
Notes on Use ..............................................................................................................337
vii

LabTalk Scripting Guide

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions ................................................................................ 337

17.2.1
17.2.2
17.2.3
17.2.4
17.2.5
17.2.6
17.2.7
17.2.8
17.2.9
17.2.10
17.2.11
17.2.12

Data Exploration ......................................................................................................... 337

Data Manipulation....................................................................................................... 338
Database Access ........................................................................................................ 345
Fitting .......................................................................................................................... 345
Graph Manipulation..................................................................................................... 346
Image.......................................................................................................................... 348
Import and Export ....................................................................................................... 352
Mathematics ............................................................................................................... 355
Signal Processing ....................................................................................................... 356
Spectroscopy .............................................................................................................. 358
Statistics ..................................................................................................................... 359
Utility ........................................................................................................................... 361

Index .......................................................................................................................365

viii

Introduction

Origin provides two programming languages: LabTalk and Origin C. This guide covers the
LabTalk scripting language. The guide is example based and provides numerous examples of
accessing various aspects of Origin from script.
The guide should be used in conjunction with the LabTalk Language Reference help file, which
is accessible from the Origin Help menu. The most up-to-date source of documentation
including detailed examples can be found at our wiki site: wiki.OriginLab.com

Getting Started with LabTalk

We begin with a classic example to show you how to execute LabTalk script.

2.1 Hello World

We demonstrate two ways to run your LabTalk scripts: (1) from the Script Window, (2) from the
Custom Routine toolbar button.

2.1.1
1.
2.

Script Window
Open Origin, and from the Window pulldown menu, select the Script Window option. A
new window called Classic Script Window will open.
In this new window, type the following text exactly and then press Enter:
type "Hello World"

You can execute LabTalk commands or functions line-by-line (or a selection of

multiple lines) to proceed through script execution step-by-step interactively. In
script window, press ENTER key to execute:

The current line if cursor has no selection.

The selected block if there is a selection.

Origin will output the text Hello World directly beneath your command.

2.1.2

Custom Routine

Origin provides a convenient way to save a script and run it with the push of a button.
1.
2.

While holding down Ctrl+Shift on your keyboard, press the Custom Routine button (
on the Standard Toolbar.
This opens Code Builder, Origin's native script editor. The file being edited is called
Custom.ogs. The code has one section, [Main], and contains one line of script:

[Main]
type -b $General.Userbutton;

Replace that line with this one:

3

2.2 Hello LabTalk

[Main]
type -b "Hello World";
3.

And then select Save (

) in the Code Builder window.

4.

Now go back to the Origin project window and click

Origin will again output the text Hello World, but this time, because of the -b switch, to a popout window.

2.2 Hello LabTalk

Now that you are familiar with ways in which to write, save, and execute your LabTalk scripts,
we can begin using LabTalk to take advantage of the many other features of the Origin
software. Again, we provide simple examples for you to follow and get going quickly.
In the Classic Script Window type the following text exactly, and press Enter:
type -a "In %H, there are $(wks.ncols) columns."

Origin will output the following text in the same window, directly below your command:
In Book1, there are 2 columns.

%H is a String Register that holds the currently active window name (this could be a workbook,
a matrix, or a graph), while wks is a LabTalk Object that refers to the active worksheet; ncols
is one attribute of the wks object. The value of wks.ncols is then the number of columns in the
active worksheet. The $ is one of the substitution notations; it tells Origin to evaluate the
expression that follows and return its value.

2.3 Using = to Get Quick Output

The script window can be a calculator that returns result interactively. Type below script and
press Enter:
3 + 5 =

Origin computes and types the result in the next line after equal sign:
3+5=8

The = character is typically used as an assignment, with a left hand side and a right hand side.
When the right hand side is missing, the interpreter will evaluate the expression on the left and
print the result in the script window.
In the example below, we will introduce the concept of variables in LabTalk. Entering the
following assignment statement in the Script window:
A = 2

creates the variable A, and sets A equal to 2. Then you can do some arithmetic on variable A,
like multiply PI (a constant defined in Origin,) and assign back to A
A = A*PI

Getting Started with LabTalk

2.4.1 Input and Operators

To see the value of A:

A =

Press Enter and Origin responds with:

A=6.2831853071796

In addition, there are LabTalk Commands to view a list of variables and their values. Type list
or edit and press Enter:
list

Origin will open the LabTalk Variables and Functions dialog that lists all types of Origin
variables as shown below.

LabTalk supports various types of variables. See Data Types and Variables.

2.4 Working with Data

2.4.1

Input and Operators

Open a new Origin project. On a clean line of the Classic Script Window type the following
text exactly and press Enter:
Col(1) = {1:10}

In the above script, Col function is used to refer to the dataset in a worksheet column. Now
look at the worksheet in the Book1 window; the first 10 rows should contain the values 1--10.

Getting Started with LabTalk

2.4 Working with Data

You have just created a data series. So now you might want to do something with that series,
say, multiply all of its values by a constant. On another line of the Classic Script Window type
Col(2) = Col(1)*4

The first 10 rows of the second column of the worksheet in Book1 should now contain the
values corresponding to the first column, each multiplied by the constant 4.
Origin also provides several built-in functions for generating data. For instance, the following
code fills the first 100 rows of column 2 (in the active worksheet) with uniformly distributed
random numbers:
Col(2) = uniform(100)

2.4.2

Import

Most likely, you will want to do more than create simple data series; you will want to import
data from external applications and use Origin to plot and analyze that data. In LabTalk script,
the easiest and best way to do this is to use the impASC X-Function. For example:
// Specify the path to the desired data file.
string path$ = "D:\SampleData\Waveform.dat";
// Import the file into a new workbook (ImpMode = 3).
impasc fname:=path$ options.ImpMode:=3;

This example illustrates a script with more than one command. The path$ in the first line is a
String Variable that holds the file you want to import, then we pass this string variable as an
argument to the impASC X-Function. The semicolon at the end of each line tells Origin where a
command ends. Two forward-slash characters, //, tell Origin to treat the text afterward (until the
end of the line) as a comment. To run both of the commands above together, paste or type
them into the Script Window, select both lines (as you would a block of text to copy, they
should be highlighted) and press enter. Origin runs the entire selection (and ignores the
comments).
There are also many files containing sample data that come with your Origin installation. They
are located in the Samples folder under the path that you installed Origin locally (the system
path). This example accesses one such file:
string fn$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Spectroscopy\HiddenPeaks.dat";
// Start with a new worksheet (ImpMode = 4).
impasc fname:=fn$ options.ImpMode:=4;

The data tree named options stores all of the input parameters, which can be changed by
direct access as in the example.
Once you have your data inside Origin, you will want a convenient way to access it from script.
The best way to do this is using the new Range Notation introduced since Origin 8:
// Assign your data of interest to a range variable.
range rr = [Book1]Sheet2!Col(4);
// Assign the range data to column 1 of the active worksheet.
Col(1) = rr;
// Change the value of the 4th element of the range to the value 10.
rr[4] = 10;

Getting Started with LabTalk

2.4.2 Import

Although this example is trivial it shows off the power of range notation to access, move, and
process your data.

2.5 Where to Go from Here?

The answer to this question is the subject of the rest of the LabTalk Scripting Guide. The
examples above only scratch the surface, but have hopefully provided enough information for
you to get a quick start and excited you to learn more.

Getting Started with LabTalk

Language Fundamentals

In any programming language, there are general tasks that one will need to perform. They
include: importing, parsing, graphing, and exporting data; initializing, assigning, and deleting
variables; performing mathematical and textual operations on data and variables; imposing
conditions on program flow (i.e., if, if-else, break, continue); performing sets of tasks in a batch
(e.g., macro) or in a loop structure; calling and passing arguments to and from functions; and
creating user-defined functions. Then there are advanced tasks or functionalities specific to
each language. This section demonstrates and explains how to both carry out general
programming tasks and utilize unique, advanced features in LabTalk. In addition, we explain
how to run LabTalk scripts within an Origin project.

3.1 General Language Features

These pages contain information on implementing general features of the LabTalk scripting
language. You will find these types of features in almost every programming language.

3.1.1

Data Types and Variables

LabTalk Data Types

LabTalk supports 9 data types:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Double
Integer
Constant
Dataset
String
String Array
Range
Tree
Graphic Object

Numeric
LabTalk supports three numeric data types: double, int, and const.
1.
2.
3.

Double: double-precision floating-point number; this is the default variable type in Origin.
Integer: integers (int) are stored as double in LabTalk; truncation is performed during
assignment.
Constant: constants (const) are a third numeric data type in LabTalk. Once declared, the
value of a constant cannot be changed.

3.1 General Language Features

// Declare a new variable of type double:
double dd = 4.5678;
// Declare a new integer variable:
int vv = 10;
// Declare a new constant:
const em = 0.5772157;

Note: LabTalk does not have a complex datatype. You can use a complex number in a
LabTalk expression only in the case where you are adding or subtracting. LabTalk will simply
ignore the imaginary part and return only the real part. (The real part would be wrong in the
case of multiplication or division.) Use Origin C if you need the complex datatype.
// Only valid for addition or subtraction:
realresult = (3-13i) - (7+2i);
realresult=;
// realresult = -4

Dataset
The Dataset data type is designed to hold an array of numeric values.
Temporary Loose Dataset
When you declare a dataset variable it is stored internally as a local, temporary loose dataset.
Temporary means it will not be saved with the Origin project; loose means it is not affiliated
with a particular worksheet. Temporary loose datasets are used for computation only, and
cannot be used for plotting.
The following brief example demonstrates the use of this data type (Dataset Method and $
Substitution Notation are used in this example):
// Declare a dataset 'aa' with values from 1-10,
// with an increment of 0.2:
dataset aa={1:0.2:10};
// Declare integer 'nSize',
// and assign to it the length of the new array:
int nSize = aa.GetSize();
// Output the number of values in 'aa' to the Script Window:
type "aa has $(nSize) values";

Project Level Loose Dataset

When you create a dataset by vector assignment (without declaration) or by using the Create
(Command) it becomes a project level loose dataset, which can be used for computation or
plotting.
Create a project-level loose dataset by assignment,
bb = {10:2:100}

Or by using the Create command:

create %(strWks$) -wdn 10 aa bb;

10

Language Fundamentals

3.1.1 Data Types and Variables

For more on project-level and local-level variables see the section below on Scope of
Variables.
For more on working with Datasets, see Datasets.
For more on working with %( ), see Substitution Notation.

String
LabTalk supports string handling in two ways: string variables and string registers.
String Variables
String variables may be created by declaration and assignment or by assignment alone
(depending on desired variable scope), and are denoted in LabTalk by a name comprised of
continuous characters (see Naming Rules below) followed by a $-sign (i.e., stringName$):
// Create a string with local/session scope by declaration and assignment
// Creates a string named "greeting",
// and assigns to it the value "Hello":
string greeting$ = "Hello";
// $ termination is optional in declaration, mandatory for assignment
string FirstName, LastName;
FirstName$ = Isaac;
LastName$ = Newton;
// Create a project string by assignment without declaration:
greeting2$ = "World";//global scope and saved with OPJ

For more information on working with string variables, see the String Processing section.
String Registers
Strings may be stored in String registers, denoted by a leading %-sign followed by a letter of
the alphabet (i.e., %A-%Z).
/* Assign to the string register %A the string "Hello World": */
%A = "Hello World";

For current versions of Origin, we encourage the use of string variables for
working with strings, as they are supported by several useful built-in methods;
for more, see String(Object). If, however, you are already using string registers,
see String Registers for complete documentation on their use.

StringArray
The StringArray data type handles arrays of strings in the same way that the Datasets data
type handles arrays of numbers. Like the String data type, StringArray is supported by several
built-in methods; for more, see StringArray (Object).
The following example demonstrates the use of StringArray:

Language Fundamentals

11

3.1 General Language Features

// Declare string array named "aa",
// and use built-in methods Add, and GetSize:
StringArray aa;
aa.Add("Boston");

// aa is an empty string array

// aa now has one element: "Boston"

aa.Add("New York");

// aa has a second element: "New York"

type "aa has $(aa.GetSize()) strings in it";

/* Prints "aa has 2 strings in it" in the Script Window. */

Range
The range data type allows functional access to any Origin object, referring to a specific region
in a workbook, worksheet, graph, layer, or window.
The general syntax is:
range rangeName = [WindowName]LayerNameOrIndex!DataRange
which can be made specific to data in a workbook, matrix, or graph:
range rangeName =
[BookName]SheetNameOrIndex!ColumnNameOrIndex[RowBegin:RowEnd]
range rangeName = [MatrixBookName]MatrixSheetNameOrIndex!MatrixObjectNameOrIndex
range rangeName =[GraphName]LayerNameOrIndex!DataPlotIndex
The special syntax [??] is used to create a range variable to access a loose dataset.
For example:
// Access Column 3 on Book1, Sheet2:
range cc = [Book1]Sheet2!Col(3);
// Access second curve on Graph1, layer1:
range ll = [Graph1]Layer1!2;
// Access second matrix object on MBook1, MSheet1:
range mm = [MBook1]MSheet1!2;
// Access loose dataset tmpdata_a:
range xx = [??]!tmpdata_a;

Notes:

CellRange can be a single cell, (part of) a row or column, a group of cells, or a
noncontiguous selection of cells.
Worksheets, Matrix Sheets and Graph Layers can each be referenced by name or index.
You can define a range variable to represent an origin object, or use range directly as an XFunction argument.
Much more details on the range data type and uses of range variables can be found in
the Range Notation.

Tree
LabTalk supports the standard tree data type, which emulates a tree structure with a set of
branches and leaves. Branches contain leaves, and leaves contain data. Both branches and
leaves are called nodes.

12

Language Fundamentals

3.1.1 Data Types and Variables

Leaf: A node that has no children, so it can contain a value
Branch: A node that has child nodes and does not contain a value

A leaf node may contain a variable that is of numeric, string, or dataset (vector) type.
Trees are commonly used in Origin to set and store parameters. For example, when a dataset
is imported into the Origin workspace, a tree called options holds the parameters which
determine how the import is performed.
Specifically, the following commands import ASCII data from a file called "SampleData.dat",
and set values in the options tree to control the way the import is handled. Setting the
ImpMode leaf to a value of 4 tells Origin to import the data to a new worksheet. Setting the
NumCols leaf (on the Cols branch) to a value of 3 tells Origin to only import the first three
columns of the SampleData.dat file.
impasc fname:="SampleData.dat"
/* Start with new sheet */
options.ImpMode:=4
/* Only import the first three columns */
options.Cols.NumCols:=3

Declare a tree variable named aa:

// Declare an empty tree
tree aa;
// Tree nodes are added automatically during assignment:
aa.bb.cc=1;
aa.bb.dd$="some string";
// Declare a new tree 'trb' and assign to it data from tree 'aa':
tree trb = aa;

The tree data type is often used in X-Functions as a input and output data structure. For
example:
// Put import file info into 'trInfo'.
impinfo t:=trInfo;

Tree nodes can be string. The following example shows how to copy treenode with string data
to worksheet column:
//Import the data file into worksheet
newbook;
string fn$=system.path.program$ + "\samples\statistics\automobile.dat";
impasc fname:=fn$;
tree tr;
//Perform statistics on a column and save results to a tree variable
discfreqs 2 rd:=tr;
// Assign strings to worksheet column.
newsheet name:=Result;
col(1) = tr.freqcount1.data1;
col(2) = tr.freqcount1.count1;

Language Fundamentals

13

3.1 General Language Features

Tree nodes can also be vectors. Prior to Origin 8.1 SR1 the only way to access a vector in a
Tree variable was to make a direct assignment, as shown in the example code below:
tree tr;
// If you assign a dataset to a tree node,
// it will be a vector node automatically:
tr.a=data(1,10);
// A vector treenode can be assigned to a column:
col(1)=tr.a;
// A vector treenode can be assigned to a loose dataset, which is
// convenient since a tree node cannot be used for direct calculations
dataset temp=tr.a;
// Perform calculation on the loose dataset:
col(2)=temp*2;

Now, however, you can access elements of a vector tree node directly, with statements such
as:
// Following the example immediately above,
col(3)[1] = tr.a[3];

that assigns the third element of vector tr.a to the first row of column 3 in the current
worksheet.
You can also output analysis results to a tree variable, like the example below.
newbook;
//Import the data file into worksheet
string fn$=system.path.program$ + "\samples\Signal Processing\fftfilter1.dat";
impasc fname:=fn$;
tree mytr;
//Perform FFT and save results to a tree variable
fft1 ix:=col(2) rd:=mytr;
page.active=1;
col(3) = mytr.fft.real;
col(4) = mytr.fft.imag;

More information on trees can be found in the chapter on the Origin Project, Accessing
Metadata section.

Graphic Objects
New LabTalk variable type to allow control of graphic objects in any book/layer.
The general syntax is:
GObject name = [GraphPageName]LayerIndex!ObjectName;
GObject name = [GraphPageName]LayerName!ObjectName;
GObject name = LayerName!ObjectName; // active graph
GObject name = LayerIndex!ObjectName; // active graph
GObject name = ObjectName; // active layer

14

Language Fundamentals

3.1.1 Data Types and Variables

You can declare GObject variables for both existing objects as well as for not-yet created
object.
For example:
GObject myLine = line1;
draw -n myLine -l {1,2,3,4};
win -t plot;
myLine.X+=2;
/* Even though myLine is in a different graph
that is not active, you can still control it! */

For a full description of Graphic Objects and their properties and methods, please see Graphic
Objects.

Variables
A variable is simply an instance of a particular data type. Every variable has a name, or
identifier, which is used to assign data to it, or access data from it. The assignment operator is
the equal sign (=), and it is used to simultaneously create a variable (if it does not already exist)
and assign a value to it.

Variable Naming Rules

Variable, dataset, command, and macro names are referred to generally as identifiers. When
assigning identifiers in LabTalk:

Use any combination of letters and numbers, but note that:

o the identifier cannot be more than 25 characters in length.
o the first character cannot be a number.
o the underscore character "_" has a special meaning in dataset names and should
be avoided.
Use the Exist (Function) to check if an identifier is being used to name a window, macro,
tool, dataset, or variable.
Note that several common identifiers are reserved for system use by Origin, please see
System Variables for a complete list.

Handling Variable Name Conflicts

The @ppv system variable controls how Origin handles naming conflicts between project,
session, and local variables. Like all system variables, @ppv can be changed from script
anytime and takes immediate effect.
Variable

Description

@ppv=0

This is the DEFAULT option and allows both session variables and local variables to
use existing project variable names. In the event of a conflict, session or local
variables are used.

@ppv=1

This option makes declaring a session variable with the same name as an existing
project variable illegal. Upon loading a new project, session variables with a name

Language Fundamentals

15

3.1 General Language Features

conflict will be disabled until the project is closed or the project variable with the
same name is deleted.

@ppv=2

This option makes declaring a local variable with the same name as an existing
project variable illegal. Upon loading of new project, local variables with a name
conflict will be disabled until the project is closed or the project variable with the
same name is deleted.

@ppv=3

This is the combination of @ppv=1 and @ppv=2. In this case, all session and local
variables will not be allowed to use project variable names. If a new project is
loaded, existing session or local variables of the same name will be disabled.

Listing and Deleting Variables

Use the LabTalk commands list and del for listing variables and deleting variables
respectively.
/* Use the LabTalk command "list" with various options to list
variables; the list will print in the Script Window by default: */
list a;

// List all the session variables

list v;
list vs;

// List all project and session variables

// List all project and session string variables

list vt;

// List all project and session tree variables

// Use the LabTalk command "del" to delete variables:

del -al <variableName>;
del -al *;

// Delete specific local or session variable

// Delete all the local and session variables

// There is also a viewer for LabTalk variables:

// "ed" command can also open the viewer
list;
// Open the LabTalk Variables Viewer

Please see the List (Command), and Del (Command) (in Language Reference: Command
Reference) for all listing and deleting options.
If no options specified, List or Edit command will open the LabTalk Variables and Functions
dialog to list all variables and functions.

Scope of Variables
The scope of a variable determines which portions of the Origin project can see and be seen
by that variable. With the exception of the string, double (numeric), and dataset data types,
LabTalk variables must be declared. The way a variable is declared determines its scope.
Variables created without declaration (double, string, and dataset only!) are assigned the
Project/Global scope. Declared variables are given Local or Session scope. Scope in LabTalk
consists of three (nested) levels of visibility:
16

Language Fundamentals

3.1.1 Data Types and Variables

Project variables
Session variables
Local variables

Project (Global) Variables

Project variables , also called Global variables , are saved with the Origin Project (*.OPJ).
Project variables or Global variables are said to have Project scope or Global scope .
Project variables are automatically created without declarations for variables of type
double, string, and dataset as in:
// Define a project (global scope) variable of type double:
myvar = 3.5;
// Define a loose dataset (global scope):
temp = {1,2,3,4,5};
// Define a project (global scope) variable of type string:
str$ = "Hello";

All other variable types must be declared, which makes their default scope either Session or
Local. For these you can force Global scope using the @global system variable (below).

Session Variables

Session variables are not saved with the Origin Project, and are available in the current
Origin session across projects. Thus, once a session variable has been defined, they exist
until the Origin application is terminated or the variable is deleted.
When there are a session variable and a project variable of the same name, the session
variable takes precedence.
Session variables are defined with variable declarations, such as:
// Defines a variable of type double:
double var1 = 4.5;
// Define loose dataset:
dataset mytemp = {1,2,3,4,5};

It is possible to have a Project variable and a Session variable of the same name. In such a
case, the session variable takes precedence. See the script example below:
aa = 10;
type "First, aa is a project variable equal to $(aa)";
double aa = 20;
type "Then aa is a session variable equal to $(aa)";
del -al aa;
type "Now aa is project variable equal to $(aa)";

And the output is:

First, aa is a project variable equal to 10
Then aa is a session variable equal to 20
Now aa is project variable equal to 10

Language Fundamentals

17

3.1 General Language Features

Local Variables
Local variables exist only within the current scope of a particular script.
Script-level scope exists for scripts:
enclosed in curly braces {},
in separate *.OGS files or individual sections of *.OGS files,
inside the Column/Matrix Values Dialog, or
behind a custom button (Button Script).
Local variables are declared and assigned value in the same way as session variables:
loop(i,1,10){
double a = 3.5;
const e = 2.718;
// some other lines of script...
}
// "a" and "e" exist only inside the code enclosed by {}

It is possible to have local variables with the same name as session variables or project
variables. In this case, the local variable takes precedence over the session or project variable
of the same name, within the scope of the script. For example, if you run the following script:
[Main]
double aa = 10;
type "In the main section, aa equals $(aa)";
run.section(, section1);
run.section(, section2);
[section1]
double aa = 20;
type "In section1, aa equals $(aa)";
[section2]
type "In Section 2, aa equals $(aa)";

Origin will output:

In the main section, aa equals 10
In section1, aa equals 20
In Section 2, aa equals 10

Forcing Global Scope

At times you may want to define variables or functions in a *.OGS file, but then be able to use
them from the Script Window (they would, by default, exist only while the *.OGS file was being
run). To do so, you need to use the @global system variable, which when given a value of 1,
forces all variables to have global or project level scope (its default value is 0). For Example:
[Main]
@global = 1;
// the following declarations become global
range a = 1, b= 2;

18

Language Fundamentals

3.1.2 Programming Syntax

if(a[2] > 0)
{
// begin a local scope
range c = 3; // this declaration is still global
}

Upon exiting the *.OGS, the @global variable is automatically restored to its default value, 0.
Note that one can also control a block of code by placing @global at the beginning and end
such as:
@global=1;
double alpha=1.2;
double beta=2.3;
Function double myPeak(double x, double x0)
{
double y = 10*exp(-(x-x0)^2/4);
return y;
}
@global=0;
double gamma=3.45;

In the above case variables alpha, beta and the user-defined function myPeak will have global
scope, where as the variable gamma will not.

3.1.2

Programming Syntax

A LabTalk script is a single block of code that is received by the LabTalk interpreter. A LabTalk
script is composed of one or more complete programming statements, each of which performs
an action.
Each statement in a script should end with a semicolon, which separates it from other
statements. However, single statements typed into the Script window for execution should not
end with a semicolon.
Each statement in a script is composed of words. Words are any group of text separated by
white space. Text enclosed in parentheses is treated as a single word, regardless of white
space. For example:
type This is a statement;
ty s1; ty s2; ty s3;

// Single LabTalk statement

// Three statements

Parentheses are used to create long words containing white space. For example, in the script:
menu 3 (Long Menu Name);

the open parenthesis signifies the beginning of a single word, and the close parenthesis
signifies the end of the word.

Language Fundamentals

19

3.1 General Language Features

Statement Types
LabTalk supports five types of statements :

Assignment Statements
Macro Statements
Command Statements
Arithmetic Statement
Function Statements

Assignment Statements
The assignment statement takes the general form:
LHS = expression;
expression (RHS, right hand side) is evaluated and put into LHS (left hand side). If LHS does
not exist, it is created if possible, otherwise an error will be reported.
When a new data object is created with an assignment statement, the object created is:
A string variable if LHS ends with a $ as in stringVar$ = "Hello."
A numeric variable if expression evaluates to a scalar.
A dataset if expression evaluates to a range.
When new values are assigned to an existing data object, the following conventions apply:

If LHS is a dataset and expression is a scalar, every value in LHS is set equal to expression.
If LHS is a numeric variable, then expression must evaluate into a scalar. If expression
evaluates into a dataset, LHS retrieves the first element of the dataset.
If both LHS and expression represent datasets, each value in LHS is set equal to the
corresponding value in expression.
If LHS is a string, then expression is assumed to be a string expression.
If the LHS is the object.property notation, with or without $ at the end, then this notation
is used to set object properties, such as the number of columns in a worksheet, like
wks.ncols=3;

Examples of Assignment Statements

Assign the variable B equal to the value 2.
B = 2;

Assign Test equal to 8.

Test = B^3;

Assign %A equal to Austin TX.

%A = Austin TX;

Assign every value in Book1_B to 4.

Book1_B = 4;

Assign each value in Book2_B to the corresponding position in Book1_B.

Book1_B = Book2_B;

Sets the row heading width for the Book1 worksheet to 100, using the worksheet object's rhw
property. The doc -uw command refreshes the window.
Book1!wks.rhw = 100;

20

doc -uw;

Language Fundamentals

3.1.2 Programming Syntax

The calculation is carried out for the values at the corresponding index numbers in more and
yetmore. The result is put into myData at the same index number.
myData = 3 * more + yetmore;

Note: If a string register to the left of the assignment operator is enclosed in parentheses, the
string register is substitution processed before assignment. For example:
%B = DataSet;
(%B) = 2 * %B;

The values in DataSet are multiplied by 2 and put back into DataSet. %B still holds the string
"DataSet".
Similar to string registers, assignment statement is also used for string variables, like:
fname$=fdlg.path$+"test.csv";

In this case, the expression is a string expression which can be string literals, string variables,
or concatenation of multiple strings with the + character.

Macro Statements
Macros provide a way to alias a script, that is, to associate a given script with a specific name.
This name can then be used as a command that invokes the script.
For more information on macros, see Macros

Command Statements
The third statement type is the command statement. LabTalk offers commands to control or
modify most program functions.
Each command statement begins with the command itself, which is a unique identifier that can
be abbreviated to as little as two letters (as long as the abbreviation remains unique, which is
true in most cases). Most commands can take options (also known as switches), which are
single letters that modify the operation of the command. Options are always preceded by the
dash "-" character. Commands can also take arguments . Arguments are either a script or a
data object. In many cases, options can also take their own arguments.
Command statements take the general form:
command [option] [argument(s)];

The brackets [] indicate that the enclosed component is optional; not all commands take both
options and arguments. The brackets are not typed with the command statement (they merely
denote an optional component).
Methods (Object) are another form of command statement. They execute immediate actions
relating to the named object. Object method statements use the following syntax:
ObjectName.Method([options]);

For example:
The following script adds a column named new to the active worksheet and refreshes the
window:
wks.addcol(new);
doc -uw;

Language Fundamentals

21

3.1 General Language Features

The following examples illustrate different forms of command statements:

Integrate the dataset myData from zero.
integ myData;

Adding the -r option and its argument, baseline, causes myData to be integrated from a
reference curve named baseline.
integ -r baseline myData;

The repeat command takes two arguments to execute:

1.
2.

the number of times to execute, and

a script, which indicates the instruction to repeat.

This command statement prints "Hello World" in a dialog box three times.
repeat 3 {type -b "Hello World"}

Arithmetic Statement
The arithmetic statement takes the general form:
dataObject1 operator dataObject2;

where
dataObject1 is a dataset or a numeric variable.
dataObject2 is a dataset, variable, or a constant.
operator can be +, -, *, /, or ^.
The result of the calculation is put into dataObject1. Note that dataObject1 cannot be a
function. For example, col(3) + 25 is an illegal usage of this statement form.
The following examples illustrate different forms of arithmetic statements:
If myData is a dataset, this divides each value in myData by 10.
myData / 10;

Subtract otherData from myData, and put the result into myData. Both datasets must be Y or
Z datasets (see Note).
myData - otherData;

If A is a variable, increment A by 1. If A is a dataset, increment each value in A by 1.

A + 1;

Note: There is a difference between using datasets in arithmetic statements versus using
datasets in assignment statements. For example, data1_b + data2_b is computed quite
differently from data1_b = data1_b + data2_b. The latter case yields the true point-by-point
sum without regard to the two datasets' respective X-values. The former statement, data1_b +
data2_b, adds the two data sets as if each were a curve in the XY-plane. If therefore, data1_b
and data2_b have different associated X-values, one of the two series will require
interpolation. In this event, Origin interpolates based on the first dataset's (data1_b in this
case) X-values.

Function Statements
The function statement begins with the characteristics of a function -- an identifier -- followed
by a quantity, enclosed by parentheses, upon which the function acts.

22

Language Fundamentals

3.1.2 Programming Syntax

An example of a function statement is:

sum(dataset);

For more on functions in LabTalk, see Functions.

Using Semicolons in LabTalk

Separate Statements With Semicolon
Like the C programming language, LabTalk uses semicolons to separate statements. In
general, every statement should end with a semicolon. However, the following rules clarify
semicolon usage:

Do not use a semicolon when executing a single statement script in the Script window.
o An example of the proper syntax is: type "hello" (ENTER).
o The interpreter automatically places a semicolon after the statement to indicate
that it has been executed.
Statements ending with { } block can skip the semicolon.
The last statement in a { } block can also skip the semicolon.

In the following example, please note the differences between the three type command:
if (m>2) {type "hello";} else {type "goodbye"}
type "the end";

The above can also be written as:

if (m>2) {type "hello"} else {type "goodbye"}
type "the end";

or
if (m>2) {type "hello"} else {type "goodbye"};
type "the end";

Leading Semicolon for Delayed Execution

You can place a ';' in front of a script to delay its execution. This is often needed when you
need to run a script inside a button that will delete the button itself, like to issue window closing
or new project commands. For example, placing the following script inside a button will lead to
problem (may crash)
// button to close this window
type "closing this window";
win -cn %H;

To fix this, the script should be written as

// button to close this window
type "closing this window";
;win -cn %H;

The leading ';' will place all scripts following it to be delayed-executed. Sometimes you may
want a specific group of statements delayed, then you can put them inside {script} with a
leading ';', for example:
// button to close this window
type "closing this window";

Language Fundamentals

23

3.1 General Language Features

;{type "from delayed execution";win -cn %H;}
type "actual window closing code will be executed after this";

Extending a Statement over Multiple Lines

There are times when, for the sake of readability, you want to extend a single statement over
more than one line. One way to do this is with braces {}. When an "open brace", {, is
encountered in a script file, Origin searches for a "closed brace" , }, and executes the entire
block of text as one statement. For example, the following macro statement:
def openDialog {layer -s 1;

axis x;};

can also be written:

def openDialog {
layer -s 1;
axis x;
};

Both scripts are executed as a single statement, even though the second statement extends
over four lines.
Note: There is a limit to the length of script that can be included between a set of braces {}.
The scripts between the {} are translated internally and the translated scripts must be less than
1140 bytes (after substitution). In place of long blocks of LabTalk code, programmers can use
LabTalk macros or the run.section() and run.file() object methods. To learn more, see Passing
Arguments.

Comments
LabTalk script accepts two comment formats:
Use the "//" character to ignore all text from // to the end of the line. For example:
type "Hello World";

//Place comment text here.

Use the combination of "/*" and "*/" character pairs to begin and end, respectively, any block of
code or text that you do not want executed. For example:
type Hello /* Place comment text here,
or a line of code:
and even more ... */
World;

Note: Use the "#!" characters to begin debugging lines of script. The lines are only executed if
system.debug = 1.

24

Language Fundamentals

3.1.3 Operators

Order of Evaluation in Statements

When a script is executed, it is sent to the LabTalk interpreter and evaluated as follows:

The script is broken down into its component statements

Statements are identified by type using the following recognition order: assignment, macro,
command, arithmetic, and function. The interpreter first looks for an exposed (not hidden in
parentheses or quotation marks) assignment operator. If none is found, it looks to see if the
first word is a macro name. It then checks if the first word is a command name. The interpreter
then looks for an arithmetic operation, and finally, the interpreter checks whether the statement
is a function.
The recognition order can have significant effect on script function. For example, the following
assignment statement:
type = 1;

assigns the value 1 to the variable type. This occurs even though type is (also) a LabTalk
command, since assignments come before commands in recognition order. However, since
commands precede arithmetic expressions in recognition order, in the following statement:
type + 1;

the command is carried out first, and the string, + 1, prints out.

The statements are executed in the order received, using the following evaluation
priority

3.1.3

Assignment statements: String variables to the left of the assignment operator are not
expressed unless enclosed by parentheses. Otherwise, all string variables are expressed,
and all special notation ( %() and $()) is substitution processed.
Macro statements: Macro arguments are substitution processed and passed.
Command statements: If a command is a raw string, it is not sent to the substitution
processor. Otherwise, all special notation is substitution processed.
Arithmetic statements: All expressions are substitution processed and expressed.

Operators

Introduction
LabTalk supports assignment, arithmetic, logical, relational, and conditional operators. These
operations can be performed on scalars and in many cases they can also be performed on
vectors (datasets). Origin also provides a variety of built-in numeric, trigonometric, and
statistical functions which can act on datasets.
When evaluating an expression, Origin observes the following precedence rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Exposed assignment operators (not within brackets) are evaluated.

Operations within brackets are evaluated before those outside brackets.
Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
The (>, >=, <, <=) relational operators are evaluated, then the (== and !=) operators.
The logical operators || is prior to &&.
Conditional expressions (?:) are evaluated.

Language Fundamentals

25

3.1 General Language Features

Arithmetic Operators
Origin recognizes the following arithmetic operators:
Operator

Use

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Exponentiate (X^Y raises X to the Yth power) (see note below)

&

Bitwise And operator. Acts on the binary bits of a number.

Bitwise Or operator. Acts on the binary bits of a number.

Note: For 0 raised to the power n (0^n), if n > 0, 0 is returned. If n < 0, a missing value is
returned. If n = 0, then 1 is returned (if @ZZ = 1) or a missing value is returned (if @ZZ = 0).
These operations can be performed on scalars and on vectors (datasets). For more information
on scalar and vector calculations, see Performing Calculations below.
The following example illustrates the use of the exponentiate operator: Enter the following
script in the Command window:
1.3 ^ 4.7 =

After pressing ENTER, 3.43189 is printed in the Command window. The next example
illustrates the use of the bitwise and operator: Enter the following script in the Command
window:
if (27&41 == 9)
{type "Yes!"}

After pressing ENTER, Yes! is typed to the Command window.

Note: 27&41 == 9 because
27 = 0000000000011011
41 = 0000000000101001

with bitwise & yields:

0000000000001001 (which is equal to 9)

Note: Multiplication must be explicitly included in an expression (for example, 2*X rather than
2X to indicate the multiplication of the variable X by the constant 2).
26

Language Fundamentals

3.1.3 Operators

Define a constant
We can also define constant is defined in ORGSYS.CNF file as:
pi = 3.141592653589793

A Note about Logarithmic Conversion

To convert a dataset to a logarithmic scale, use the following syntax:
col(c) = log(col(c));
To convert a dataset back to a linear scale, use the following syntax:
col(c) = 10^(col(c));

String Concatenation
Very often you need to concatenate two or more strings of either the string variable or string
register type. All of the code segments in this section return the string "Hello World."
The string concatenation operator is the plus-sign (+), and can be used to concatenate two
strings:
aa$ ="Hello";
bb$="World";
cc$=aa$+" "+bb$;
cc$=;

To concatenate two string registers, you can simply place them together:
%J="Hello";
%k="World";
%L=%J %k;
%L=;

If you need to work with both a string variable and a string register, follow these examples
utilizing %( ) substitution:
aa$ ="Hello";
%K="World";
dd$=%(aa$) %K;
dd$=;
dd$=%K;
dd$=aa$+" "+dd$;
dd$=;
%M=%(aa$) %K;
%M=;

Language Fundamentals

27

3.1 General Language Features

Assignment Operators
Origin recognizes the following assignment operators:
Operator

Use

Simple assignment.

+=

Addition assignment.

-=

Subtraction assignment.

*=

Multiplication assignment.

/=

Division assignment.

^=

Exponential assignment.

These operations can be performed on scalars and on vectors (datasets). For more information
on scalar and vector calculations, see Performing Calculations in this topic.
The following example illustrates the use of the -= operator.
In this example, 5 is subtracted from the value of A and the result is assigned to A:
A -= 5;

In the next example, each value in Data1_B is divided by the corresponding value in Book1_A,
and the resulting values are assigned to Book1_B.
Book1_B /= Book1_A;

In addition to these assignment operators, LabTalk also supports the increment and decrement
operators for scalar calculations (not vector).
Operator

++

--

Use

Add 1 to the variable contents and assign to the variable.

Subtract 1 from the variable contents and assign to the variable.

The following for loop expression illustrates a common use of the increment operator ++. The
script types the cell values in the second column of the current worksheet to the Command
window:

28

Language Fundamentals

3.1.3 Operators
for (ii = 1; ii <= wks.maxrows; ii++)
{type ($(col(2)[ii])); }

Logical and Relational Operators

Origin recognizes the following logical and relational operators:
Operator

>

>=

<

Use

Greater than

Greater than or equal to

Less than

<=

Less than or equal to

==

Equal to

!=

Not equal to

&&

And

||

Or

An expression involving logical or relational operators evaluates to either true (non-zero) or

false (zero). Logical operators are almost always found in the context of Conditional and Loop
Structures.

Numeric Comparison
The most common comparison is between two numeric values. Generally, at least one is a
variable. For instance:
if aa<3 type "aa<3";

Or, both items being compared can be variables:

if aa<=bb type "aa<=bb";

It is also possible, using parentheses, to make multiple comparisons in the same logical
statement:
if (aa<3 && aa<bb) type "aa is lower";

Language Fundamentals

29

3.1 General Language Features

String Comparison
You can use the == and != operators to compare two strings. String comparison (rather than
numeric comparison) is indicated by open and close double quotations (" ") either before, or
after, the operator. The following script determines if the %A string is empty:
if (%A == ""){type "empty"};

The following examples illustrates the use of the == operator:

x = 1;
%a = x;

// variable x is set to 1
// string a is set to "x"

if (%a == 1);
type "yes";
else
type "no";

The result will be yes, because Origin looks for the value of %a (the value of x), which is 1. In
the following script:
x = 1;

// variable x is set to 1

%a = x;
// string a is set to "x"
if ("%a" == 1)
type "yes";
else
type "no";

The result will be no, because Origin finds the quotation marks around %a, and therefore treats
it as a string, which has a character x, rather than the value 1.

Conditional Operator (?:)

The ternary operator or conditional operator (?:) can be used in the form:
Expression1 ? Expression2 : Expression3
This expression first evaluates Expression1. If Expression1 is true (non-zero), Expression2 is
evaluated. The value of Expression2 becomes the value for the conditional expression. If
Expression1 is false (zero), then Expression3 is evaluated and Expression3 becomes the value
for the entire conditional expression. Note that Expressions1 and Expressions2 can
themselves be conditional operators. The following example assigns the value which is greater
(m or n), to variable:
m = 2;
n = 3;
variable = (m>n?m:n);
variable =

LabTalk returns: variable = 3

In this example, the script replaces all column A values between 5.5 and 5.9 with 5.6:
col(A) = col(A)>5.5&&col(A)<5.9?5.6:col(A);

Note: A Threshold Replace function treplace(dataset, value1, value2 [, condition]) is also

available for reviewing values in a dataset and replacing them with other values based on a
30

Language Fundamentals

3.1.3 Operators

condition. In the treplace(dataset, value1, value2 [, condition]) function, each value in dataset is
compared to value1 according to the condition. When the comparison is true, the value may be
replaced with Value2 or -Value2 depending on the value of condition. When the comparison is
false, the value is retained or replaced with a missing value depending on the value of
condition. The treplace() function is much faster than the ternary operator.

Performing Calculations
You can use LabTalk to perform both

scalar calculations (mathematical operations on a single variable), and

vector calculations (mathematical operations on entire datasets).

Scalar Calculations
You can use LabTalk to express a calculation and store the result in a numeric variable. For
example, consider the following script:
inputVal = 21;
myResult = 4 * 32 * inputVal;

The second line of this example performs a calculation and creates the variable, myResult. The
value of the calculation is stored in myResult.
When a variable is used as an operand, and will store a result, shorthand notation can be
used. For example, the following script:
B = B * 3;

could also be written:

B *= 3;

In this example, multiplication is performed with the result assigned to the variable B. Similarly,
you can use +=, -=, /=, and ^=. Using shorthand notation produces script that executes faster.

Vector Calculations
In addition to performing calculations and storing the result in a variable (scalar calculation),
you can use LabTalk to perform calculations on entire datasets as well.
Vector calculations can be performed in one of two ways: (1) strictly row-by-row, or (2) using
linear interpolation.
Row-by-Row Calculations
Vector calculations are always performed row-by-row when you use the two general notations:
datasetB = scalarOrConstant <operator> datasetA;
datasetC = datasetA <operator> datasetB;
This is the case even if the datasets have different numbers of elements. Suppose there are
three empty columns in your worksheet: A, B and C. Run the following script:
col(a) = {1, 2, 3};
col(b) = {4, 5};
col(c) = col(a) + col(b);

Language Fundamentals

31

3.1 General Language Features

The result in column C will be {5, 7, --}. That is, Origin outputs a missing value for rows in
which one or both datasets do not contain a value.
The vector calculation can also involve a scalar. In the above example, type:
col(c) = 2 * col(a);

Column A is multiplied by 2 and the results are put into the corresponding rows of column C.
Instead, execute the following script (assuming newData does not previously exist):
newData = 3 * Book1_A;

A temporary dataset called newData is created and assigned the result of the vector operation.
Calculations Using Interpolation
Origin supports interpolation through range notation and X-Functions such as interp1 and
interp1xy. Please refer to Interpolation for more details.

3.1.4

Conditional and Loop Structures

The structure of the LabTalk language is similar to C. LabTalk supports:

Loops, which allow the program to repetitively perform a set of actions.

Decision structures, which allow the program to perform different sets of actions depending
on the circumstances

Loop Structures
All LabTalk loops take a script as an argument. These scripts are executed repetitively under
specified circumstances. LabTalk provides four loop commands:
1.
2.
3.
4.

repeat
loop
doc -e
for

The LabTalk for-loop is similar to the for loop in other languages. The repeat, loop, and doc -e
loops are less familiar, but are easy to use.

Repeat
The repeat loop is used when a set of actions must be repeated without any alterations.
Syntax: repeat value {script};
Execute script the number of times specified by value, or until an error occurs, or until the
break command is executed.
For example, the following script types the string three times:
repeat 3 { type "line of output"; };

Loop
The loop loop is used when a single variable is being incremented with each successive loop.
Syntax: loop (variable, startVal, endVal) {script};
32

Language Fundamentals

3.1.4 Conditional and Loop Structures

A simple increment loop structure. Initializes variable with a value of starVal. Executes script.
Increments variable and tests if it is greater than endVal. If it is not, executes script and
continues to loop.
For example, the following script outputs numbers from 1 to 4:
loop (ii, 1, 4)

{type "$(ii)";};

Note: The loop command provides faster looping through a block of script than does the for
command. The enhanced speed is a result of not having to parse out a LabTalk expression for
the condition required to stop the loop.

Doc -e
The doc -e loop is used when a script is being executed to affect objects of a specific type,
such as graph windows. The doc -e loop tells Origin to execute the script for each instance of
the specified object type.
Syntax: doc -e object {script};
The different object types are listed in the document command
For example, the following script prints the windows title of all graph windows in the project:
doc -e P {%H=}

For
The for loop is used for all other situations.
Syntax: for (expression1; expression2; expression3) {script};
In the for statement, expression1 is evaluated. This specifies initialization for the loop. Second,
expression2 is evaluated and if true (non-zero), the script is executed. Third, expression3,
often incrementing of a counter, is executed. The process repeats at the second step. The loop
terminates when expression2 is found to be false (zero). Any expression can consist of multiple
statements, each separated by a comma.
For example, the following script output numbers from 1 to 4:
for(ii=1; ii<=4; ii++)
{
type "$(ii)";
}

Note: The loop command provides faster looping through a block of script.

Decision Structures
Decision structures allow the program to perform different sets of actions depending on the
circumstances. LabTalk has three decision-making structures: if, if-else, and switch.

The if command is used when a script should be executed in a particular situation.

The if-else command is used when one script must be executed if a condition is true (nonzero), while another script is executed if the condition is false (zero).
The switch command is used when more than two possibilities are included in a script.

Language Fundamentals

33

3.1 General Language Features

If, If-Else
Syntax:
1.
2.

if (testCondition) sentence1; [else sentence2;]

if (testCondition) {script1} [else {script2}]

Evaluate testCondition and if true, execute script1. Expressions without conditional operators
are considered true if the result of the expression is non-zero.
If the optional else is present and testCondition is false (zero), then execute script2. There
should be a space after the else. Strings should be quoted and string comparisons are not
case sensitive.
Single statement script arguments should end with a semicolon. Multiple statement script
arguments must be surrounded by braces {}. Each statement within the braces should end with
a semicolon. It is not necessary to follow the final brace of a script with a semicolon.
For example, the following script opens a message box displaying "Yes!":
%M = test;
if (%M == "TEST") type -b "Yes!";
else type -b "No!";

The next script finds the first point in column A that is greater than -1.95:
newbook;
col(1)=data(-2,2,0.01);
val = -1.95;
get col(A) -e numpoints;
for(ii = 1 ; ii <= numpoints ; ii++)
{
// This will terminate the loop early if true
if (Col(A)[ii] > val) break;
}
if(ii > numpoints - 1)
ty -b No number exceeds $(val);
else
type -b The index number of first value > $(val) is $(ii)
The value is $(col(a)[ii]);

It is possible to test more than one condition with a single if statement, for instance:
if(a>1 && a<3) b+=1;

// If true, increment b by 1

The && (logical And) operator is one of several logical operators supported in LabTalk.

Switch
The switch command is used when more than two possibilities are included in a script. For
example, the following script returns b:
ii=2;
switch (ii)
{
case 1:

34

Language Fundamentals

3.1.4 Conditional and Loop Structures

type "a";
break;
case 2:
type "b";
break;
case 3:
type "c";
break;
default:
type "none";
break;
}

Break and Progress Bars

LabTalk provides a break command. When executed, this causes an exit from the loop and,
optionally, the script. This is often used with a decision structure inside a loop. It is used to
protect against conditions which would invalidate the loop test conditions. The break command
can be used to display a progress status dialog box (progress bar) to show the progress of
looping.

Exit
The exit command prompts an exit from Origin unless a flag is set to restrict the exit.

Continue
The continue command can be used within the loop script. When executed, the remainder of
the loop script is ignored and the interpreter jumps to the next iteration of the loop. This is often
used with a decision structure inside a loop and can exclude illegal values from being
processed by the loop script.
For example, in the following for loop, continue skips the type statement when ii is less than
zero.
for (ii = -10; ii <= 10; ii += 2)
{
if (ii < 0)
continue;
type "$(sqrt(ii))";
}

Sections in a Script File

In addition to entering the script in the Label Control dialog, you can also save it as an Origin
Script (OGS) file. An Origin script file is an ASCII text file which consists of a series of one or
more LabTalk statements. Often, you can divide the statements into sections. A section is
declared by a section name surrounded by square brackets on its own line of text:
Language Fundamentals

35

3.1 General Language Features

[SectionName]
Scripts under a section declaration belong to that section until another section declaration is
met. A framework for a script with sections will look like the following:
...
Scripts;
...
[Section 1]
...
Scripts;
...
[Section 2]
...
Scripts;
...

Scripts will be run in sequence until a new section flag is encountered, a return statement is
executed or an error occurs. To run a script in sections, you should use the
run.section(FileName, SectionName)
command. When filename is not included, the current running script file is assumed, for
example:
run.section(, Init)
The following script illustrates how to call sections in an OGS file:
type "Hello, we will run section 2";
run.section(, section2);
[section1]
type "This is section 1, End the script.";
[section2]
type "This is section 2, run section 1.";
run.section(, section1);

To run the script, you can save it to your Origin user folder (Such as save as test.ogs), and
type the following in the command window:
run.section(test);

If code in a section could cause an error condition which would prematurely terminate a
section, you can use a variable to test for that case, as in:
[Test]
SectionPassed = 0;
// Here is where code that could fail can be run
...
SectionPassed = 1;

If the code failed, then SectionPassed will still have a value of 0. If the code succeeded, then
SectionPassed will have a value of 1.
36

Language Fundamentals

3.1.5 Macros

3.1.5

Macros

Definition of the Macros

The command syntax,
define macroName {script}

defines a macro called macroName, and associates it with the given script. MacroName can
then be used like a command, and invokes the given script.
For example, the following script defines a macro that uses a loop to print a text string three
times.
def hello
{
loop (ii, 1, 3)
{ type "$(ii). Hello World"; }
};

Once the hello macro is defined, typing the word hello in the Script window results in the
printout:
1. Hello World
2. Hello World
3. Hello World

Once a macro is defined, you can also see the script associated with it by typing
define macroName;

Passing Arguments to Macros

Macros can take up to five arguments. Use %1-%5 within the script for each argument. A
macro can accept a number, string, variable, dataset, function, or script as an argument.
Passing arguments to a macro is similar to passing arguments to a script.
If arguments are passed to a macro, the macro can report the number of arguments using the
macro.nArg object property.
For example, the following script defines a macro named double that expects a single numeric
argument. The given argument is then multiplied by 2, and the result is printed.
def double { type "$(%1 * 2)"; };

If you define this macro and then type the following in the Script window:
double 5

Origin outputs the result to the Script Window:

10

You could modify this macro to take two arguments:

def double { type "$(%1 * %2)"; };

Now, if you type the following in the Script window:

double 5 4

Language Fundamentals

37

3.1 General Language Features

Origin outputs:
20

Macro Property
The macro object contains one property which, when inside a macro, contains the value for the
number of arguments.
Property

Access

Macro.nArg

Read only,
numeric

Description

Inside any macro, this property contains the value for the
number of arguments.

For example:
The following script defines a macro called TypeArgs. If three arguments are passed to the
TypeArgs macro, the macro types the three arguments to the Script window.
Def TypeArgs
{
if (macro.narg != 3)
{
type "Error! You must pass 3 arguments!";
}
else
{
type "The first argument passed was %1.";
type "The second argument passed was %2.";
type "The third argument passed was %3.";
}
};

If you define the TypeArgs macro as in the example, and then type the following in the Script
window:
TypeArgs

One;

Origin returns the following to the Script window:

Error! You must pass 3 arguments!

If you define the TypeArgs macro as in the example, and then type the following in the Script
window:
TypeArgs

One Two Three;

Origin returns the following to the Script window:

The first argument passed was One.
The second argument passed was Two.
The third argument passed was Three.

38

Language Fundamentals

3.1.6 Functions

3.1.6

Functions

Functions are the core of almost every programming language; the following introduces
function syntax and use in LabTalk.

Built-In Functions
LabTalk supports many operations through built-in function s, a listing and description of each
can be found in Function Reference. Functions are called with the following syntax:
outputVariable = FunctionName(Arg1 Arg2 ... Arg N);
Below are a few examples of built-in functions in use.
The Count (Function) returns an integer count of the number of elements in a vector.
// Return the number of elements in Column A of the active worksheet:
int cc = count(col(A));

The Ave (Function) performs a group average on a dataset, returning the result as a range
variable.
range ra = [Book1]Sheet1!Col(A);
range rb = [Book1]Sheet1!Col(B);
// Return the group-averaged values:
rb = ave(ra, 5);
// 5 = group size

The Sin (Function) returns the sin of the input angle as type double (the units of the input
angle are determined by the value of system.math.angularunits):
system.math.angularunits=1;

// 1 = input in degrees

double dd = sin(45);

// ANS: DD = 0.7071

User-Defined Functions
Support for multi-argument user-defined function s has been introduced in LabTalk since Origin
8.1. The syntax for user-defined functions is:
function dataType funcName(Arg1 Arg2 ... ArgN) {script;}
Note:
1.
2.
3.

The function name should be less than 42 characters.

Both arguments and return values support string, double, int, dataset and tree data
types. The default return type is int.
By default, arguments of user-defined functions are passed by value, meaning that
argument values inside the function are NOT available outside of the function. However,
passing arguments by reference, in which changes in argument values inside the function
WILL be available outside of the function, is possible with the keyword REF.

Here are some simple cases of numeric functions:

// This function calculates the cube root of a number
function double dCubeRoot(double dVal)
{
double xVal;
if(dVal<0) xVal = -exp(ln(-dVal)/3);

Language Fundamentals

39

3.1 General Language Features

else xVal = exp(ln(dVal)/3);
return xVal;
}
// As shown here
dcuberoot(-8)=;

The function below calculates the geometric mean of a dataset:

function double dGeoMean(dataset ds)
{
double dG = ds[1];
for(int ii = 2 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++)
dG *= ds[ii]; // All values in dataset multiplied together
return exp(ln(dG)/ds.GetSize());
}
// Argument is anything returning a datset
dGeoMean(col("Raw Data"))=;

This example defines a function that accepts a range argument and returns the mean of the
data in that range:
// Calculate the mean of a range
function double dsmean(range ra)
{
stats ra;
return stats.mean;
}
// Pass a range that specifies all columns ...
// in the first sheet of the active book:
range rAll = 1!(1:end);
dsMean(rAll)=;

This example defines a function that counts the occurrences of a particular weekday in a Date
dataset:
function int iCountDays(dataset ds, int iDay)
{
int iCount = 0;
for(int ii = 1 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++)
{
if(weekday(ds[ii], 1) == iDay) iCount++;
}
return iCount;
}
// Here we count Fridays
iVal = iCountDays(col(1),6); // 6 is Friday in weekday(data, 1) sense
iVal=;

Functions can also return datasets ..

// Get only negative values from a dataset
function dataset dsSub(dataset ds1)

40

Language Fundamentals

3.1.6 Functions
{
dataset ds2;
int iRow = 1;
for(int ii = 1 ; ii <= ds1.GetSize() ; ii++)
{
if(ds1[ii] < 0)
{
ds2[iRow] = ds1[ii];
iRow++;
}
}
return ds2;
}
// Assign all negative values in column 1 to column 2
col(2) = dsSub(col(1));

or strings ..
// Get all values in a dataset where a substring occurs
function string strFind(dataset ds, string strVal)
{
string strTest, strResult;
for( int ii = 1 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++ )
{
strTest$ = ds[ii]$;
if( strTest.Find(strVal$) > 0 )
{
strResult$ = %(strResult$)%(CRLF)%(strTest$);
}
}
return strResult$;
}
// Gather all instances in column 3 where "hadron" occurs
string MyResults$ = strFind(col(3),"hadron")$; // Note ending '$'
MyResults$=;

Passing Arguments by Reference

This example demonstrates a function that returns a tree node value as int (one element of a
tree variable). In addition, passing by reference is illustrated using the REF keyword.
// Function definition:
Function int GetMinMax(range rr, ref double min, ref double max) {
stats rr;
//after running the stats XF, a LabTalk tree variable with the
//same name is created/updated
min = stats.min;
max = stats.max;

Language Fundamentals

41

3.1 General Language Features

return stats.N;
}
// Call function GetMinMax to find min max for an entire worksheet:
double y1,y2;
int nn = getminmax(1:end,y1, y2);
type "Worksheet has $(nn) points, min=$(y1), max=$(y2)";

A more detailed example using tree variables in LabTalk functions and passing variables by
reference, is available in our online Wiki.
Another example of passing string argument by reference is given below that shows that the $
termination should not be used in the function call:
//return range string of the 1st sheet
//actual new book shortname will be returned by Name$
Function string GetNewBook(int nSheets, ref string Name$)
{
newbook sheet:= nSheets result:=Name$;
string strRange$ = "[%(Name$)]1!";
return strRange$;
}

When calling the above function, it is very important that the Name$ argument should not have
the $, as shown below:
string strName$;
string strR$ = GetNewBook(1, strName)$;
strName$=;
strR$=;

Dataset Functions
Origin also supports defining mathematical functions that accept arguments of type double and
return type double. The general syntax for such functions is:
funcName(X) = expressionInvolvingX.
We call these dataset functions because when they are defined, a dataset by that name is
created. This dataset, associated with the function, is then saved as part of the Origin project.
Once defined, a dataset function can be referred to by name and used as you would a built-in
LabTalk function.
For example, enter the following script in the Script window to define a function named Salary:
Salary(x) = 52 * x

Once defined, the function may be called anytime as in,

Salary(100)=

which yields the result Salary(100)=5200. In this case, the resulting dataset has only one
element. But if a vector (or dataset) were passed as an input argument, the output would be a
dataset of the same number of elements as the input.

42

Language Fundamentals

3.1.6 Functions

As with other datasets, user-defined dataset functions are listed in dialogs such as Plot Setup
(and can be plotted like any other dataset), and in the Available Data list in dialogs such as
Layer n.
If a 2D graph layer is the active layer when a function is defined, then a dataset of 100 points is
created using the X axis scale as the X range and the function dataset is automatically added
to the plot layer.
The Function Graph Template (FUNCTION.OTP, accessible from the Standard Toolbar or
the File: New menu) also creates and plots dataset functions.
Origin's Function Plots feature allows new dataset functions to be easily created from any
combination of built-in and user-defined functions. In addition, the newly created function is
immediately plotted for your reference.
Access this feature in either of two ways:
1.
2.

Click on the New Function button in the Standard toolbar,

From the Origin drop-down menus, select File: New and select Function from the list of
choices, and click OK.

From there, in the Function tab of the Plot Details dialog that opens, enter the function
definition, such as, F1(x) = 5*sin(x)+1 and press OK. The function will be plotted in the graph.
You may define another function by clicking on the New Function button in the graph and
adding another function in Plot Details. Press OK, and the new function plot will be added to
the graph. Repeat if more functions are desired.

Fitting Functions
In addition to supporting many common functions, Origin also allows you to create your own
fitting functions to be used in non-linear curve fitting. User-defined fitting functions can also be
used to generate new datasets, but calling them requires a special syntax:
nlf_FitFuncName(ds, p1, p2, ... pn)
where the fitting function is named FitFuncName, ds is a dataset to be used as the
independent variable, and p1--pn are the parameters of the fitting function.
As a simple example, if you defined a simple straight-line fitting function called MyLine that
expected a y-intercept and slope as input parameters (in that order), and you wanted column C
in the active worksheet to be the independent variable (X), and column D to be used for the
function output, enter:
// Intercept = 0, Slope = 4
Col(D) = nlf_MyLine(Col(C), 0, 4)

Scope of Functions
User-defined functions have a scope (like variables) that can be controlled. For more on scope
see Data Types and Variables. Please note that there are no project functions or global
functions, that is different from scope of variable.

Language Fundamentals

43

3.1 General Language Features

Similar to Session Variables, the scope of a function can be expanded for

general use throughout the current Origin session across projects by preceding
the function definition with the assignment @global=1.
You can associate functions with a project by defining them in the project's ProjectEvents.OGS
file, using the @Global=1 to promote them to session level.
To create a user-defined function for use across sections, the function definition can be added
to the MACROS.CNF file.
User-defined functions can be accessed from anywhere in the Origin project where LabTalk
script is supported, provided the scope of definition is applicable to such usage. Thus for
example, a function defined with preceding assignment @global=1 that returns type double or
dataset, can be used in the Set Values dialog Column Formula panel.
With preceding assignment @global=1, the function can be called anywhere.
[Main]
@global=1;

// promote the following function to session level

function double dGeoMean(dataset ds)

{
double dG = ds[1];
for(int ii = 2 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++)
dG *= ds[ii]; // All values in dataset multiplied together
return exp(ln(dG)/ds.GetSize());
}
// can call the function in [main] section
dGeoMean(col(1))=;
[section1]
// the function can be called in this section too
dGeoMean(col(1))=;

If the function is defined in a section of *.ogs file without @global=1, then it can only be called
in its own section.
[Main]
function double dGeoMean(dataset ds)
{
double dG = ds[1];
for(int ii = 2 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++)
dG *= ds[ii]; // All values in dataset multiplied together
return exp(ln(dG)/ds.GetSize());
}
// can call the function in [main] section
dGeoMean(col(1))=;
[section1]
// the function can NOT be called in this section
dGeoMean(col(1))=;

44

// an error: Unknown function

Language Fundamentals

3.1.6 Functions

If the function is defined in a block without @global=1, it can not be called outside this block.
[Main]
{ // define the function between braces
function double dGeoMean(dataset ds)
{
double dG = ds[1];
for(int ii = 2 ; ii <= ds.GetSize() ; ii++)
dG *= ds[ii]; // All values in dataset multiplied together
return exp(ln(dG)/ds.GetSize());
}
}
// can Not call the function outside the braces
dGeoMean(col(1))=; // an error: Unknown function

Tutorial: Using Multiple Function Features

The following mini tutorial shows how to add a user-defined function at the Origin project level
and then use that function to create function plots.
1.

Start a new Project and use View: Code Builder menu item to open Code
Builder

2.

Expand the Project branch on the left panel tree and double-click to open
the ProjectEvents.OGS file. This file exists by default in any new Project.

3.

Under the [AfterOpenDoc] section, add the following lines of code:

@global=1;
Function double myPeak(double x, double x0)
{
double y = 10*exp(-(x-x0)^2/4);
return y;
}

4.

Save the file and close Code Builder

5.

In Origin, save the Project to a desired folder location. The OGS file is saved
with the Project, so the user-defined function is available for use in the
Project.

6.

Open the just saved project again. This will trigger the [AfterOpenDoc]
section to be executed and thus our myPeak function to be defined.

7.

Click on the New Function button in the Standard toolbar

8.

In the Function tab of Plot Details dialog that opens, enter the function
definition:
F1(x) = myPeak(x, 3)
and press OK. The function will be plotted in the graph.

9.

Click on the New Function button in the graph and add another function in
Plot Details using the expression:
F2(x) = myPeak(x, 4)
and press OK

10. The 2nd function plot will be added to the graph

11. Now save the Project again and re-open it. The two function plots will still

Language Fundamentals

45

3.2 Special Language Features

be available, as they refer to the user-defined function saved with the
Project
12. You can assure yourself that the above really works by first exiting Origin,
reopening Origin, and running the project again, checking that the myPeak
function is defined upon loading the project.

3.2 Special Language Features

These pages contain information on implementing advanced features of the LabTalk scripting
language. Some of the concepts and features in this section are unique to Origin.

3.2.1

Range Notation

Introduction to Range
Inside your Origin Project, data exists in four primary places: in the columns of a worksheet, in
a matrix, in a loose dataset, or in a graph. In any of these forms, the range data type allows
you to access your data easily and in a standard way.
Once a range variable is created, you can work with the range data directly; reading and
writing to the range. Examples below demonstrate the creation and use of many types of range
variables.
Before Origin Version 8.0, data were accessed via datasets as well as cell(), col() and wcol()
functions. The cell(), col() and wcol() functions are still very effective for data access, provided
that you are working with the active sheet in the active book. The Range notation essentially
expanded upon these functions to provide general access to any book, any sheet, or any plot
inside the Origin Project.
Note : Not all X-Functions can handle complexities of ranges such as multiple columns or
noncontiguous data. Where logic or documentation does not indicate support, a little
experimentation is in order.
Note : Data inside a graph are in the form of Data Plots and they are essentially references to
columns, matrix or loose datasets. There is no actual data stored in graphs.

Declaration and Syntax

Similar to other data types, you can declare a Range variable using the following syntax:
range [-option] RangeName = RangeString
The left-hand side of the range assignment is uniform for all types of range assignments. Note
that the square brackets indicate that the option switch is an optional parameter. At the present
(8.1), option switches only apply when assigning a range from a graph. Range names follow
Origin variable naming rules; please note that system variable names should be avoided.
46

Language Fundamentals

3.2.1 Range Notation

The right-hand side of the range assignment, RangeString, changes depending on what type
of object the range points to. Individual Range Strings are defined in the sections below on
Types of Range Data.
Range notation is used exclusively to define range variables. It cannot be used
as a general notation for data access on either side of an expression.

Accessing Origin Objects

A range variable can be assigned to the following types of Origin Objects:
column
worksheet
page
graph layer
loose dataset
Once assigned, the range will represent that object so that you can access the object
properties and methods using the range variable.
A range may consist of some subset or some combination of standard Origin Objects.
Examples include:

column subrange
block of cells
XY range
XYZ range
composite range

Types of Range Data

Worksheet Data
For worksheet data, RangeString takes the form:
[WorkBookName]SheetNameOrIndex!ColumnNameOrIndex[CellIndex]
where ColumnName can be either the Long Name or the Short Name of the column.
In any RangeString, a span of continuous sheets, columns, or rows can be specified by
providing pairs of sheet, column, or row indices (respectively), separated by a colon, as in
index1:index2. The keyword end can replace index2 to indicate that Origin should pick up all
of the indicated objects. For example:
range rs = [Book1]4:end!
range rd = [Book2]Sheet3!5:10;

// Get sheets 4 through last

// Get columns 5 through 10

In the case of rows the indices must be surrounded by square brackets, so a full range
assignment statement for several rows of a worksheet column looks like:
range rc1 = [Book1]Sheet2!Col(3)[10:end];

// Get rows 10 through last

range rc2 = [Book1]Sheet2!Col(3)[10:20];

// Get rows 10 through 20

Language Fundamentals

47

3.2 Special Language Features

The old way of accessing cell contents, via the Cell function is still supported.
If you wish to access column label rows using range, please see Accessing Metadata and the
Column Label Row Reference Table.
Column
When declaring range variable for a column on the active worksheet, the book and sheet part
can be dropped, such as:
range rc = Col(3)

You can further simplify the notation, as long as the actual column can be identified, as shown
below:
range aa=1;
range bb=B;

// col(1) of the active worksheet

// col(B) of the active worksheet

range cc="Test A"; // col with Long Name ("Test A"), active worksheet

Multiple range variables can be declared on the same line, separated by comma. The above
example could also have been written as:
range aa = 1, bb = B, cc = "Test A";

Or if you need to refer to a different book sheet, and all in the same sheet, then the book sheet
portion can be combined as follows:
range [Book2]Sheet3 aa=1, bb=B, cc="Test A";

Because Origin does not force a column's Long Name to be unique (i.e., multiple columns in a
worksheet can have the same Long Name), the Short Name and Long Name may be specified
together to be more precise:
range dd = D"Test 4";

// Assign Col(D), Long Name 'Test 4', to a range

Once you have a column range, use it to access and change the parameters of a column:
range rColumn = [Book1]1!2;
rColumn.digitMode = 1;

// Range is a Column
// Use Set Decimal Places for display

rColumn.digits = 2;

// Use 2 decimal places

Or perform computations:
// Point to column 1 of sheets 1, 2 and 3 of the active workbook:
range aa = 1!col(1);
range bb = 2!col(1);
range cc = 3!col(1);
cc = aa+bb;

When performing arithmetic on data in different sheets, you need to use range
variables. Direct references to range strings are not yet supported. For
example, the script Sheet3!col(1) = Sheet1!col(1) + Sheet2!col(1); will not
work! If you really need to write in a single line without having to declare range
variables, then another alternative is to use Dataset Substitution
Page and Sheet
Besides a single column of data, range can be used to access any portion of a page object:
Use a range variable to access an entire workbook:
// 'rPage' points to the workbook named 'Book1'

48

Language Fundamentals

3.2.1 Range Notation

range rPage = [Book1];
// Set the Long Name of 'Book1' to "My Analysis Worksheets"
rPage.LongName$ = My Analysis Worksheets;

Use a range variable to access a worksheet:

range rSheet = [Book1]Sheet1!;
rSheet.name$ = "Statistics";

// Range is a Worksheet (WKS object)

// Rename Sheet1 to "Statistics".

rSheet.AddCol(StdDev);

// Add a column named StdDev

Column Subrange
Use a range variable to address a column subrange, such as
// A subrange of col(a) in book1 sheet2
range cc = [book1]sheet2!col(a)[3:10];

Or if the desired workbook and worksheet are active, the shortened notation can be used:
// A subrange of col(a) in book1 sheet2
range cc = col(a)[3:10];

Use range variables, you can perform computation or other operations on part of a column. For
example:
range r1=1[5:10];
range r2=2[1:6];
r1 = r2; // copy values in row 1 to 6 of column 2 to rows 5 to 10 of column 1
r1[1]=;
// this should output value in row 5 of column 1, which equates to row 1 of column 2

Block of Cells
Use a range to access a single cell or block of cells (may span many rows and columns) as in:
range aa = 1[2];
range bb = 1[1]:3[10];

// cell(2,1), row2 of col(1)

// cell(1,1) to cell(10,3)

Note: a range variable representing a block of cells can be used as an X-Function argument
only, direct calculations are not supported.

Matrix Data
For matrix data, the RangeString is
[MatrixBookName]MatrixSheetNameOrIndex!MatrixObject
Make an assignment such as:
// Second matrix object on MBook1, MSheet1
range mm = [MBook1]MSheet1!2;

Access the cell contents of a matrix range using the notation RangeName[row, col]. For
example:
range mm=[MBook1]1!1;
mm[2,3]=10;

The above range assignment is a shortened notation for the full expression,
[MBook1]MSheet1!1 (i.e., [PageName]LayerName!ObjectNumber )
which could have also been used.
Language Fundamentals

49

3.2 Special Language Features

If the matrix contains complex numbers, the string representing the complex number can be
accessed as below:
string str$;
str$ = mm[3,4]$;

Graph Data
For graph data, the RangeString is
[GraphWindowName]LayerNameOrIndex!DataPlot
An example assignment looks like
range ll = [Graph1]Layer1!2;

// Second curve on Graph1, Layer1

Option Switches -w and -wx

For graph windows, you can use the range -w and range -wx options to get the worksheet
column range of a plotted dataset.
// Make a graph window the active window ...
// Get the worksheet range of the Y values of first dataplot:
range -w rW = 1;
// Get the worksheet range of the corresponding X-values:
range -wx rWx = 1;
// Get the graph range of the first dataplot:
range rG = 1;
// Get the current selection (%C); will resolve data between markers.
range -w rC = %C;

Note that in the script above, rW = [Book1]Sheet1!B while rG = [Graph1]1!1.

Data Selector Ranges on a Graph
You can use the Data Selector tool to select one or more ranges on a graph and to refer to
them from LabTalk. For a single selected range, you can use the MKS1, MKS2 system
variables. Starting with version 8.0 SR6, a new X-Function, get_plot_sel, has been added to
get the selected ranges into a string that you can then parse. The following example shows
how to select each range on the current graph:
string strRange;
get_plot_sel str:=strRange;
StringArray sa;
sa.Append(strRange$,"|"); // Tokenize it
int nNumRanges = sa.GetSize();
if(nNumRanges == 0)
{
type "there is nothing selected";
return;
}
type "Total of $(nNumRanges) ranges selected for %C";

50

Language Fundamentals

3.2.1 Range Notation

for(int ii = 1; ii <= nNumRanges; ii++)
{
range -w xy = sa.GetAt(ii)$;
string strWks$ = "Temp$(ii)";
create %(strWks$) -wdn 10 aa bb;
range fitxy = [??]!(%(strWks$)_aa, %(strWks$)_bb);
fitlr iy:=xy oy:=fitxy;
plotxy fitxy p:=200 o:=<active> c:=color(red) rescale:=0 legend:=0;
type "%(xy) fit linear gives slope=$(fitlr.b)";
}
// clear all the data markers when done
mark -r;

Additional documentation is available for the Create (Command) (for creating loose datasets),
the [??] range notation (for creating a range from a loose dataset), the fitlr X-Function, and the
StringArray (Object) (specifically, the Append method, which is introduced since Origin 8.0
SR6).

Loose Dataset
Loose Datasets are similar to columns in a worksheet but they don't have the overhead of the
book-sheet-column organization. They are typically created with the create command, or
automatically created from an assignment statement without Dataset declaration.
The RangeString for a loose dataset is:
[??]!LooseDatasetName
An example assignment looks like this:
range xx = [??]!tmpdata_a;

// Loose dataset 'tmpdata_a'

To show how this works, we use the plotxy X-Function to plot a graph of a loose dataset.
// Create 2 loose datasets
create tmpdata -wd 50 a b;
tmpdata_a=data(50,1,-1);
tmpdata_b=normal(50);
// Declare the range and explicitly point to the loose dataset
range aa=[??]!(tmpdata_a, tmpdata_b);
// Make a scatter graph with it:
plotxy aa;

Please read more about Using Ranges in X-Functions.

Loose datasets belong to a project, so they are different from a Dataset
variable, which is declared, and has either session or local scope. Dataset
variables are also internally loose datasets but they are limited to use in
calculations only; they cannot be used in making plots, for example.

Language Fundamentals

51

3.2 Special Language Features

Unique Uses of Range

Manipulating Range Data
A column range can be used to manipulate data directly. One major advantage of using a
range rather than the direct column name, is that you do not need to be concerned with which
page or layer is active.
For example:
// Declare two range variables, v1 and v2:
range [Book1]Sheet1 r1=Col(A), r2=Col(B);
// Same as col(A)=data(1,30) if [book1]sheet1 is active:
r1 = data(1,30);
r2 = uniform(30);
// Plot creates new window so [Book1]Sheet1 is NOT active:
plotxy 2;
sec -p 1.5;

// Delay

r2/=4;
sec -p 1.5;

// But our range still works; col(A)/=4 does NOT!

// Delay

r2+=.4;
sec -p 1.5;

// Delay

r1=10+r1/3;

Direct calculations on a column range variable that addresses a range of cells is supported.
For example:
range aa = Col(A)[10:19]; // Row 10 to 19 of column A
aa += 10;

// All elements in aa increase by 10

Support for sub ranges in a column has expanded.

// Range consisting of column 1, rows 7 to 13 and column 2, rows 3 to 4
// Note use of parentheses and comma separator:
range rs = (1[7:13], 2[3:4]);
del rs; // Supported since 8.0 SR6
// Copying between sub ranges
range r1 = 1[85:100];
range r2 = 2;
// Copy r1 to top of column 2
r2 = r1; // Supported in 8.1
// 8.1 also complete or incomplete copying to sub range
range r2 = 2[17:22];
r2 = r1; // Only copies 6 values from r1
range r2 = 3[50:200];
r2 = r1; // Copies only up to row 65 since source has only 16 values

Dynamic Range Assignment

Sometimes it is beneficial to be able to create a new range in an automated way, at runtime,
using a variable column number, or the name of another range variable.
52

Language Fundamentals

3.2.1 Range Notation

Define a New Range Using an Expression for Column Index

The wcol() function is used to allow runtime resolution of actual column index, as in
int nn = 2;
range aa=wcol(2*nn +1);

Define a New Range Using an Existing Range

The following lines of script demonstrate how to create one range based on another using the
%( ) substitution notation and wks (object) methods. When the %( ) substitution is used on a
range variable, it always resolves it into a [Book]Sheet! string, regardless of the type:
range rwks = sheet3!;
range r1= %(rwks)col(a);

in this case, the new range r1 will resolve to Sheet3!Col(A).

This method of constructing new range based on existing range is very useful because it
allows code centralization to first declare a worksheet range and then to use it to declare
column ranges. Lets now use the rwks variable to add a column to Sheet 3:
rwks.addcol();

And now define another range that resolves to the last (rightmost) column of range rwks; that
is, it will point to the newly made column:
range r2 = %(rwks)wcol( %(rwks)!wks.ncols );

With the range assignments in place it is easy to perform calculations and assignments, such
as:
r2=r1/10;

which divides the data in range r1 by 10 and places the result in the column associated with
range r2.

X-Function Argument
Many X-functions use ranges as arguments. For example, the stats X-Function takes vector as
input and calculates descriptive statistics on the specified range. So you can type:
stats [Book1]Sheet2!(1:end); // stats on the second sheet of book1
stats Col(2);

// stats on column 2 of active worksheet

// stats on block of cells, col 1-2, row 5-10

stats 1[5]:2[10];

Or you can use a range variable to do the same type of operation:

/* Defines a range variable for col(2) of 1st and 2nd sheet,
rows 3-5, and runs the stats XF on that range: */
range aa = (1,2)!col(2)[3:5]; stats aa;

The input vector argument for this X-Function is then specified by a range variable
Some X-Functions use a special type of range called XYRange, which is essentially a
composite range containing X and Y as well as error bar ranges.
The general syntax for an XYRange is
(rangeX, rangeY)

Language Fundamentals

53

3.2 Special Language Features

but you can also skip the rangeX portion and use the standard range notation to specify an
XYRange, in which case the default X data is assumed.
The following two notations are identical for XYRange,
(, rangeY)
rangeY

For example, the integ1 X-Function takes both input and output XYRange,
// integrate col(1) as X and col(2) as Y,
// and put integral curve into columns 3 as X and 4 as Y
integ1 iy:=(1,2) oy:=(3,4);
// same as above except result integral curve output to col(3) as Y,
// and sharing input's X of col(1):
integ1 iy:=2 oy:=3;

Listing, Deleting, and Converting Range Variables

Listing Range Variables
Use the list LabTalk command to print a list of names and their defined bodies of all session
variables including the range variables. For example:
list a; // List all session variables

If you issue this command in the Command Window, it prints a list such as:
Session:
1
2

MYRANGE
MYSTR

PI

[book1]sheet1!col(b)
"abc"
3.1415926535898

From Origin 8.1, we added more switches (given below) to list particular session variables:
Option

54

What Gets Listed

Option

What Gets Listed

All session variables

aa

String arrays (session)

ac

Constants (session)

af

Local Function (session)

afc

Local Function Full Content (session)

afp

Local Function Prototype (session)

ag

Graphic objects (session)

ar

Range variables (session)

as

String variables (session)

at

Tree variables (session)

Language Fundamentals

3.2.1 Range Notation

av

Numeric variables (session)

--

--

Deleting Range Variables

To delete a range variable, use the del LabTalk command with the -ra switch. For example:
range aa=1;

// aa = Col(1) of the active worksheet

range ab=2;
range ac=3;

// ab = Col(2) of the active worksheet

// ac = Col(3) of the active worksheet

range bb=4;
list a;

// bb = Col(4) of the active worksheet

// list all session variables; will include aa, ab, ac, bb

del -ra a*;

// delete all range variables beginning with the letter "a"

// The last command will delete aa, ab, and ac.

The table below lists options for deleting variables

Option

What Gets Deleted/Cleared

Option

What Gets Deleted/Cleared

ra

Any Local/Session variable

al

same as -ra

rar

Range variable

ras

String variable

rav

Numeric variable

rac

Constant

rat

Tree variable

raa

String array

rag

Graphic object

raf

Local/Session Function

Converting Range to UID

Each Origin Object has a short name, a long name, and a universal identifier (UID). You can
convert between range variables and their UIDs as well as obtain the names of pages and
layers using the functions range2uid, uid2name, and uid2range. See LabTalk Objects for
examples of use.

Special Notations for Range

XY and XYZ Range
Designed as inputs to particular X-Functions, an XY Range (XYZ Range) is an ordered pair
(triple) designating two (three) worksheet columns as XY (XYZ) data.
For instance, the fitpoly X-Function takes an XY range for both input and output:
// Fit a 2nd order polynomial to the XY data in columns 1 and 2;

Language Fundamentals

55

3.2 Special Language Features

// Put the coefficients into column 3 and the XY fit data in cols 4 and 5:
fitpoly iy:=(1,2) polyorder:=2 coef:=3 oy:=(4,5);

XY Range using # and ? for X

There are two special characters '?' and '#' introduced in (8.0 SR3) for range as an X-Function
argument. '?' indicates that the range is forced to use worksheet designation, and will fail if the
range designation does not satisfy the requirement. '#' means that the range ignores
designations and uses row number as the X designation. However, if the Y column has even
sampling information, that sampling information will be used to provide X.
For example:
plotxy (?, 5);
plotxy (#, 3);

// if col(5) happens to be X column call fails

// plot col(3) as Y and use row number as X

These notations are particularly handy in the plotxy X-Function, as demonstrated here:
// Plot all columns in worksheet using their column designations:
plotxy (?,1:end);

Tag Notations in Range Output

Many X-Functions have an output range that can be modified with tags, including template,
name and index. Here is an example that can be used by the Discrete Frequency X-Function,
discfreqs
discfreqs irng:=1 freq:=1 rd:="[Result]<new template:=table.otw index:=3>";

The output is directed to a Workbook named Result by loading a template named

TABLE.OTW as the third sheet in the Result book.
Support of these tag notations depends on the particular X-Function, so experiment before
including in production code.

Composite Range
A Composite Range is a range consisting of multiple subranges. You can construct composite
ranges using the following syntax:
// Basic combination of three ranges:
(range1, range2, range3)
// Common column ranges from multiple sheets:
(sheet1,sheet2,sheet3)!range1
// Common column ranges from a range of sheets
(sheet1:sheetn)!range1

To show how this works, we will use the wcellcolor X-Function to show range and plotxy to
show XYRange. Assume we are working on the active book/sheet, with at least four columns
filled with numeric data:
// color several different blocks with blue color
wcellcolor (1[1]:2[3], 1[5]:2[5], 2[7]) color(blue);
// set font color as red on some of them

56

Language Fundamentals

3.2.2 Substitution Notation

wcellcolor (1[3]:4[5], 2[6]:3[7]) color(red) font;

To try plotxy, we will put some numbers into the first sheet, add a new sheet, and put more
numbers into the second sheet.
// plot A(X)B(Y) from both sheets into the same graph.
plotxy (1:2)!(1,2);
// Activate workbook again and add more sheets and fill them with data.
// Plot A(X)B(Y) from all sheets between row2 and row10:
plotxy (1:end)!(1,2)[2:10];

Note: There exists an inherent ambiguity between a composite range, composed of ranges r1
and r2 as in (r1,r2), and an XY range composed of columns named r1 and r2, i.e., (r1,r2).
Therefore, it is important that one keep in mind what type of object is assigned to a given range
variable!

3.2.2

Substitution Notation

Introduction
When a script is executed, it is sent to the LabTalk interpreter. Among other tasks, the
interpreter searches for special substitution notations which are identified by their initial
characters, % or $. When a substitution notation is found, the interpreter replaces the original
string with another string, as described in the following section. The value of the substituted
string is unknown until the statement is actually executed. Thus, this procedure is called a runtime string substitution.
There are three types of substitutions described below:

String register substitution, %A - %Z

%( ) Substitution, a powerful notation to resolve %(str), %(range), worksheet info and
column dataset names, worksheet cells, legend and etc.
$( ) Substitution, where $(expression) resolves the numeric expression and formats the
result as a string

%A - %Z
Using a string register is the simplest form of substitution. String registers are substituted by
their contents during script execution, for example
FDLOG.Open(A);
%B=FDLOG.path$;

// put file name into %A from dialog

// file path put into %B

doc -open %B%A;

// %B%A forms the full path file name

String registers are used more often in older scripts, before the introduction of string variables
(since Origin 8), which allows for more reliable codes. To resolve string variables, %( )
substitution is used, and is discussed in the next section.

Language Fundamentals

57

3.2 Special Language Features

%( ) Substitution
String Expression Substitution
While LabTalk commands often accept numeric expressions as arguments, none accept a
string expression. So if a string is needed as an argument, you have to pass in a string variable
or a string expression using the %( ) substitution to resolve run-time values. The simplest form
of a string expression is a single string variable, like in the example below:
string str$ = "Book2";
win -o %(str$) {wks.ncols=;}

Keyword Substitution
The %( ) substitution notation is also used to insert non-printing characters (also called control
characters), such as tabs or carriage returns into strings. Use LabTalk keywords to access
these non-printing characters. For example,
// Insert a carriage-return, line-feed (CRLF) into a string:
string ss$ = "Hello%(CRLF)Goodbye";
ss$=;
// ANS: 'Hello', 'Goodbye' printed on separate lines
// Or use %() substitution to display the string variable:
type %(ss$);

Worksheet Column and Cell Substitution

The following notation allows you to access worksheet cells as a string as well as to get
column dataset name from any book sheet. Before Origin 8, each book had only one sheet so
you could refer to its content with the book name only. Since Origin 8 supports multiple
worksheets, we recommend that you use [workbookname]sheetname to address a specific
sheet, unless you are certain that the book has only one sheet.
To return individual cell contents, use the following syntax:
This notation references the active sheet in the named book
%(workbookName, column, row)
New notation that specifies book and sheet (since Origin 8)
%([workbookname]sheetname, column, row[,format])
For example, if the third cell in the fourth column in the active worksheet of Book1 contains the
value 25, then entering the following statement in the Script window will set A to 25 and put
double that value in another sheet in Book1.
A = %(Book1, 4, 3);
%([Book1]Results, 1, 4) = 2 * A;

To return the contents of a text cell, use a string variable:

string strVar$ = %(Book1, 2, 5); // Note : No end '$' needed here
strVar$ = ;

Before 8.1, you must use column and row index and numeric cell will always return full
precision. Origin 8.1 had added support for column to allow both index and name, and row will
58

Language Fundamentals

3.2.2 Substitution Notation

also support Label Row Characters such as L for longname. There is also an optional format
argument that you can use to further specify numeric cell format when converting to string.
Assuming Book2, sheet3 col(Signal)[3] has a numeric value of 12.3456789, then
//format string C to use current column format
type "Col(Signal)[3] displayed value is %([Book2]Sheet3,Signal,3,C)";
A=%([Book2]Sheet3,Signal,3);//full precision if format not specified
A=;// shows 12.3456789
type "Showing 2 decimal places:%([Book2]Sheet3,Signal,3,.2)";

To return a dataset name, use the following syntax:

Older notation for active sheet of named book
%(workbookName, column)
New book sheet notation (since Origin 8)
%([workbookName]sheetName, column)
You can also use index
%([workbookName]SheetIndex, column)
where column must be an index prior to Origin 8.1 which added support for column name.
For example:
%A = %(%H, 2);

// Column 2 of active sheet of active book

type %A;
%B = %([Book1]Sheet3,2); // Column 2 of Book1, Sheet3
type %B;

In the above example, the name of the dataset in column 2 in the active worksheet is
substituted for the expression on the right, and then assigned to %A and %B. In the second
case, if the named book or sheet does not exist, no error occurs but the substitution will be
invalid.
Note: You can use parentheses to force assignment to be performed on the dataset whose
name is contained in a string register variable instead of performing the assignment on the
string register variable itself.
%A = %(Book1,2);
type %A;

// Get column 2 dataset name

// Types the name of the dataset

(%A) = %(Book1,1); // Copy column 1 data to column 2

Calculation Involving Datasets from Another Sheet

The ability to get a dataset name from any book or sheet (Dataset Substitution) can be very
useful in doing calculation between columns in different sheets, like:
// Sum col(1) from sheet2 and 3 and put into active sheet's col(1)
col(1)=%([%H]sheet2, 1) + %([%H]sheet3, 1);
// subtract by col "signal" in the 1st sheet of book2 and
// put result into the active book's sheet3, "calibrated" col
%([%H]sheet3, "calibrated")=col(signal) - %([Book2]1,signal);

Language Fundamentals

59

3.2 Special Language Features

The column name should be quoted if using long name. If not quoted, then Origin will first
assume short name, if not found, then it will try using long name. So in the example above,
%([%H]sheet3, "calibrated")

will force a long name search, while

%([Book2]1,signal)

will use long name only if there is no column with such a short name.

Worksheet Information Substitution

Similar to worksheet column and cell access with substitution notation, the @ Substitution
(worksheet info substitution) make uses of the @ character to differentiate from a column index
or name in the 2nd argument to specify various options to provide access to worksheet info
and meta data.
Prior to Origin 8, the following syntax is used and is still supported for the active sheet:
%(workbookName, @option, columnNumber)
It is recommended that you use the newer notation introduced since Origin 8:
%([workbookName]worksheetName, @option, columnNumber)
Here, option can be one of the following:
Option

Return Value

@#

Returns the total number of worksheet columns. ColumnNumber can be omitted.

@C

Returns the column name.

Remove trailing zeros when Set Decimal Places or Significant Digits is chosen in
Numeric Display drop down list of the Worksheet Column Format dialog box.
@DZ

60

0 = display trailing zeros. 1 = remove trailing zeros for Set Decimal Places =. 2
= remove trailing zeros for Significant Digits =. 3 = remove for both.

@E#

If columnNumber = 1, returns the number of Y error columns in the worksheet. If

columnNumber = 2, returns the number of Y error columns in the current selection
range. If columnNumber is omitted, columnNumber will be assumed as 1.

@H#

If columnNumber = 1, returns the number of X error columns in the worksheet. If

columnNumber = 2, returns the number of X error columns in the current selection
range. If columnNumber is omitted, columnNumber will be assumed as 1.

@PC

Page Comments

@PC1

Page Comments, 1st line only

Language Fundamentals

3.2.2 Substitution Notation

@PL

Page Long Name

@OY

Returns the offset from the left-most selected Y column to the columnNumber column
in the current selection.

@OYX

Returns the offset from the left-most selected Y column to the columnNumber Y
column counting on Y columns in the current selection.

@OYY

Returns the offset from the left-most selected Y column to the columnNumber X
column counting on X columns in the current selection.

@T

Returns the column type. 1 = Y , 2 = disregarded, 3 = Y error, 4 = X , 5 = label, 6 =

Z, and 7 = X error.

@W

Returns information stored at the Book or Sheet level as well as imported file
information. Refer to the table below for the @W group of variables.

@X

Returns the number of the worksheet's X column. Columns are enumerated from left
to right, starting from 1. Use the syntax: %(worksheetName, @X);

@Xn

Returns the name of the worksheet's X column. Use the syntax: %(worksheetName,
@Xn);

@Y

Returns the offset from the left-most selected column to the columnNumber column
in the current selection.

@Y-

Returns the column number of the first Y column to the left. Returns columnNumber if
the column is a Y column, or returns 0 when the Y column doesn't exist. Use the
syntax: %(worksheetName, @Y-, ColumnNumber);

@Y#

If columnNumber = 1, returns the number of Y columns in the worksheet. If

columnNumber = 2, returns the number of Y columns in the current selection range.
If columnNumber is omitted, columnNumber will be assumed as 1.

@Y+

Returns the column number of the first Y column to the right. Returns columnNumber
if the column is a Y column, or returns 0 when the Y column doesn't exist. Use the
syntax: %(worksheetName, @Y+, ColumnNumber);

@YS

Returns the number of the first selected Y column to the right of (and including) the
columnNumber column.

Language Fundamentals

61

3.2 Special Language Features

@Z#

If columnNumber = 1, returns the number of Z columns in the worksheet. If

columnNumber = 2, returns the number of Z columns in the current selection range.
If columnNumber is omitted, columnNumber will be assumed as 1.

The options in this table are sometimes identified as @ options or @ variables.

Information Storage and Imported File Information
The @W variables access metadata stored within Origin workbooks, worksheets and columns,
as well as information stored about imported files.
Use a similar syntax as above, replacing column number with variable or node information:
%([workbookName]worksheetName!columnName, @option, varOrNodeName)
Option

Return Value

@W

Returns the information in varOrNodeName; the variable is understood to be located

at workbook level, which can be seen in workbook Organizer. When it is used, there is
no need to specify worksheetName!ColumnName.

@WFn

Returns the information in varOrNodeName for the nth imported file. The variable can
be seen in workbook Organizer.

@WS

Returns the information in varOrNodeName; the variable is understood to be located

at worksheet level, which can be seen in workbook Organizer. When it is used, there
is no need to specify ColumnName.

@WC

Returns the information in varOrNodeName; the variable is understood to be located

at column level, which can be seen in Column Properties dialog.

Examples of @ Substitution
This script returns the column name of the first column in the current selection range (for
information on the selc1 numeric system variable, see System Variables):
%N = %(%H, @col, selc1);

%N =;

The following line returns the active page's long name to a string variable:
string PageName$ = %(%H, @PL);

The script below returns the column type for the fourth column in Book 2, Sheet 3:
string colType$ = %([Book2]Sheet3, @T, 4);
colType$=;

An import filter can create a tree structure of information about the imported file that gets stored
with the workbook. Here, for a multifile import, we return the number of points in the 3rd
dataset imported into the current book:
%z=%(%H,@WF3,variables.header.noofpoints);
%z=

62

Language Fundamentals

3.2.2 Substitution Notation

If the currently active worksheet window has six columns (XYYYYY) and columns 2, 4, and 5
are selected, then the following script shows the number of the first selected Y column to the
right of (and including) the column whose index is equal to columnNumber (the third
argument):
loop(ii,1,6)
{
type -l %(%H, @YS, ii),;
}
type;

This outputs:
2,2,4,4,5,0,

Legend Substitution
Graph legends also employ the %( ) substitution notation. The first argument must be an
integer to differentiate from other %( ) notations where the first argument is a worksheet
specifier. The legend substitution syntax is:
%(n[, @option])
where n is the index of the desired data plot in the current layer; n might be followed by more
options, typically plot designation character(X, Y or Z) associated with the data plot, which
when not specified, will assumed to be Y; @option if specified, controls the legend contents.
For example:
// In the legend of the current graph layer ...
// display the Long Name for the first dependent dataset.
legend.text$ = %(1Y, @LL)
// Equivalent command (where, Y, the default, is understood):
legend.text$ = %(1, @LL)

Alternatively, display in the legend the Short Name for the second independent (i.e., X)
dataset:
legend.text$ = %(2X, @LS)

The complete list of @options is found in the @ text-label options.

Note: This style of legend modification is limited in that it only changes a single legend entry,
but the syntax is good to understand, as it can be used in the Plot Details dialog.
The legendupdate X-Function provides an easier and more comprehensive way
to modify or redraw a legend from Script!

Language Fundamentals

63

3.2 Special Language Features

$( ) Substitution
The $() notation is used for numeric to string conversion. This notation evaluates the given
expression at run-time, converts the result to a numeric string, and then substitutes the string
for itself.
The notation has the following form:
$(expression [, format])
where expression can be any mathematical expression, but typically a single number or
variable, and format can be an Origin output format or a C-language format.

Default Format
The square brackets indicate that format is an optional argument for the $() substitution
notation. If format is excluded Origin will carry expression to the number of decimal digits or
significant figures specified in the Tools:Options dialog. To achieve the appropriate output,
Origin will use scientific notation where necessary. For example, if Tools:Options:Numeric
Format:Digits is set to 5 decimal places, we get the following:
double aa = 9.5892345823;
type $(aa);
// ANS: 9.58923
double bb = 20346598723456;
type $(bb);
// ANS: 2.03466E13
double cc = 0.0000000000003245234;
type $(cc);

// ANS: 3.24523E-13

Origin Formats
Origin has several native options to format your output.
Format

*n

Display n significant digits

*n*

Display n significant digits, truncating trailing zeros

S*n

Display n significant digits, in scientific notation

E*n

Display n significant digits, in engineering format

.n

S.n

64

Description

Display n decimal places

Display n decimal places, in scientific notation

Language Fundamentals

3.2.2 Substitution Notation

E.n

Display n decimal places, in engineering format

Dn

Display date in format n from the Display drop down list of the Column Properties
dialog box

Tn

Display time in format n from the Display drop down list of the Column Properties
dialog box

#n

Display an integer to n places, zero padding where necessary

This block of script demonstrates several examples of Origin formats:

xx = 1.23456;
type "xx = $(xx, *2)";
type "xx = $(xx, .2)";

// ANS: 1.2
// ANS: 1.23

yy = 1.10001;
type "yy = $(yy, *4)";
type "yy = $(yy, *4*)";

// ANS: 1.100
// ANS: 1.1

zz = 203465987;
type "zz = $(zz, E*3)";
type "zz = $(zz, S*3)";

// ANS: 203M
// ANS: 2.03E+08

type "$(date(7/20/2009), D1)";

// ANS: Monday, July 20, 2009

type "$(time(14:31:04), T4)";

// ANS: 02 PM

type "$(45, #5)";

// ANS: 00045

Note: For dates and times n starts from zero.

C-Language Formats
The format portion of the $() notation also supports C-language formatting statements.
Option

Un/Signed

Output

Input Range

d, i

SIGNED

Integer values (of decimal or integer

value)

-2^31 -- 2^31 -1

f, e, E, g,
G

SIGNED

Decimal, scientific, decimal-or-scientific

+/-1e290 -- +/-1e290

Language Fundamentals

65

3.2 Special Language Features

o, u, x, X

Octal, Integer, hexadecimal,

HEXADECIMAL

UNSIGNED

-2^31 -- 2^32 - 1

Note that in the last category, negative values will be expressed as twos complements.
Here are a few examples of C codes in use in LabTalk:
double nn = -247.56;
type "Value: $(nn,%d)";

// ANS: -247

double nn = 1.23456e5;
type "Values: $(nn, %9.4f), $(nn, %9.4E), $(nn, %g)";
// ANS: 123456.0000, 1.2346E+005, 123456
double nn = 1.23456e6;
type "Values: $(nn, %9.4f), $(nn, %9.4E), $(nn, %g)";
// ANS: 123456.0000, 1.2346E+006, 1.23456e+006
double nn = 65551;
type "Values: $(nn, %o), $(nn, %u), $(nn, %X)";
// ANS: 200017, 65551, 1000F

Combining Origin and C-language Formats

Origin supports the use of formats E and S along with C-language format specifiers. For
example:
xx = 1e6;
type "xx = $(xx, E%4.2f)";

// ANS: 1.00M

Displaying Negative Values

The command parsing for the type command (and others) looks for the - character as an
option switch indicator. If you assign a negative value to the variable K and try to use the type
command to express that value, you must protect the - by enclosing the substitution in quotes
or parentheses. For example:
K = -5;
type "$(K)"; // This works
type ($(K)); // as does this
type $(K);

// but this fails since type command has no -5 option

Dynamic Variable Naming and Creation

Note that in assignment statements, the $() notation is substitution-processed and resolved to
a value regardless of which side of the assignment operator it is located.
This script creates a variable A with the value 2.
A = 2;

Then we can create a variable A2 with the value 3 with this notation:
A$(A) = 3;

66

Language Fundamentals

3.2.3 LabTalk Objects

You can verify it by entering A$(A) = or A2 = in the Script window.

For more examples of $() substitution, see Numeric to String conversion.

%n Macro and Script Arguments

Substitutions of the form %n, where n is an integer 1-5 (up to five arguments can be passed to
a macro or a script), are used for arguments passed into macros or sections of script.
In the following example, the script defines a macro that takes two arguments (%1 and %2),
adds them, and outputs the sum to a dialog box:
def add {type -b "(%1 + %2) = $(%1 + %2)"}

Once defined, the macro can be run by typing:

add -13 27;

The output string reads:

(-13 + 27) = 14
since the expression $(%1 + %2) resolves to 5.

3.2.3

LabTalk Objects

LabTalk script programming provides access to various objects and their properties. These
objects include components of the Origin project that are visible in the graphical interface, such
as worksheets columns and data plots in graphs. Such objects are referred to as Origin
Objects, and are the subject of the next section, Origin Objects.
The collection of objects also includes other objects that are not visible in the interface, such as
the INI object or the System object. The entire set of objects accessible from LabTalk script is
found in Alphabetical Listing of Objects.
In general, every object has properties that describe it, and methods that operate on it. What
those properties and methods are depend on the particular object. For instance, a data column
will have different properties than a graph, and the operations you perform on each will be
different as well. In either case, we need a general syntax for accessing an object's properties
and calling it's methods. These are summarized below.
Also, because objects can be renamed, and objects of different scope may even share a
name, object names can at times be ambiguous identifiers. For that reason, each object is
assigned a unique universal identifier (UID) by Origin and functions are provided to go back
and forth between an object's name and it's UID.

Properties
A property either sets or returns a number or a text string associated with an object with the
following syntax:
objName.property (For numeric properties)
objName.property$ (For text properties)

Where objName is the name of the object; property is a valid property for the type of object.
When accessing text objects, you should add the $ symbol after property.
Language Fundamentals

67

3.2 Special Language Features

For example, you can set object properties in the following way:
// Set the number of columns on the active worksheet to 10
wks.ncols = 10;
// Rename the active worksheet 'MySheet'
wks.name$ = MySheet;

Or you can get property values:

pn$ = page.name$;
layer.x.from = ;

// Get that active page name

// Get and display the start value of the x-axis

Methods
Method s are a form of immediate command. When executed, they carry out a function related
to the object and return a value. Object methods use the following syntax:
objName.method(arguments)

Where objName is the name of the object; method is a valid method for the type of object; and
arguments determine how the method functions. Some arguments are optional and some
methods do not require any arguments. However, the parentheses "()" must be included in
every object method statement, even if their contents are empty.
For example, the following code uses the section method of the run object to call the Main
section within a script named computeCircle, and passes it three arguments:
double RR = 4.5;
string PA$ = "Perimeter and Area";
run.section(computeCircle, Main, PA$ 3.14 R);

Object Name and Universal Identifier (UID)

Each object has a short name, a long name, and most objects also have a universal identifier
(UID). Both the short name and long name can be changed, but an object's UID will stay the
same within a project (also known as an OPJ file). An object's UID can change if you append
one project to another one, at which time all object UID's will go through a refresh process to
ensure the uniqueness of each object in the newly combined project.
Since many LabTalk functions require the name of an object as argument, and since an object
can be renamed, the following functions are provided to convert between the two:
nVal = range2uid(rangeName$)
str$ = uid2name(nVal)$
str$ = uid2range(nVal)$
A related function is NameOf(range$) with the general syntax:
str$ = nameof(rangeName$)
Its use is demonstrated in the following example:
// Establish a range variable for column 1 (in Book1, Sheet1)
range ra=[Book1]1!1;

68

Language Fundamentals

3.2.3 LabTalk Objects

// Get the internal name associated with that range
string na$ = NameOf(ra)$;
// na$ will be 'Book1_A'
na$ =;
// Get the UID given the internal name
int nDataSetUID = range2uid(na$);

Besides a range name, the UID can be recovered from the names of columns, sheets, or
books themselves:
// Return the UID of column 2
int nColUID = range2uid(col(2));
// Return the UID of a sheet or layer
int nLayerUID = range2uid([book2]Sheet3!);
// Return the UID of the active sheet or layer
nLayerUID =range2uid(!);
// Return the UID of sheet3 of the active workbook
nLayerUID =range2uid(sheet3!);
// Return the UID of the column with index 'jj' within a specific sheet
nColUID = range2uid([Book1]sheet2!wcol(jj));

Additionally, the range2uid function works with the system variable %C, which holds the name
of the active data plot or data column:
// Return the UID of the active data plot or selected column
nDataSetUID = range2uid(%C);

Getting Page and Layer from a Range Variable

Given a range variable, you can get its corresponding Page and Layer UID. The following code
shows how to make a hidden plot from an XY data in the current sheet and to obtain the
hidden plot's graph page name:
plotxy (1,2) ogl:=<new show:=0>; // plot A(x)B(y) to a new hidden plot
range aa=plotxy.ogl$;
int uid=aa.GetPage();
string str$=uid2Name(uid)$;
type "Result graph name is %(str$)";

Getting Book And Sheet from a Plot

You can also get a data plot's related workbook and worksheet as range variables. The
following code (requires at least Origin 8 SR2) shows how to get the Active plot (%C) as a
column range and then retrieve from it the corresponding worksheet variable and book variable
and thus allowing complete access to plot the data:
// col range for active plot, -w switch default to get the Y column
range -w aa=%C;
// wks range for the sheet the column belongs to
range ss = uid2range(aa.GetLayer())$;
// show sheet name
ss.name$=;

Language Fundamentals

69

3.2 Special Language Features

// book range from that col
range bb = uid2range(aa.GetPage())$;
// show book name
bb.name$=;

There is also a simpler way to directly use the range string return from GetLayer and GetPage
in string form:
// col range for active plot, -w switch default to get the Y column
range -w aa=%C;
// sheet range string for the sheet the column belongs to
range ss = aa.GetLayer()$;
// show sheet name
ss.name$=;
// book range string from that col
range bb = aa.GetPage()$;
// show book name
bb.name$=;

When you create a range mapped to a page, the range variable has the properties of a PAGE
(Object).
When you create a range mapped to a graph layer, the range variable has the properties of a
LAYER (Object).
When you create a range mapped to a workbook layer (a worksheet or matrix sheet), the range
variable has the properties of a WKS (Object).

3.2.4

Origin Objects

There is a set of LabTalk Objects that is so integral to scripting in Origin that we give them a
separate name: Origin Objects. These objects are visible in the graphical interface, and will be
saved in an Origin project file (.OPJ). Origin Objects are the primary components of your Origin
Project. They are the following:
Page (Workbook/Graph Window/Matrix Book) Object
Worksheet Object
Column Object
Layer Object
Matrix Object
Dataset Object
Graphic Object
In the sections that follow, tables list object methods and examples demonstrate the use of
these objects in script.

70

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Page
LabTalk Object Type:
Window

In Origin, there are several kinds of windows, workbook window, matrix book window and
graph window. Each of these windows contains three hierarchies.
Workbook -> Worksheet -> Column
Matrix Book -> Matrix Sheet -> Matrix Object
Graph Window -> Layer -> Dataplot

Page object can be used to read/control the properties of graph, workbook and matrix window.
For example, we can active a worksheet or a graph layer by page.active property. Or using
the page.nlayers property, we can either know how many layers in a graph window, or the
number of sheets in a workbook. For more details, you can see examples below.

Properties:
Page properties can be accessed using the following syntax:
[winName!]page.property =

winName! Is optional. If winName! Is not specified, the active window is affected.

Property

Applies To

Access

Description

page.active

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Active layer number.

page.active$

workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
string

Active layer name.

page.activedataindicator

workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Show the box in legend to indicate

active data plot

page.baseColor

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page color. Numbers from the color

list: transparent (0). The color()
function can be used, as in:
page.basecolor = color(blue);

page.closeBits

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Window closing behavior: 0 =

normal, 1 = window will not close,
and 2 = no warning message on
window close.

page.cntrl

graphs,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

For Graphs, controls drawing of

overlapping layers:

Language Fundamentals

71

3.2 Special Language Features

0 = show data that extends into
another layer (default)
4 = draw layers sequentially, thus
hiding underlying data. This would,
for instance, prevent underlying
data from showing through an inset
graph.
16 = ignore system theme. This
would prevent the system theme
from overriding template settings.

For Matrices, controls view

mode:
0 = Data view mode
1 = Image view mode
2 = Show X/Y coordinates

72

page.cntrlColor

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

When the control region is

displayed (page.cntrlregion = 1),
then page.cntrlcolor sets and
reads the color of the control region
using the numbers from the color
list. Set page.cntrlcolor = 18 to
display the control region using the
graph window margin color (gray
area).

page.cntrlHeight

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Set the height of the control region

(if you want to display the control
region at the top of the page).

page.cntrlRegion

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Set page.cntrlregion = 1 to
display a control region. A control
region provides a convenient
location for placing tools. Set
page.contrlregion = 0 to disable
the display.

page.cntrlWidth

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Set the width of the control region

(if you want to display the control
region at the left of the page).

page.comments$

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
string

Page-level comments.

page.connect

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Connect missing values in line data

plots: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

page.cropmark

page.customheight

page.customwidth

page.dvHeight

page.dvLeft

page.dvTop

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Print cropmarks

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Custom Height in printing, used

only in multi-page printing when
printer setting might be different
from one graph to the next.

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Custom Width in printing, used only

in multi-page printing when printer
setting might be different from one
graph to the next.

Read only,
numeric

When page.viewPaper = 0
(viewpaper off), page.dvheight =
pixel height of the page (white
area). When page.viewPaper = 1
(viewpaper on), page.dvheight
will be reduced by 2*page.dvtop.
The property value changes as the
window is resized.

Read only,
numeric

When page.viewPaper = 0
(viewpaper off), page.dvleft = 0.
When page.viewPaper = 1
(viewpaper on), page.dvleft = 12.
The property value changes as the
window is resized.

Read only,
numeric

When page.viewPaper = 0
(viewpaper off), page.dvtop = 0.
When page.viewPaper = 1
(viewpaper on), page.dvtop = 9.
The property value changes as the
window is resized.

graphs

graphs

graphs

page.dvWidth

graphs

Read only,
numeric

When page.viewPaper = 0
(viewpaper off), page.dvwidth =
pixel width of the page (white
area). When page.viewPaper = 1
(viewpaper on), page.dvwidth will
be reduced by 2*page.dvleft. The
property value changes as the
window is resized.

page.extInfo

workbooks

Read only,
numeric

Type of active worksheet window: 0

= Origin worksheet, 1 = Excel

Language Fundamentals

73

3.2 Special Language Features

workbook.

page.filename$,
page.filepath$

page.gradColor

graphs,
workbooks

Read/write,
string

Once a window is saved as ogw,ogg

or external Excel book, these
properties allow access to the file
name.

Read/write,
numeric

When displaying the page with a

gradient fill, page.gradColor
determines the gradient color. Use
numbers from the color list:
transparent (0). The color()
function can be used, as in:
page.gradcolor = color(blue);

page.height

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page height in dots. Height in

inches can be calculated, using the
resolution in dots-per-inch,
page.resy (below), from
[page.height/page.resy].

page.icons

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Layer icons: 1 = show, 0 = hide.

Read only,
numeric

It indicates whether the specified

page (of image, graph, or sparkline)
was popped from an embedded cell,
or not: 1 = embedded, 0 = nonembedded.

page.isEmbedded

(8.0 SR0)

74

workbooks,
matrices

graphs

page.label$

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
string

For versions before 8.0, this is used

to access a label to a window. long
name should be used instead. To
display the long name as the
window title, set page.title = 1.
(Note: You can also define and
display a window label using the
win -rl windowName
"labelContents" command.)

page.layoutCntrl

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

The Speed mode and View mode of

all graph windows are controlled by
the layout page window, if one
exists: 1 = enable, 0 = disable.

page.layoutSpeed

layout

Read/write,

The Show Picture Placeholders

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

pages

numeric

mode causes graph or worksheet

pictures in the layout page window
to be displayed as named, crosshatched boxes: 1 = enable, 0 =
disable.

page.longname$

workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
string

Page-level long name.

page.name$

graphs,
workbooks

Read only,
string

Short name

page.nLayers

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read only,
numeric

Number of layers on the page.

page.nLinks

graphs

Read only,
numeric

Total number of child layers on the

page.

page.noClick

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Disable mouse clicking on various

objects: 1 = on axes and column
headings, 2 = on data plots and
cells, 4 = on labels, 8 = on objects,
16 = on layer frames, and 32 = on
tick labels. Values are cumulative,
so page.noclick = 5 disables
clicking on axes and labels.

page.order

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Slide Index

page.orientation

workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

0 for portrait, 1 for landscape, used

only in multi-page printing when
printer setting might be different
from one graph to the next.

page.resx

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Horizontal resolution in dots-perinch.

page.resy

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Vertical resolution in dots-per-inch.

Language Fundamentals

75

3.2 Special Language Features

page.rtMaxPts

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Independent real-time calculation of

maxpts: 0 = disable and use
maxpts.

page.sysWin

graphs,
workbooks,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Set the window as a system window

which remains open when the
project is closed: 1 = enable, 0 =
disable.

page.title

graphs,
worksheets,
matrices

Read/write,
numeric

Control the display of window title

to show short name or long name
or both: 1 = long name, 2 or 0 =
short name, 3 = short name -long
name.

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page measurement units, as on the

Print/Dimensions tab of the page's
Plot Details dialog box: 1 = inch, 2
= cm, 3 = mm, 4 = pixel, and 5 =
point.

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page view mode, as on the

Miscellaneous tab of the page's Plot
Details dialog box: 1=Print View,
2=Page View, 3=Window View, and
4=Draft View.

page.viewPaper

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page is surrounded by background

color: 1 = enable, 0 = disable. The
background color can be set with
the system.ExtBackColor property.

page.width

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Page width in dots. Width in inches

can be found from
[page.width/page.resx]

Read/write,
numeric

Zoom mode: 0 = zoom to page

center, 1 = zoom to last point
clicked. Note: These are actually
methods, not properties. However,
they are accessed as if they were
properties.

page.unit

page.viewmode

page.zoomIn,
page.zoomOut,
page.zoomWhole,
page.zoomLayer

76

graphs

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Methods:
To run the object methods, use the following script:
[winName!]page.method(argument)

Method

Description

page.dimUpdate()

Update the active graph window to the printer setup

mode.

page.getFileName(A)

Get the window label or, if there is no label, the window

name into %A. If the active window has a page.label
(whether displayed or not), then the label is returned in
the specified string variable. Otherwise, the window name
is returned.

page.layerNumber(layerName)

Returns the layer number of the LayerName layer. Returns

0 if LayerName is not a valid name. Useful when working
with Excel workbooks with multiple sheets. Note: The
active layer's name is stored in the object property
layer.name$.

page.reorder(n[, m])

Layer number change. If m is not specified, change

current layer to nth position. Otherwise, change nth layer
to be the mth layer. Caution: If your graph includes linked
layers, you should only change parent layer numbers.
Origin may still break links during the reordering process.

Examples:
Active Page Layer
This script uses the active property to set layer 2 in the Graph1 window as the active layer .
Graph1!page.active = 2;

Active Worksheet
Page.active property can also activate a worksheet. Such as:
page.active = 2; // Active the 2nd worksheet
page.active$ = "Raw Data" // Active the worksheet named "Raw Data"

Note that when specifying window's name in page.active property, it just make the layer or
worksheet as active worksheet on the window, but not active the window. The below example
demonstrates how this happens.
// Create a new workbook and save the name to bkn$
newbook result:=bkn$;
// Add a new worksheet to bkn$, now there are two worksheets
// and sheet2 is active worksheet

Language Fundamentals

77

3.2 Special Language Features

newsheet;
// Create another workbook, now the active window is the new one
newbook;
// Make sheet1 in bkn$ active
bkn$!page.active = 1;
// Since the second workbook is active window,
// data will be filled in new workbook, not bkn$
col(a) = {1:10};

Reorder Layers
This script uses the reorder() method to change layer 1 to layer 2. Layer 2 will move up a
position to layer 1. Use the Edit: Add & Arrange Layers menu command to physically move
the positions.
Graph1!page.reorder(1,2);

Work with Window Names

The page.title property controls how to display the window names, short name, long name, or
both. And you can use page.label$ to get or set window's long name.
page.label$ = "Temperature"; // Rename the long name to "Temperature"
page.title = 3; // Show both short name and long name

Although there is a page.name$, this property is read only, so you can just get the window's
name by this property. To rename a window , use win -r command.
string wn$ = page.name$; // Get the window name
win -r %(wn$) Source; // Rename the window name to Source

Know the Number of Layers/Worksheets

Page.nlayers returns the number of layers on a graph, or the number of worksheets in a
workbook, and even the number of matrix sheets in a matrix window. This script loops over
each layer in the active graph window and types the layer number to the Script window.
Loop (num,1,page.nlayers)
//loop from 1 to the # of layers in the page
{
type "layer number $(num)";
};

And you can use a similar way to get the number of worksheets in a book.
book1!page.nlayers=;

Wks
The WKS object has properties and methods related to an Origin sheet (Note: A sheet can be
either Worksheet or Matrix Sheet). You can use range notation to define a worksheet object:
range wksObject = [winName]sheetName!
If no range is specified, Origin will work on the active sheet. Once a worksheet (matrix sheet)
object is defined, the object properties and methods can be accessed using the following
syntax:
78

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

wksObject.property
wksObject.method(argument)
For example:
range rWa = [Book2]Sheet2!;

// Define a worksheet object range

rWa.colSel(2,1);
rWa.vGrids = 0;

// Select the second column of that sheet

// Turn off vertical grid lines

range rWb = !;
rWb.AddCol(NewColumn);

// Use the active worksheet as a range

// Add a new column

NumColumns = rWb.ncols;

// Find out how many columns

Please see the wproperties X-Function for Read/Write access to additional

Worksheet properties. What's more, there are some X-Function can do the
same things as wks object. For more information, please refer to worksheet
manipulation X-Functions.

Properties
When operating on the active worksheet or matrix sheet, you can use wks.property to access
sheet properties; otherwise, range notation should be used.
Property

Access

Description

Auto add rows when sheet is resized.

Example:
range aa=[book1]sheet2!;
wks.AutoAddRows

(8.0 SR0)

Read/write
integer

// Disable auto add rows to maintain fixed

// number of rows and columns
aa.AutoAddRows=0;
// Setup the wks with 3x2
aa.nCols = 2;aa.nRows = 3;

wks.c1, c2, r1, r2

Read only
integer

Selection range. First and last columns and rows.

wks.cNamen$

Read only
string

The nth worksheet column short name. See wks.cnamemode

to operate on specific column types. (See also: Wks.Col
(Object))

Read/write
integer

Its value determines the columns that wks.cnamen$ operates

on. Set wks.cnamemode to the following values: 0 = all
columns, 1 = numeric columns, 2 = text columns, 4 = text
and numeric (mixed) columns, and 64 = columns in the
selection range. Set wks.cnamemode = 128 to return the full

wks.cNameMode

Language Fundamentals

79

3.2 Special Language Features

dataset name to wks.cnamen$.

wks.col

Read/write
integer

wks.colWidth

Read/write
integer

wks.export

Read/write

Worksheet export settings; enter wks.export.= for submethods.

wks.font

Read/write
integer

Font (by index) of the Standard name style in the sheet. You
can use the font(name) function to get a font's index, like
wks.font = font(Courier New);

wks.fSize

Read/write
float

Font size of the Standard name style in the sheet, like

wks.fsize = 12;

wks.hGrids
wks.vGrids

Read/write
integer

Display horizontal and vertical grid: 1 = enable, 0 = disable.

wks.import

Read/write

Worksheet import settings; enter wks.import.= for submethods.

wks.index

Read only
integer

Worksheet index in workbook, i.e. 1,2,3, etc.

Current column. See also: The Wks.Col object properties.

Column width. example:

wks.col2.width=10;

Or use the wcolwidth X-Function to update column

width.

Set/get the worksheet join mode. Values may be the

following:

wks.joinMode

80

Read/write
integer

0 = enumerate when column names match. Append

when matching rows are not found.
1 = drop when column names match. Append when
matching rows are not found.
2 = enumerate when column names match. Drop when
matching rows are not found.
3 = drop when column names match. Drop when
matching rows are not found.
See the wks.join() method.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Read/write
integer

0 if grid not loaded; 1 if grid loaded.

wks.maxRows

Read only
integer

Scan all columns and find the largest row index that has
value. You can setup a worksheet with wks.nRows, but before
filling it with values, wks.maxRows will still be zero. To reduce
the size of a worksheet, use wks.nRows, as this property is
only to get the longest column row size.

wks.multiX

Read only
integer

Multiple X columns: 1 = Yes, 0 = No.

wks.name$

Read/write
string

Worksheet name.

Read/write
integer

Number of matrix objects in a matrix sheet.

wks.nCols

Read/write
integer

Number of columns in the worksheet. Before Origin 8, this

property was Read-Only

wks.nRows

Read/write
integer

Number of rows in the worksheet. Before Origin 8, this

property was Read-Only. See also: wks.maxRows.

wks.loadedgrid

wks.nMats

(8.5.0)

Row heading width in units of 1/10 of cell height.

Example:

wks.rhw

Read/write
integer

wks.sel

Read only
integer

Selection flags. The hex return number indicates what is

selected in the worksheet. Values may be the following, or a
combination of these bits: 0 = none, 1 = editing cell, 2 =
column, 4 = row, 8 = range, and 16 = 1 column.

wks.useFont

Read/write
integer

Font usage: 1 = use selected font, 0 = use system font.

Read/write
integer

Show/hide specified User Parameter. For example:

wks.UserParam1=1; // Show the first user
parameter

wks.userParamn

(8.0 SR0)

// Set to about 5 char height

range aa=2!; // 2nd sheet of active
book<br>aa.rhw=50;

Language Fundamentals

81

3.2 Special Language Features

wks.userParamn$

Read/write
string

(8.0 SR0)

Access the User Parameter's name. For example:

// Set parameter name as "Site Index"
wks.UserParam1$="Site Index";

Methods

Method

82

Description

wks.addCol(name)

Add a single named column to the end of

the worksheet. If name is not specified, a
generic name is chosen.

wks.colSel(colNum, n)

Column selection. If n = 1, select the

colNum column. If n = 0, deselect the
colNum column.

wks.copy(strRegister, Col, Row)

Copy(Z): Copy entire wks into string

register %Z. (It is recommended that you
use %Z which can hold up to 6,290
characters. If the text is too large, it is not
copied and no error occurs.) See also:
wks.paste().
Copy(Z, n): copy all rows of column n.
Copy(Z, 0, n): copy all columns of row n.
See the colcopy, colcopy, wcopy and
wrcopy X-Functions for more options.

wks.findLabels(ind, K, [n])

Finds an apparent label in a column of data

(Origin worksheet or Excel workbook. If an
Excel worksheet is active, make sure that
the internal data has been updated (as with
layer -s) before use).
ind = (required) index of the column in
which to find label;
K = (required) global string variable letter
to store the found label string;
n = (optional) 0 to disregard selection, 1 to
consider selection inside the column if only
a range of rows inside the column is
selected (if nothing in the column is
selected or if the whole column is selected,
treat as 0) By default (i.e. if n is omitted), it
is considered to be 0.

wks.insert(name list)

Insert the list of columns at the current

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

location. The current column position is
specified by wks.col. The list consists of
one or more desired column names
separated by spaces. If a column name is
already used, it is automatically
enumerated.

wks.isColSel([colNum])

[ToWks!]wks.join(FromWks)

If colNum is included as an argument, the

method returns the selection state of
colNum. 0 = the column isn't selected. 1 =
entire column is selected. 2 = a range of
the column is selected.
If colNum is not included as an argument,
this method returns the number of columns
selected (partial and entire selections).

Join the worksheet specified by FromWks to

the worksheet specified by ToWks. This
method adds the columns of FromWks to
ToWks according to the method specified by
wks.joinmode.

If ToWks is not specified, then the

currently active worksheet is used.
Control the display of worksheet column
labels. No argument = do not show any
labels, otherwise a string containing column
label row characters, for example:
// Show Long Name and Comments, if
they are not empty
wks.labels();
// Do not show any label rows

wks.labels(str)

(8.0 SR1)

wks.labels(0);
// Set to show long name, units
and comments
wks.labels(LUC)
// Show Comments, User Parameter
1, and Long Name
wks.labels(CD1L)

Note, in Origin 8 SR0, the wks.labels()

did nothing.
The prefixes +, - and * were added in
Origin 8 SR2,
// To remove Units
wks.labels(-U);
// To insert Sample Rate and

Language Fundamentals

83

3.2 Special Language Features

Sparklines to the top
wks.labels(+ES);
// To append Units to the bottom
wks.labels(*U);

wks.paste(strRegister, Col, Row)

Paste the contents of a string register

(specified without the %) into the cell
beginning at (Col, Row).

wks.template( FileName[,[WinName],NumRows])

Apply the template named FileName to

<NumRows> rows of window WinName

Examples
Work with Worksheet Columns and Rows
When a new worksheet is created, there are 2 columns and 32 rows by default. To read or set
the number of worksheet columns and rows, you can use the wks.ncols and wks.nrows
properties.
newsheet; // Add a new worksheet
wks.ncols = 5; // Set the number of columns to 5
wks.nrows = 100; // Set the number of rows to 100

Note that Origin will delete columns beyond (i.e., to the right of) the number you specify. So, in
general, it is safer to use the wks.addCol(name) method to add columns.
wks.addCol(Does); // Add a column with short name 'Does'

Regarding worksheet rows, two properties are similar, wks.maxRows and wks.nRows. The
former finds the largest row index in the worksheet that has a value, while the latter sets or
reads the number of rows in the worksheet. The following script illustrates how to use these
two properties:
newbook; // Create a new workbook
col(b) = {1:10}; // Fill 10 numbers to column B
wks.maxRows = ; // Returns 10
wks.nRows = ; // Returns 32

Display Worksheet Column Labels

This script creates an empty table for the average temperature in different cities. In this
example, we will create a user-defined parameter and show the worksheet long name, unit and
the user-defined parameter.
range ww = !; // Define a range, on active worksheet
ww.name$ = "Average Temperature"; // Rename the worksheet
ww.ncols = 13; // Set total number of columns
ww.userParam1$ = Month; // Define a new user parameter label
// Show the worksheet long name, unit and a user parameter
ww.labels(LUD1);

84

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Col(1)[L]$ = City; // Set column long name
stringarray month = {"Jun.", "Feb.", "Mar.", "Apr.", "May.", "Jun.",
"July", "Aug.", "Sep.", "Oct.", "Nov.", "Dec."};
loop(ii, 2, 13)
{
Col($(ii))[L]$ = Temperature;

// Set column long name

Col($(ii))[U]$ = \+(o)F; // Set column unit

// Set column user parameter
Col($(ii))[D1]$ = month.getAt(ii-1)$;
}

See Also
Worksheet Manipulation X-Functions

Wks.Col
Columns in a worksheet are handled as objects in Origin. Columns can contain much
information, such as column name, column numeric type, data formats, etc. The column
attributes can be accessed and changed using the properties in the table below.

Properties and Methods

Property

wks.col.comment$

Access

Description

Read/write
string

Column Comment row header string value

wks.col.digitMode

Read/write
numeric

Set the digit display mode: 0 = display all, 1 = set the

decimal places, and 2 = set the significant digits.
When wks.col[n].digitmode = 0, wks.col[n].digits is
set to 0.
When wks.col[n].digitmode = 1, wks.col[n].digits is
set to 3.
When wks.col[n].digitmode = 2, wks.col[n].digits is
set to 6.

wks.col.digits

Read/write
numeric

Number of decimal places when wks.col.digitMode = 1,

number of significant digits when wks.col.digitmode =
2: 0 = display all, n = display n.

wks.col.index

Read/write
numeric

Column index counting from left to right.

wks.col.format

Read/write

Column format: 1 = Numeric, 2 = Text, 3 = Time, 4 =

(8.0 SR0)

Language Fundamentals

85

3.2 Special Language Features

numeric

Date, 5 = Month, 6 = Day of Week, and 7 = Text and

Numeric as listed in the Format drop-down list in the
Worksheet Column Format dialog box.

wks.col.justify

Read/write
numeric

Set the justification for worksheet cell values. 1 = right, 2

= left, and 3 = center.

wks.col.label$

Read/write
string

Column label access for versions before 8.0. Still supported

to control long name, units and comments in a single call.
For detailed access to column long name, units and
comments, use col(a)[L]$, col(a)[C]$ etc notation instead.

Read/write
numeric

Custom missing value, this is particularly important for

data types other then double as by default, only Text &
Numeric or double has built-in missing value support. This
property allow setting custom missing value such that nondouble columns can have missing value support. 0 means
no custom missing value, which means that you can not
use 0 for custom missing value.

Read/write
string

Column short name

Read/write
int

Number of columns for Matrix Object; for worksheet

column, always 1.

Read/write
int

Number of rows

wks.col.missing

(8.0 SR1)

wks.col.name$

wks.col.nCols

(8.0 SR1)
wks.col.nRows

(8.0 SR1)

Column numeric type, used only if column format is

numeric(1):

wks.col.numerictype

(8.0 SR1)

wks.col.setformat

(8.0 SR2)
86

Read/write
numeric

Write
numeric
string

1 = double, 2 = float, 3 = short int, 4 = int, 5 = char,

8=byte, 9=unsigned short int, 10 = unsigned int,
11=complex
The following values are redundant, since they are the
same as Column format
6 = Text, same as format = 2
7 = Text and Numeric, same as format = 7
Setformat method combines functionalities of the format
and subformat methods, additionally allowing custom
formats to be specified. This object method takes 3
arguments, wks.col.setformat(format[, subformat ,

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

customFormat]). Example below.

Read/write
numeric

Subformat options as listed in the Display drop-down list

of the Worksheet Column Format dialog box (in the Origin
GUI, select Format pull-down menu, then select Column
... option to open this dialog). To get the appropriate
number of the option you want, simply count down from
the top of the list of Display options. Make sure the
desired Format has been selected first.

Read/write
integer

Set Value Recalculate Mode for the column formula (in

any) of the column. 0=none,1=auto,2=manual.

wks.col.tWidth

Read/write
numeric

Number of characters allowed in a text column.

wks.col.type

Read/write
numeric

Column type: 1 = Y, 2 = disregard, 3 = Y Error, 4 = X, 5 =

Label, 6 = Z, and 7 = X Error. Example below.

wks.col.unit

Read/write
string

Units row header

wks.col.width

Read/write
numeric

wks.col.subformat

wks.col.svrm

(8.0 SR0)

Column width, in units of characters.

wks.col.xinit

(8.0 SR2)
wks.col.xinc

(8.0 SR2)
wks.col.xuints$

(8.0 SR2)
wks.col.xname$

(8.0 SR2)

Please also see the wcolwidth X-Function which sets

column width.

Read/write
numeric

Internal X Initial value for column. The XINIT, XINC and

XUNITS appear in the Sampling Interval row header if
displayed. Example below.

Read/write
numeric

Internal X Increment value for column. Example below.

Read/write
string

Internal X Units string for column. Example below.

Read/write
string

Internal X Name string for column. The XNAME and

XUNITS appear as the X Axis Title on plots of this column.
Example below.

Language Fundamentals

87

3.2 Special Language Features

Examples
Worksheet Column Access
Worksheet Column objects can be accessed in the following two ways:

Active sheet column access by index

// Set col(1)'s short name in active sheet as "Time"
wks.col1.name$ = Time;
// You can reference another book, but the target sheet must still be active
// Set column 5 in the active sheet of Book5 to be an X column
Book5!wks.col5.type = 4;

Range variable that represents a column

range cc = [Book1]Sheet1!col("Room Temperature");
// Define a range
cc.width = 10;
// Set the column width as 10

Designating variable column number

The column number may be omitted if you first set the wks.col property to the number of the
column you wish to address.
// Set every odd column as an X column
for( ii = 1 ; ii <= wks.ncols ; ii+=2)
{
wks.col = ii;
wks.col.type = 4;
}
// which is equivalent to
for( ii = 1 ; ii <= wks.ncols ; ii+=2)
{
wks.col$(ii).type = 4;
}

For column labels, you can access by column label row characters.
Set Column Type
This script sets column 1 of the active window to be an X column.
wks.col1.type = 4;

Loop Over Columns

This script loops over the selected columns in the Data1 worksheet. The script prints the
names of all of the columns to the Script window.
loop (var, Data1!wks.c1,Data1!wks.c2)
{
%A = Data1!wks.col$(var).name$;
type "%A";
};

88

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Create Internal X Dataset

This script creates an internal X dataset for a Y column and plots the Y against this X.
newbook;
col(2) = uniform(10); // Fill Y column with random numbers
wks.col2.xinit = 600; // First X value will be 600
wks.col2.xinc = 10; // Subsequent X spacing of 10
wks.col2.xunits$ = nm;
wks.col2.xname$ = Wavelength;
plotxy iy:=(?,2); // Plot column 2 as Y using its internal X dataset as X

Set Custom Date Format

This script sets the format of column 2 of the active worksheet to a custom date format.
// Surround non-date characters in specifier by single quotes:
wks.col2.SetFormat(4, 22, yyyy'.'MM'.'dd);

Note that all non-date characters to be included in the custom string specifier must be
surrounded by single quotes.
Dates entered into this column will now be displayed in the specified custom format. Enter 0729-09 into one or more cells and confirm the display to show 2009.07.29.

Layer
LabTalk Object Type:
Window

Note: A layer in Origin can be either a graph layer or a Worksheet or Matrixsheet (i.e. each
Worksheet/Matrixsheet in a Workbook/Matrix is a layer). The layer object in LabTalk is
mapped to a graph layer. The wks object is the layer analogue for Worksheets and
Matrixsheets.
The layer object controls the appearance of the specified (or active) layer on a graph page.
The layer object contains the axis sub-object. The axis object also contains sub-objects. You
can either use the layer.property notation to access the active layer's properties, or use the
range notation to define a layer range:
range layerObject = [winName]layerIndex!

For example:
// Use layer object to access active layer properties ...
layer.tickl = layer.tickl * 2; // Double the tick length
// or specify the layer (which need not be active) in the active graph ...
layer3.color = color(cyan); // Set layer3 background color to cyan
// or refer to layer in another window ...
// Set width of layer 2 in 'Graph2' to 50 (current units)
Graph2!layer2.width = 50;
// Define two range variables ...
range layA = [Graph1]1!, layB = [Graph2]1!;
layB.width = layA.width; // Make width of 'B' layer same as 'A'

Language Fundamentals

89

3.2 Special Language Features

Properties:
[winName!]layer[n].property =

WinName! is optional. If winName! is not specified, a layer in the active window is affected.
n is the layer number. If n is not specified, the active layer is used.
Property

90

Applies

Access

Description

layer.3DCoor

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Coordinate system: 1 = right-hand

system, 0 = left-hand system.

layer.border

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Layer border pattern: 0 = off, 1 =

shadow, 2 = marble, 3 = white out,
4 = black out.

layer.bounds.height

N/A

N/A

Not currently implemented.

layer.bounds.left

N/A

N/A

Not currently implemented.

layer.bounds.top

N/A

N/A

Not currently implemented.

layer.bounds.width

N/A

N/A

Not currently implemented.

layer.color

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Layer or worksheet heading color.

Numbers from the color list, or
transparent (0). The color()
function can be used, as in:
layer.color = color(blue);

layer.coortype

graphs,
worksheets

Read,
numeric

0=cartesian, 1=polar, 2=ternary,

3=smith chart, 16=3D

layer.disp

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Display of column or bar graphs

with zero values: 0 = do not show
zero-valued columns or bars as a
line, 1 = show zero-valued columns
or bars as a line.

layer.exchangexy

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

for cartesian coordinate only, to flip

XY axes; 1 = true, 0 = false.

layer.factor

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Set scaling factor as on the Display

tab of the layer's Plot Details dialog

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

box.

layer.fixed

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Fixed factor scale of elements: 1 =

enable, 2 = disable. Same as on the
Display tab of the layer's Plot
Details dialog box.

layer.height

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Height of the layer frame,

measured in units specified by
layer.unit.

layer.include.group

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Used when the layer.include()

method is operating on a vector. 1
= group and 0 = ungroup.

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Used when adding datasets with the

layer.include() method in a box
chart. 1 = disregard column
designations, 0 = use column
designations.

layer.is3D

graphs

Read only,
numeric

Returns 1 if the layer is from a 3D

plot type (3D charts, 3D surfaces,
and 3D wire frames). Otherwise,
returns 0.

layer.left

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Distance from the frame to the left

edge of the page. Measured in units
specified by layer.unit.

layer.link

graphs

Read/Write,
numeric

Linked layer number, 0 if no link.

layer.include.useAll

Enable/Disable speed mode for

graphs from matrix.
layer.matmaxptsenabled

graphs

Read/Write,
numeric

layer.matmaxcols

graphs

Read/Write,
numeric

See also:
layer.matmaxrows
layer.matmaxcols
Origin Version: 8.1 SR2
Maximum columns to show when
speed mode is on. This value should
greater or equal to 2.

Language Fundamentals

91

3.2 Special Language Features

See also:
layer.matmaxptsenabled
Origin Version: 8.1 SR2

layer.matmaxrows

92

graphs

Read/Write,
numeric

Maximum rows to show when speed

mode is on. This value should
greater or equal to 2.

See also:
layer.matmaxptsenabled
Origin Version: 8.1 SR2

layer.maxpts

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Speed mode for worksheet data

plots. Maximum number of data
points to display for each column
based data plot, for screen display
only. Printing and export will not
use speed mode. To turn off speed
mode for worksheet data plots, set
this to 0.

layer.name$

worksheets

Read/write,
string

The active layer name. Useful when

working with a workbook with
multiple sheets.

layer.period

N/A

N/A

This property is no longer in use.

layer.plot

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Active data plot number in the

layer.

layer.showData

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Display of data plots and worksheet

cell values: 1 = show, 0 = hide.

layer.showLabel

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Display of labels and other objects:

1 = show, 0 = hide. Unlike objects
hidden with the Visible check box in
the Label Control dialog box, all
labels remain selectable.

layer.showx
layer.showy

graphs,
worksheets

Read/write,
numeric

Display of X and Y axes, and row

and column headings: 1 = show, 0
= hide.

layer.tickL

graphs

Read/write,

Tick length in units of .1 of a point.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

numeric

When you set this property, it sets

the tick length for all the ticks in the
layer. When you read this property,
it returns the tick length for the first
displayed X axis in the layer.

layer.tickW

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Tick thickness. See layer.tickL for

read and set conventions.

layer.top

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Distance from the frame to the top

edge of the page. Measured in units
specified by layer.unit.

layer.unit

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Layer frame measurement units: 1

= % page, 2 = inches, 3 = cm, 4 =
mm, 5 = pixel, 6 = points, and 7 =
% of linked layer.

layer.width

graphs

Read/write,
numeric

Width of the layer frame, measured

in units specified by layer.unit.

Methods:

Method

Description

layer.include(Dataset [,PlotType])

Dataset is the name of the dataset to be

added to the active graph layer. PlotType
(optional) is the numeric value for the
desired graph type. For a list of possible
PlotType values, see the worksheet
command. If PlotType is not included, the
default data plot type for the active graph
window is used.

layer.include(Vector, PlotType, WksName)

Allows the use of object vectors as

arguments. An object vector is a special
string array. In Origin, the only object vector
is wks.cname$ which is a read only
property. In OriginPro, the ComboBox and
ListBox objects include the object vector v.
PlotType (optional) is the numeric value for
the desired graph type. For a list of possible
PlotType values, see the worksheet
command. If PlotType is not included, the
default data plot type for the active graph

Language Fundamentals

93

3.2 Special Language Features

window is used. WksName is the dataset
source worksheet.

layer.plotxy(Xdataset, Ydataset[,
PlotType])

Plot the specified X dataset and Y dataset

into the active layer. (This method only
works with the active layer.) Both datasets
must come from the same worksheet.
Worksheet column designations are
disregarded. To plot the data into a specific
template, include PlotType. For the PlotType
values for the graph templates, see the
worksheet command.

Examples:
This script changes the color of layer 1 in the Graph1 window to green
Graph1!layer1.color = color(green);

This script sets layer 2 of the Graph1 window active, and then types the height of the layer 2
frame to the Script window.
Graph1!page.active = 2;
layer.height = ;

This script plots Data1_B as a column plot in the active graph layer.
Layer.include(Data1_B, 203);

Mat
LabTalk Object Type:
External Object

The mat object handles many operations on matrices including conversion between
worksheets and matrices, mathematical operations such as inverse, transpose, computing the
X and Y projections, multiplication, and data preparation such as gridding.
Please see the m2w, w2m, minverse,mexpand X-Functions for Matrix to
Worksheet conversion, Worksheet to Matrix conversion, Inversion of a Matrix
and Matrix expansion.

Note: The mat object does not contain matrix sheet properties. Properties for sheets such as
sheet dimensions (wks.ncols, wks.nrows), sheet name (wks.name$), and number of objects in a
matrix sheet (wks.nmats) are controlled by the wks object. Also view the section on common
properties and methods of external objects.
Besides controlling matrix sheets using this mat object and the wks object, you can also use
matrix related X-Functions, such as mdim, and msetvalue, to change matrix dimension and set
cell values.

94

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Properties:
Property

Access

Description

mat.edgeView.xeCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method.

This is the X column in the
mat.edgeview.xeWksName$ worksheet.

mat.edgeView.xeWksName$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is the worksheet where the X projection is
stored.

mat.edgeView.yeCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is the worksheet where the Y projection is
stored.

mat.edgeView.yeWksName$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is the worksheet where the Y projection is
stored.

mat.edgeView.zxeCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is the Y column in the
mat.edgeview.xeWksName$ worksheet.
This column contains the maximum Y along
that X.

mat.edgeView.zxsCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is a column in the
mat.edgeview.xeWksName$ worksheet.
This column contains the sum of all Ys along
that X.

mat.edgeView.zyeCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method. This

is the X column in the
mat.edgeview.xeWksName$ worksheet.
This column contains the maximum X along
that Y.

mat.edgeView.zysCol$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.edgeview( ) method.

This is a column in the
mat.edgeview.xeWksName$ worksheet.
This column contains the sum of all Xs along
that Y.

mat.exp2m.cols

Read/write

When converting a worksheet to a matrix

Language Fundamentals

95

3.2 Special Language Features

numeric

using the mat.exp2m( ) method, this

property value controls the number of columns
in the matrix. The number of columns in the
matrix is determined by the number of
columns in the worksheet multiplied by this
property value.

mat.expand.col

Read/write
numeric

Column expansion factor when using the

mat.expand( ) method.

mat.expand.row

Read/write
numeric

Row expansion factor when using the

mat.expand( ) method.

mat.grid.average

Read/write,
numeric

Used in correlation gridding. Average all points

in a grid unit: 1 = enable, 0 = disable.

mat.grid.dCluster

Read/write
numeric

Used in correlation gridding. When

mat.grid.average is enabled, this property
represents the minimum number of cluster
points used in a given direction. The maximum
value allowed is 5 and the minimum is 3.

mat.grid.gcSize

Read/write
numeric

Size of a grid unit in the X direction. Choosing

a smaller size gives better results but
increases calculation time.

mat.grid.grSize

Read/write
numeric

Size of a grid unit in the Y direction. Choosing

a smaller size gives better results but
increases the calculation time.

mat.grid.maxSubpts

Read/write
numeric

The maximum number of points (raw data or

grid units) allowed in gridding.

Read/write
numeric

Used in correlation gridding. When the total

number of data points is less than this value,
all the data points are used in gridding. This
speeds up the gridding process when the total
number of points is less than 64 (default
value).

Read/write
numeric

Used in correlation gridding. The minimum

number of points used in a given direction in
correlation gridding when mat.grid.average
is disabled. The maximum value is 5 and the
minimum value is 3.

mat.grid.maxUseAll

mat.grid.minQuadra

96

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

mat.grid.nMatCols

Read/write
numeric

Number of columns in the matrix after

gridding.

mat.grid.nMatRows

Read/write
numeric

Number of rows in the matrix after gridding.

mat.grid.radius

Read/write
numeric

If the distance between a data point and the

gridding point is larger than this value, the
contribution of this data point is set to a
minimal value.

mat.grid.rule

Read/write
numeric

Used in weighted average gridding. This

parameter determines the weight as a function
of the distance between a data point and the
gridding point: 1 = linear, 2 = power, 3 =
logarithmic, 4 = exponential.

mat.grid.smooth

Read/write
numeric

Used in correlation gridding. Smaller values

give smoother results.

mat.interpolate

Read/write
numeric

Control whether or not interpolation is used

with the mat.profile( ) and the
mat.segment( ) methods: 0 = no
interpolation, non-zero = interpolation.

mat.interpolatePts

Read/write
numeric

Number of points to use for interpolating with

the mat.profile( ) and the mat.segment( )
methods. If set to -1, then the matrix number
of columns or rows is used.

mat.matName$

Read/write
string

Name of the active matrix. Specify the active

matrix before executing a mat object method.

mat.profile.angle

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method - for a

profile along a line with a preset slope. This is
the angle with X axis (in radians). The default
value is PI/4.

mat.profile.hSection

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the number of points in the horizontal profile.

mat.profile.hwksName$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet that stores the horizontal
profile.

Language Fundamentals

97

3.2 Special Language Features

98

mat.profile.hXCol

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet column that stores the X
horizontal profile.

mat.profile.hZCol

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet column that stores the Z
horizontal profile.

mat.profile.sSection

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the number of points in the slanted profile.

mat.profile.vSection

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the number of points in the vertical profile.

mat.profile.vWksName$

Read/write
string

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet that stores the vertical profile.

mat.profile.vYCol

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet column that stores the Y
vertical profile.

mat.profile.vZCol

Read/write
numeric

Used with the mat.profile( ) method. This is

the worksheet column that stores the Z
vertical profile.

mat.res, mat.resolution

Read/write
numeric

When converting a regular worksheet to a

matrix, small variations in the data are
allowed. The tolerance for these variations is
determined by this property. The default value
is 10, which allows up to a 10% variation in
the step size in X or Y. If you have very small
variations of data, the default value may be
too large (the conversion would still go
through). Likewise, if you have very large
fluctuations in your data, then the default
value could be too small (the conversion will
fail). Calculate a value appropriate for your
data using: (maximum variation from mean
step size * 100 / mean step size)

mat.shrink.col

Read/write
numeric

Column shrinkage factor when using the

mat.shrink( ) method.

mat.shrink.row

Read/write
numeric

Row shrinkage factor when using the

mat.shrink( ) method.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

mat.type

Read/write
numeric

Used in conversion from a matrix to a

worksheet in the mat.m2xyz( ) method. 0 =
X column first, 1 = Y column first.

mat.wksName$

Read/write
string

Name of the active worksheet. (Used with the

mat.profile( ) method. This is the worksheet
that stores the slanted profile.)

mat.xCol

Read/write
numeric

The X column number in the worksheet. (Used

with the mat.profile( ) method. This is the
worksheet column that stores the X slanted
profile.)

mat.yCol

Read/write
numeric

The Y column number in the worksheet. (Used

with the mat.profile( ) method. This is the
worksheet column that stores the Y slanted
profile.)

mat.zCol

Read/write
numeric

The Z column number in the worksheet. (Used

with the mat.profile( ) method. This is the
worksheet column that stores the Z slanted
profile.)

Methods:
Method

Description

mat.edgeView( )

Plot the maximum values of X along a given Y, and Y

along a given X. You can also specify a column (optional)
to compute and store the sum of all Y along a particular X
and the sum of all X along a particular Y.

mat.exp2m( )

Expand all columns of the active worksheet

(mat.wksName$) by a factor and convert it to a matrix
(mat.matName$). The expansion factor is determined by
mat.exp2m.cols. For example, if the active worksheet
has 3 columns and mat.exp2m.cols = 2, the resultant
matrix will have 6 columns.

mat.expand( )

Expand the active matrix (mat.matName$). The

expansion factor is determined by mat.expand.row and
mat.expand.col.

mat.grid(coo)

Correlation gridding.

Language Fundamentals

99

3.2 Special Language Features

mat.grid(ave)

Weighted average gridding.

mat.grid(check)

Check and set the consistency and validity of gridding

smoothness vs. minimum points per direction.

mat.integrate([varName])

Integrate the matrix by starting from zero. If varName is

included, the integration result is stored in varName. If not
included, the integration result is output to the Script
window.

mat.inv( )

Inverse the active matrix (mat.matName$).

mat.m2w( )

Convert the active matrix (mat.matName$) to a

worksheet (mat.wksName$) by the columns and rows
directly. The worksheet looks exactly like the original
matrix, but the X Y coordinate mapping information is lost.

mat.m2xyz( )

Convert the active matrix (mat.matName$) to a

worksheet (mat.wksName$). This method creates a
worksheet with X, Y and Z columns. The cell values of the
matrix are converted to a Z column. The corresponding X
and Y column values in the worksheet are set by the X and
Y coordinate mapping information in the matrix.

mat.multiply(matrix1,
matrix2)

Multiply matrix1 by matrix2. Mat.matName$ stores the

name of the target matrix. If this matrix is matrix1 or
matrix2, the input matrix is overwritten.

Provides three profiles:

mat.profile(x1, y1)

1.

The horizontal profile y = y1.

2.

The vertical profile x = x1.

3.

The profile along a line with a preset slope

passing through (x1, y1). Set the angle with
the X axis in radians using the
mat.profile.angle property. The default angle
is PI/4.

The profiles are stored in the following worksheets:

1.

Horizontal: mat.profile.hwksname,
mat.profile.hXcol, mat.profile.hZcol.

2.

Vertical: mat.profile.vwksname,
mat.profile.vYcol, mat.profile.vZcol.

3.

Slanted: mat.wksname, mat.xcol, mat.ycol,

mat.zcol.

The number of points in each profile can be accessed

100

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

from mat.profile.hsection, mat.profile.vsection,

and mat.profile.ssection. Specify use of interpolation
with the mat.interpolate and the mat.interpolatePts
properties.

mat.segment(x1, y1, x2, y2)

Find the profile between (x1, y1) and (x2, y2). The results
are written to mat.wksName$. Control whether
interpolation is used with the mat.interpolate and the
mat.interpolatePts properties.

mat.shrink( )

Shrink the active matrix (mat.matName$). The

shrinkage factor is determined by mat.shrink.row and
mat.shrink.col.

Elmat.w2m( )

Convert the active worksheet (mat.wksName$) to a

matrix (mat.matName$) by the columns and rows
directly. The matrix looks exactly like the original
worksheet.

mat.xyz2m( )

Convert the active worksheet (mat.wksName$) to a

matrix (mat.matName$). This method creates a matrix
with cell values from the Z column. The X and Y
coordinate mapping information in the matrix is from the
corresponding X and Y column values in the worksheet.

Examples:
This script converts a matrix to a worksheet using the matrix to regular XYZ format. The
mat.type property determines the type of data transfer from the worksheet to the matrix. When
mat.type = 0 or not specified (default), data copying follows the "X First" rule, i.e., the X axis of
the matrix is the independent axis. When mat.type is any integer greater than zero, data
copying follows the "Y First" rule.
//Create a matrix
win -t mat;
//Set the dimensions to 10X10
matrix -ps DIM 10 10;
//Fill the cells of the matrix
(%H) = Data(1,100,1);
mat.matname$ = %H;
//Create an XYZ worksheet
win -t wks xyz;
mat.wksname$ = %H;
mat.type = 1;
//Convert the matrix to regular XYZ format
mat.m2xyz();

Language Fundamentals

101

3.2 Special Language Features

Note: %H is used only if the name of the window to be specified is the active window.
Otherwise, specify the name of the window enclosed in double quotes, such as "data1" and
"matrix1".
This script converts a worksheet to a matrix using the regular XYZ to matrix format. X, Y, and Z
columns for the matrix are specified within the worksheet. The X column contains the
independent data. The Y column contains the dependent data. The Z column contains data
that are to be placed in the corresponding cells in the matrix.
mat.wksname$ = %H;
mat.xcol = 1;
mat.ycol = 2;
mat.zcol = 3;
//Create a new matrix
win -t mat;
mat.matname$ = %H;
//Convert the XYZ data to a matrix
mat.xyz2m();

This script converts a matrix to a worksheet using the column-row format. The resultant
worksheet is exactly the same as the matrix.
mat.matname$ = %H;
//Create a new worksheet
win -t wks;
mat.wksname$ = %H;
//Convert the matrix directly to a worksheet
mat.m2W();

This script converts a worksheet to a matrix by correlation gridding.

mat.grid.nmatcols = 32;
mat.grid.nmatrows = 32;
mat.grid.grsize = 4;
mat.grid.gcsize = 4;
mat.grid.average = 0;
mat.grid.minquadra = 3;
mat.grid.radius = 2;
mat.grid.dcluster = 3;
mat.grid.smooth = .8;
mat.xcol = 1;
mat.ycol = 2;
mat.zcol = 3;
mat.wksname$ = %H;
sum(wcol(mat.xcol));
xmax = sum.max;
xmin = sum.min;
limit -r xmin xmax 8;
sum(wcol(mat.ycol));
ymax = sum.max;

102

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

ymin = sum.min;
limit -r ymin ymax 8;
win -t m;
matrix -ps x xmin xmax;
matrix -ps y ymin ymax;
mat.matname$ = %H;
mat.grid(coo);

Sample script for the mat.profile() method :

mat.matname$ = Matrix1;
mat.wksname$ = data1;
mat.xcol = data1_a;
mat.ycol = data1_b;
mat.zcol = data1_c;
mat.profile.hwksname$ = data2;
mat.profile.vwksname$ = data3;
mat.profile.hxcol = data2_a;
mat.profile.hzcol = data2_b;
mat.profile.vycol = data3_a;
mat.profile.angle = -PI/4;
mat.profile(7,7);

Datasets
Introduction
A dataset is a basic Origin object. It is essentially a one-dimensional array that can contain
numeric and/or text values.

A dataset may contain different data types

The individual values in a dataset are called elements.
Each element in a dataset is associated with an index number, by which individual elements
can be accessed. In a worksheet, the index number corresponds to the row number. Note
that in contrast to Origin C convention, the LabTalk index number starts at 1.
Each dataset in an Origin Project has its own unique name.

A dataset is often associated with a worksheet column and/or one or more data plots. Datasets
are defined such that, when a dataset is deleted, associated worksheet columns and data plots
are also deleted.
A dataset is also a LabTalk Variable, so it can either belong to the project, or be declared as a
local variable. The following types of datasets are supported in Origin:
Column or Matrix Object: A dataset that is associated with a column in a worksheet or a Matrix
Object in a Matrix Sheet.
Loose Dataset: A Dataset which is not attached to a worksheet or matrix sheet.
Temporary Dataset: A type of loose dataset which can be used as a temporary dataset
storage. Temporary datasets are deleted when the project is saved or a graph page is
Language Fundamentals

103

3.2 Special Language Features

printed/copied. A temporary dataset has a name which starts with an underscore ("_")
character, e.g., _temp.
To see the names of the existing datasets, use List s command.
A dataset may also be associated with a Data Plot. Since a Temporary Dataset cannot be
plotted, a data plot is always associated either with a column/matrix-Object dataset, or with a
loose dataset.

Creating a Dataset
For datasets in worksheet and matrix layer, they are automatically created when a column or
matrix object is added. A column or a matrix object is automatically added when it is requested
as an output, like when it is on the left hand side of an assignment, for example:
wks.ncols = 3; // set active sheet to be only 3 columns
col(4)={1,2,3}; // col(4) will be automatically added

To create a loose dataset, you can

Use Create (Command).

Auto create with assignment
For example:
// loose dataset mydata1 is created as result of assignment
mydata1 = col(1); // Since col(1) is a dataset, so is mydata1
// loose dataset is created by a function that returns a range
mydata2 = data(100,800,3);

Getting and Setting Size

Before Origin 8, you had to use Set and Get command with a dataset name to set and get a
dataset's size. After Origin 8 you can use the following two methods:
GetSize()
SetSize(int nSize)
which are part of the vectorbase OriginC class and inherited by a LabTalk dataset. In order to
use these methods, you must have a variable of the type Range or type Dataset. For example:
Range a = 1; // col(1) of active sheet
for( int ii = 1 ; ii <= a.GetSize() ; ii++ )
{
if( a[ii] < 0 )
type "Row $(ii) is negative";
}

You cannot use these methods on a dataset name directly:

temp = col(a);
i = temp.GetSize(); // error, cannot do this
i =;// should produce --

Instead, declare a Dataset object first:

Dataset temp = col(a);
// If the dataset is too small
if( temp.GetSize() < 50 )

104

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

// make it bigger
temp.SetSize(366);

Accessing Datasets
Datasets in Worksheets and in Matrices can be accessed by the following means:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Range Variables
Col() or Mat() function and WCol() function
Cell() function
Substitution Notation
Dataset name

Range Variables
Range variables can be used to access data in worksheets, graphs, and matrices.

For Worksheet Data

string strBk$ = Book2;
string strSh$ = Sheet3;
range rDa = [strBk$]strSh$!col(A);

// This is a data range

range rSh = [strBk$]strSh$!;

// This is a sheet range

rDa = {1:30}; // data generation from 1 to 30 increment 1

// Use properties of a sheet range/object
if(rSh.ncols < 10)
// adding more columns can be simply done like this
rSh.nCols = 10;
loop(ii,2,10)
{
// re-assign range programmatically
range rDb = [strBk$]strSh$!wcol(ii);
rDb = normal(30);
rDb += rDa;
}

For Plotted (Graph) Data

You can get various ranges from plotted data as well.
// Get range ( [Book]Sheet!col ) of third dataplot in active layer
range -w rngData = 3;
// Gets the Page (Book) range of the data
range rngBook = rngData.GetPage()$;
// Gets the Layer (Sheet) range of the data
range rngSheet = rngData.GetLayer()$;

Language Fundamentals

105

3.2 Special Language Features

For Matrix Data

Similarly, you can access Matrix object with a Range variable and matrix elements by
[rowNumber, colNumber].
range ml=[MBook1]MSheet1!;

// This is a sheet range

range mm=[MBook1]MSheet1!1;

// This is a data range, 1st Matrix obj

// Access sheet property - number of columns

loop(i,1,ml.ncols)
{
// Access sheet property - number of rows
loop(j, 1, ml.nrows)
{
mm[i,j] = sin(pi*i/180) - cos(pi*j/180);
}
}

Besides, a matrix can be treated as a single-dimensional array using row major ordering, and
you can access a matrix value by:
MatrixObject[N*(i - 1) + j]

where N is the number of columns in the matrix, and i and j is the row and column number. So
for a 4 rows by 5 columns matrix, using [2, 3] and [8] returns the same cell. For example:
range mm = [MBook1]MSheet1!Mat(1);
if(mm[2, 3] == mm[8])
ty "They are the same!";

By Col(), Mat() and WCol() function

// Require an active sheet
// Here, the win -o command is used to temporarily switch books and set
string strBk$ = Book5;
string strSh$ = Sheet2;
win -o strBk$
{
temp = page.active;

// remember the active sheet

page.active$ = strSh$;
// col( ) function can take a column number (1..n)
col(1) = {1:30};
loop(ii,2,10)
{
// wcol( ) takes column number or an integer variable
wcol(ii) = normal(30);
// col( ) function can also take a Short Name
wcol(ii) += col(A);
}
page.active = temp;

// Restore the originally active sheet

}
// Exit 'win -o', returning to previously active window

106

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

// For a matrix, the Mat( ) function serves as an analog to the Col( )
// function, and matrix objects are analogous to column numbers.
// Fill the second matrix object in the active matrix sheet
Mat(2) = Data(100,1024,.01);
// Set row 12, col 5 in first matrix object of active matrix sheet:
Mat(1)[12,5] = 125;

Cell Function
The Cell( ) function can be used with either a worksheet or a matrix. When referring to a nonactive book, this notation will only support the bookname! prefix for the active sheet.
cell(5,2) = 50; // Sets row 5, column 2 cell in active window
//(worksheet or matrix) to 50
// You can use prefix for different active page,
// but target is still the active sheet in that page
// Sets row 10, column 1 in active sheet of Book5 to 100
Book5!cell(10,1) = 100;
// Function accepts variables
for(ii = 1 ; ii <= 32 ; ii++)
{
for(jj = 1 ; jj <= 32 ; jj++)
{
MBook1!cell(ii,jj) = (ii-1) * 32 + jj;
}
}

Substitution Notation
// This notation accepts book name and sheet name
//to access data directly :
%([Book2]Sheet3,2,1) = 100;
// but does not resolve to active sheet of named book :
%([Book2],2,1) = 10; // THIS PRODUCES A COMMAND ERROR
// unless we just use the page name, as in :
%(Book2,2,1) = 10;
// Use active sheet of Book2
// or :
%(%H,2,1) = 1;

// Uses active sheet of active window

// Substitution works before execution, so you can do things like:

%([Book2]Sheet1,2,1) + %([Book2]Sheet2,2,1) + %([Book2]Sheet3,2,1)=;
val = %([Book2]Sheet1,2,1) + %([Book2]Sheet2,2,2) + %([Book2]Sheet3,2,3);
type "Cross-sheet sum \x3D $(val)";

For other Substitution Notation, please see Substitution Notation .

Language Fundamentals

107

3.2 Special Language Features

By Dataset Name
This is the oldest notation in LabTalk and should not be used unless you have to maintain old
LabTalk code, or when you know the workbook has only one sheet or you are working with
loose datasets.
// Dataset Name
// Using the formal name of a dataset :
// PageName_ColumnName[@SheetIndex]
// Where PageName and ColumnName are the Short Name
// and SheetIndex is a creation order index
// (SheetIndex is not the order of the sheet tabs in the window)
Book1_B = Uniform(100);
// Can fill datasets
Book1_B@2 = Data(1,365);

// Same book and same column name, but on the

// second sheet

July_Week1@3[5]$ = Sell;

// Can access a particular row element

// (5th row of column 'Week1' on sheetindex
// 3 in book 'July')

BSmith = 6;
ChemLab_Grade@3[BSmith] = 86;
// Can use a variable to access row
//(6th row of 'Grade' in third sheet of 'ChemLab')

Masking Cells
Cells in worksheet columns and matrix sheets can be masked by setting
dataset<index> = 1

For example:
// Masking the cell 3 in column A
col(a)<3> = 1;
// Mask a cell in matrix
range rr = [mbook1]msheet1!mat(1);
rr<2> = 1;
// Unmask a cell
col(a)<3> = 0;

For matrix, you can also use <row, col> to specify a cell:
// Mask the 2nd row, 3rd column of current matrix sheet
%C<2,3> = 1;
// Mask the whole 2nd row of the current matrix sheet
%C<2,0> = 1;
// Mask the whole 3rd column of the current matrix sheet
%C<0,3> = 1;

To mask a specified range, please see the mark command.

108

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Using Loose Datasets in X-Functions

Loose datasets are more efficient to use in a LabTalk script since they do not have the
overhead of a column in a worksheet. If used inside a scope, they are also cleaned up
automatically when the scope ends. For example, declare a loose dataset missingvals, and
then use the vfind X-Function to assign row-numbers of missing values in column 1 (of the
active worksheet) to it:
// Declare a loose dataset
dataset missingvals;
// Call vFind X-Function to find row numbers
// where missing values appear in col 1
vfind ix:=1 value:=NANUM ox:=missingvals;
// Access missingvals for results
for(int ii=1; ii<=missingvals.GetSize(); ii++)
type $(missingvals[ii]);

Many X-Functions produce outputs in the form of a tree and some of the tree nodes can be
vectors. To access such a vector, you need to copy it to a dataset. You may directly put the
tree vector into a column, but if the vector is used in subsequent calculations, it is more
efficient to use a loose dataset.

Graphic Objects
Visual objects can also be created by the Origin user and placed in an Origin child window.
These objects include labels, arrows, lines, and other user-created graphic elements. These
objects are accessed from script by their name, as defined in the associated Programming
Control dialog box.
To open the Programming Control dialog box, use one of these methods:

Click on the object to select it, then choose Format: Programming Control from the
Origin menu.
Right Click on the Object and select Programming Control.
Alt+DoubleClick on the object.

Note: Objects can be set as not selectable. To access such objects you need to be in Button Edit
Mode found on the Edit menu.

Scripts can be attached to these labels by typing the script into the text box of the
Programming Control dialog box. The Script execution trigger is set from the Script, Run
After drop-down list.
In general, only named objects can be accessed from LabTalk script. However, an unnamed
object can be accessed by a script from within its own Programming Control dialog box with
this. notation, as described below.

Language Fundamentals

109

3.2 Special Language Features

GObject Variable Type

GObject is a LabTalk variable type to represent graphic objects in a layer.
The general syntax is:
GObject name = [GraphPageName]LayerName!ObjectName; // Use page name, layer name,
object name
GObject name = [GraphPageName]LayerIndex!ObjectName; // Use page name, layer number,
object name
GObject name = LayerName!ObjectName; // Active page, use layer name, object name
GObject name = LayerIndex!ObjectName; // Active page, use layer number, object name
GObject name = ObjectName; // Active page, active layer, use object name
You can declare GObject variables for both existing objects as well as for not-yet created
object.
For example:
// Here we declare a GObject then create its Graphic Object.
win -t plot;
// Create a graph window
// Declare a GObject named myLine attached to 'line1'
GObject myLine = line1;
// Now create the object (list o shows 'line1')
draw -n myLine -lm {1,2,3,4};
win -t plot;
// Create a new graph window
// Even though myLine is in a different graph that is not active,
// You can still control it with the GObject name ...
myLine.X += 2; // Move the line
// More often the Graphic Object exists already
GObject leg = legend; // Attach to the legend object
leg.fsize = 28; // Set font size to 28
leg.color = color(blue); // Set text color to blue
leg.background = 0; // Turn off the surrounding box

Note: A list o with the original graph active will show line1 which is the physical object name,
but will not show myLine which is a programming construct.

Properties
The generic properties of these objects are listed below. Not all properties apply to all objects.
For example, the text property does not apply to a Line object.
Syntax
[winName!]objName.property = value;
or
this.property = value;
110

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

WinName! is required if a Graphic Object exists in a non-active page. It specifies the window
that the named object resides in. The layer the object resides in must be the active layer of
that page. When using a declared GObject, WinName is never needed.
objName is the object's name, as shown in the Object Name text box in the Programming
Control dialog box or the name of a declared GObject variable.
Property is one of the available objName properties.

General Properties

Property

Access

Description

object.arrowBeginLength

Read/write,
numeric

Length of beginning arrow heads in point size.

object.arrowBeginShape

Read/write,
numeric

Shape of beginning arrow heads by position in

drop down list, Object Control dialog box: 0 =
none, 1 = filled, 2 = chevron, etc.

object.arrowBeginWidth

Read/write,
numeric

Width of beginning arrow heads in point size.

object.arrowEndLength

Read/write,
numeric

Length of end arrow heads in point size.

object.arrowEndShape

Read/write,
numeric

Shape of end arrow heads by position in drop

down list, Object Control dialog box: 0 = none,
1 = filled, 2 = chevron, etc.

object.arrowEndWidth

Read/write,
numeric

Width of end arrow heads in point size.

object.arrowPosition

Note that
object.arrowBeginShape
and
object.arrowEndShape
must also
be set.

Controls the display of arrow heads for each line

segment of polyline and freehand objects:
Read/write,
numeric

0 = no arrow heads.
1 = arrow at beginning of each segment.
2 = arrow at end of each segment.
3 = arrow at both ends of each segment.

Attach to method:
object.attach

Read/write,
numeric

0 = layer
1 = page
2 = axes scales

Language Fundamentals

111

3.2 Special Language Features

112

object.attach$

Read only,
string

Page name if the object attaches to page.

Otherwise, returns layer name in format
[PageName]LayerName!
Origin 8.5 SR0

object.auto

Read/write,
numeric

Redraw automatically after property changes: 0

= disable, 1 = enable.

object.background

Read/write,
numeric

Control the background of an object as follows:

0 = no background, 1 = black line, 2 = shadow,
3 = dark marble, 4 = white out, and 5 = black
out.

object.color

Read/write,
numeric

Line, text, or outline color index number. Use

the Color function, as in
name.color=color(red);

object.dx, object.dy

Read/write,
numeric

Width and height in axes units.

object.enable

Read/write,
numeric

Enable hotspots on the object: 0 = disable, 1 =

enable.

object.event

Read only,
numeric

The object's script execution: 1 = run script

when button is clicked, 0 = all other events.

object.fillColor

Read/write,
numeric

Shape object fill color index number. Use the

Color function, as in name.fillcolor =
color(red);

object.font

Read/write,
numeric

Text label font index number. Use the Font

function, as in name.font = font(arial);

object.fSize

Read/write,
numeric

Text label font size.

object.height

Read only,
numeric

Height in layer coordinate units.

object.hMove

Read/write,
numeric

Horizontal movement: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

object.index

Read only,
numeric

Only applicable for objects composed of multiple

items, such as the UIM objects. Indicates which
item in an object has been affected by a
Windows action.

(Note: The UIM is a component of

OriginPro. For more information, contact
OriginLab or your Origin distributor.)

object.keepInside

Read/write,
numeric

Restrict object's movement to within the layer

frame: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

object.left

Read/write,
numeric

Left location of the object in physical

coordinates.

object.lineType

Read/write,
numeric

Line and arrow object line type: 1 = solid, 2 =

dash, and 3 = dot.

object.lineWidth

Read/write,
numeric

Line or arrow object line width.

object.mouse

Read/write,
numeric

Mouse access to the object: 0 = disable, 1 =

enable.

object.name$

Write only,
string

Object name.

object.realTime

Read/write,
numeric

Real-time update of substitution notation in a

text label message: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

object.revVideo

Read/write,
numeric

Reverse video display: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

object.rotate

Read/write,
numeric

Text label rotation in degrees.

object.script

Read/write,
numeric

Script, Run After mode index number, from

the drop-down list in the Label Control dialog
box.

object.show

Read/write,
numeric

Object display: 1 = visible, 0 = hidden. Hidden

objects are not selectable

Language Fundamentals

113

3.2 Special Language Features

Controls object edit states. The property is bitoriented so that values can be added.

Example: polygon.states = 3, disables

resizing and rotating for the object named
polygon.
0 = all controls are enabled.
1 = resizing is disabled.
2 = rotating is disabled.
4 = skewing is disabled.
8 = moving individual points is disabled.
16 = in place editing is disabled.
32 = resize text label border disabled.
64 = horizontal movement is disabled.
128 = vertical movement is disabled.

object.states

Read/Write,
numeric

object.text$

Read/write,
string

Message displayed by a text label.

object.top

Read/write,
numeric

Top of the object in physical coordinates.

object.vMove

Read/write,
numeric

Vertical movement: 0 = disable, 1 = enable.

object.width

Read only,
numeric

Width in layer coordinate units.

Axes X Y coordinates of the center of the object.

Notes:

object.x, object.y

114

Read/write,
numeric

1.

To align another object with the

current object, you can use the dx,
dy, x and y of the current object to
calculate the x and y of the object to
be moved. (See an example below.)

2.

In fact, any graphic object has an

invisible rectangle associated with it.
X and Y are actually the center of the
rectangle. In addition, they are in
integer units, so there might be
some lost of precision. If you want to
know the axis position of a line
object, it is better to use object.x#,
object.y# instead of object.x,
object.y.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

object.x#, object.y#

Read/write

x# and y# are the axes position of the #th

point of an object. Straight lines and Arrows
have 2 points, rectangles and circles have 4
points and other objects may have many points.

loop(ii,1,4) {circle.x$(ii)=;circle.y$(ii)=;}
Examples
Position the legend in the upper left of a layer
legend.background = 1;
legend.y = layer1.y.to - legend.dy / 2;
legend.x = layer1.x.from + legend.dx / 2;

Change colors of a circle object named circle1

circle1.color = 1; // Black border
circle1.fillcolor = color(yellow); // Yellow fill

Methods
The generic methods of these objects are listed below. Not all methods apply to all objects. For
example, the addtext method does not apply to a Line object.
Syntax
[winName!]objName.Method(arguments)
or
this.Method(argument)

WinName! is required if a Graphic Object exists in a non-active page. It specifies the window
that the named object resides in. The layer the object resides in must be the active layer of
that page. When using a declared GObject, WinName is never needed.
objName is the object's name, as shown in the Object Name text box in the Programming
Control dialog box or the name of a declared GObject variable.
Method is one of the available objName methods.
arguments are specific to the method.

General Methods

Method

Description

object.addText(string)

Append the string to a text label. Requires a screen refresh to view

the change.

object.click(n)

Simulate a click on the nth hot spot of the object. Multiple hot spots
are a feature of UIM objects.

object.draw(option)

Redraw the object.

option = local : Redraw the hot spots of an object

Language Fundamentals

115

3.2 Special Language Features

option = global : Redraw the entire object

object.run()

Run the script contained in an object.

Examples
Append text.
// Declare a string variable and assign a value
string stringVariable$ = " (modified)";
// Assign a value to a string register (A)
// Note how new line is contained in the value
%A = "
Final";
// Now add various text to an existing object named 'text'
text.addtext("%(stringVariable$)");
text.addtext("%(CRLF)Data passes all tests");
text.addtext(A); // No quotes and no % needed for string register
// And force it to refresh
text.draw();

Note : %(CRLF) is a substitution notation that adds a DOS new line (Carriage Return, Line
Feed) to a declared or literal string.

Simulate a click on the nth hot spot of the object. Multiple hot spots are a feature of UIM
objects.
object.click(n);

Redraw the object. Option = local to redraw hot spots. Option = global to redraw the entire
object.
object.draw(option);

Run the script of the object.

object.run();

Connect method
Graphic Objects may be connected using the connect method with various options controlling
the connection behavior and displaying an optional connection line.
Syntax
sourceObject.Connect(targetObject, bVisible, dwRigid, nTargetRefPt, nSourceRefPt)

116

sourceObject can be an object name or a GObject variable.

Language Fundamentals

3.2.4 Origin Objects

Parameters
Name

Description

targetObject

The object to connect to. This can be an object name or a GObject

variable.
If not specified then all connections to source object will be deleted and
other parameters are ignored.

bVisible

If non-zero connector is visible else it is hidden

If not specified then connector will be hidden.
Connector rigidity. Set to one of the following values:
1 = targetObject will follow sourceObject when sourceObject is
moved

dwRigid

2 = sourceObject will follow targetObject when targetObject is

moved
3 = each object follows the other when either is moved

If this parameter is not specified then the default 1 is used.

Reference point on target object. Value is one of the following.
0 = auto
1 = left bottom
2 = left
3 = left top
4 = top

nTargetRefPt

5 = right top
6 = right
7 = right bottom
8 = bottom
9 = free 1
10 = free 2
11 = free 3
12 = size

nSourceRefPt

Reference point on object being connected.

See nTargetRefPt parameter for allowed values.

Language Fundamentals

117

3.2 Special Language Features

Examples
// using GObject variables
GObject aa = [Graph1]1!text;
GObject bb = [Graph1]2!text;
bb.Connect(aa);
// using object names
myTextLabel.Connect(myLine,0);
// using GObject variable and object name
GObject aa = [Graph1]1!myTextLabel;
aa.Connect(myLine,0);

GetConnected method
One graphic object can get all its connected graphic objects by this method.
See also: label command
Syntax
graphicObject.GetConnected(stringArray, option=0)
graphicObject can be an object name or a GObject variable.
Return Value
Return the number of the connected graphic objects. If there is no connected graphic object, it
will return zero.
Parameters
Name

Description

stringArray

The string array used to store the names of all connected graphic objects.

option

If zero, only get the direct connected graphic objects. If one, get graphic
objects recursively.

Example
// using GObject variables
GObject go = [Graph1]1!text;
StringArray sa;
numObjs = go.GetConnected(sa);
// using object names, recursively
StringArray sa;
numObjs = myLine.GetConnected(sa, 1);
// get names of connected graphic objects
StringArray sa;
numObjs = myLine.GetConnected(sa,1);
if(numObjs>0) // if has connected objects
{

118

Language Fundamentals

3.2.5 String registers

for(int iObj=1; iObj<=numObjs; iObj++)
{
string str$ = sa.GetAt(iObj)$;
type %(str$); // type name

// output connected object name

// get name

}
}

General Examples
This script disables horizontal movement for the Arrow object in the Graph2 window.
Graph2!Arrow.hmove = 0;

When entered in the Script window, the next script types the X and Y coordinates of the
center of the Button object to the Script window.
Button.x =;
Button.y =;

The following script runs the script associated with an object named Mode in the Graph1
window.
Graph1!mode.run();

The last script uses the draw() method to redraw the WksData object in the Data2 window.
Data2!WksData.draw(global);

3.2.5

String registers

Introduction
String Registers are one means of handling string data in Origin. Before Version 8.0, they were
the only way and, as such, current versions of Origin continue to support the use of string
registers. However, users are now encouraged to migrate their string processing routines
toward the use of proper string variables, see String Processing for comparative use.
String register names are comprised of a %-character followed by a single alphabetic character
(a letter from A to Z). Therefore, there are 26 string registers, i.e., %A--%Z, and each can hold
266 characters (except %Z, which can hold up to 6290 characters).
String registers are of global (session) scope ; this means that they can be
changed by any script, any time. Sometimes this is useful, other times it is
dangerous, as one script could change the value in a string register that is being
used by another script with erroneous and confusing results.
Ten (10) of the 26 string registers are reserved for use as system variables, and
their use could result in errors in your script. They are grouped in the ranges
%C--%I, and %X--%Z. All of the reserved string registers are summarized in the
table below.
Language Fundamentals

119

3.2 Special Language Features

String Registers as System Variables

String registers hold up to 260 characters. String register names are comprised of a %character followed by a single alphabetic character (a letter from A to Z); for this reason, string
registers are also known as % variables. Of the 26 possible string registers, the following are
reserved as system variables that have a special meaning, and they should not be reassigned
in your scripts. It is often helpful, however, to have access to (or operate on) the values they
store.
String
Variable

Description

%C

The name of the current active dataset.

%D

Current Working Directory, as set by the cd command (New since Origin 8)

%E

The name of the window containing the latest worksheet selection.

%F

The name of the dataset currently in the fitting session.

%G

The current project name.

%H

The current active window title.

%I

The current baseline dataset.

%X

The DRIVE:PATH of the current project.

The full path name to the User Files folder, where the user .INI files as well as
other user-customizable files are located. %Y can be different for each user
depending on the location they selected when Origin was started for the first time.

%Y

Prior to Origin 7.5, the path to the various user .INI files was the same as it
was to the Origin .EXE. Beginning with Origin 7.5, we added multi-user-onsingle-workstation support by creating a separate "User Files" folder.
To get the Origin .EXE path(program path), use the following LabTalk
statement:
%a = system.path.program$

In Origin C, pass the appropriate argument to the GetAppPath() function (to

return the INI path or the EXE path).
120

Language Fundamentals

3.2.5 String registers

%Z

A long string for temporary storage. (maximum 6290 characters)

String registers containing system variables can be used anywhere a name can be used, as in
the following example:
// Deletes the current active dataset:
del %C;

String Registers as String Variables

Except the system variable string registers, you can use string registers as string variables,
demonstrated in the following examples:

Assigning Values to a String Variable

Entering the following assignment statement in the Script window:
%A = John

defines the contents of the string variable %A to be John.

String variables can also be used in substitution notation. Using substitution notation, enter the
following assignment statement in the Script window:
%B = %A F Smith

This sets %B equal to John F Smith. Thus, the string variable to the right of the assignment
operator is expressed, and the result is assigned to the identifier on the left of the assignment
operator.
As with numeric variables, if you enter the following assignment statement in the Script
window:
%B =

Origin returns the value of the variable:

John F Smith

Expressing the Variable Before Assignment

By using parentheses, the string variable on the left of the assignment operator can be
expressed before the assignment is made. For example, enter the following assignment
statement in the Script window:
%B = Book1_A

This statement assigns the string register %B the value Book1_A. If Book1_A is a dataset
name, then entering the following assignment statement in the Script window:
(%B) = 2*%B

results in the dataset being multiplied by 2. String register %B, however, still contains the string
Book1_A.

String Comparison
When comparing string registers, use the "equal to" operator (==).
Language Fundamentals

121

3.2 Special Language Features

If string registers are surrounded by quotation marks (as in, "%a"), Origin literally compares
the string characters that make up each variable name. For example:
aaa = 4;
bbb = 4;
%A = aaa;
%B = bbb;
if ("%A" == "%B")
type "YES";
else
type "NO";

The result will be NO, because in this case aaa != bbb.

If string registers are not surrounded by quotation marks (as in, %a), Origin compares the
values of the variables stored in the string registers. For example:
aaa = 4;
bbb = 4;
%A = aaa;
%B = bbb;
if (%A == %B)
type "YES";
else
type "NO"

The result will be YES, because in this case the values of the strings (rather than the
characters) are compared, and aaa == bbb == 4.

Substring Notation
Substring notation returns the specified portion of a string. The general form of this notation is:
%[string, argument];
where string contains the string itself, and argument specifies which portion of the string to
return.
For the examples that follow, enter this assignment statement in the Script window:
%A = "Results from Data2_Test"

The following examples illustrate the use of argument in substring notation:

To do this:

122

Enter this script:

Return
value:

Search for a character and return all text

to the left of the character.

%B = %[%A, '_']; %B =

Results from
Data2

Search for a character and return all text

to the right of the character.

%B = %[%A, >'_']; %B =

Test

Language Fundamentals

3.2.5 String registers

Return all text to the left of the specified
character position.

%B = %[%A, 8]; %B =

Results

Return all text between two specified

character positions (inclusive).

%B = %[%A, 14:18]; %B =

Data2

Return the #n token, counting from the

left.

%B = %[%A, #2]; %B =

from<

Return the length of the string.

ii = %[%A]; ii =

ii = 23

Other examples of substring notation:

To do this:

Return the ith token

separated by a specified
separator (in this case, a
tab)

Enter this script:

%A = 123342
456;
for (ii = 1; ii <=
3; ii++)
{
Book1_A[ii] =
%[%A, #ii,\t]

Return value:

Places the value 123 in

Book1_a[1], 342 in Book1_a[2],
and 456 in Book1_a[3].

};

Return the @n line

%Z = "First line
second line";
%A = %[%Z, @2];

Places the second line of the %Z

string into %A. To verify this, type
%A = in the Script window.

Note:
When using quotation marks in substring or substitution notation:
Space characters are not ignored.
String length notation includes space characters.
For example, to set %A equal to 5 and find the length of %A, type the following in the Script
window and press Enter:
%A = " 5 ";
ii = %[%A];
ii = ;

Origin returns: ii = 3.
A Note on Tokens
A token can be a word surrounded by white space (spaces or TABS), or a group of words
enclosed in any kind of brackets. For example, if:
%A = These (are all) "different tokens"

Language Fundamentals

123

3.3 LabTalk Script Precedence

then entering the following in the Script window:

Scripts

Returns

%B = %[%A, #1]; %B=

These

%B = %[%A, #2]; %B=

are all

%B = %[%A, #3]; %B=

different tokens

3.2.6

X-Functions

The X-Function is a new technology, introduced in Origin 8, that provides a framework for
building Origin tools. Most X-Functions can be accessed from LabTalk script to perform tasks
like object manipulation or data analysis.
The general syntax for issuing an X-Function command from script is as follows, where squarebrackets [ ] indicate optional statements:
xfname [-options] arg1:=value arg2:=value ... argN:=value;
Note that when running X-Functions, Origin uses a combined colon-equal symbol, ":=" , to
assign argument values. For example, to perform a simple linear fit, the fitlr X-Function is used:
// Data to be fit, Col(A) and Col(B) of the active worksheet,
// is assigned, using :=, to the input variable 'iy'
fitlr iy:=(col(a), col(b));

Also note that, while most X-Functions have optional arguments, it is often possible to call an
X-Function with no arguments, in which case Origin uses default values and settings. For
example, to create a new workbook, call the newbook X-Function:
newbook;

Since X-Functions are easy and useful to run, we will use many of them in the following script
examples. Details on the options (including getting help, opening the dialog and creating autoupdate output) and arguments for running X-Functions are discussed in the Calling XFunctions and Origin C Functions section.

3.3 LabTalk Script Precedence

Now that we know that there are several objects, like Macros, Origin C functions, X-Functions,
OGS files, etc. So, we should be careful to avoid using the same name between these objects.
Say, if there are X-Function and Macro both named MyFunc, it may cause confuse, and lead to
124

Language Fundamentals

3.2.6 X-Functions

wrong results. If duplicate names are unavoidable, LabTalk will run the script by the following
priority order:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Macros
OGS File
X-Functions
LT object methods, like run.file(FileName)
LT callable Origin C functions
LT commands (can be abbreviated)

Language Fundamentals

125

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

Origin provides several options for executing and storing LabTalk scripts. The first part of this
chapter profiles these options. The second part of the chapter outlines the script debugging
features supported by Origin.

4.1 Running Scripts

The following section documents 11 ways to execute and/or store LabTalk scripts. But first, it
is important to note the relationship between scripts and the objects they work on.
Active Window Default
When working on an Origin Object, like a workbook or graph page, a script always operates on
the active window by default. If the window is inactive, you may use win -a to activate it.
win -a book2;
// Activate the window named book2
col(b) = {1:10}; // Fill 1 to 10 on column B of book2

However, working on active windows with win -a may not be stable. In the execution sequence
of the script, switching active windows or layers may have delay and may lead to unpredictable
outcome.
It is preferable to always use win -o winName {script} to enclose the script, then Origin will
temporarily set the window you specified as the active window (internally) and execute the
enclosed script exclusively on that window. For example, the following code fill default book
with some data and make a plot and then go back to add a new sheet into that book and make
a second plot with the data from the second sheet:
doc -s;doc -n;//new project with default worksheet
string bk$=%H;//save its book short name
//fill some data and make new plot
wks.ncols=2;col(1)=data(1,10);col(2)=normal(10);
plotxy (1,2) o:=<new>;
//now the newly created graph is the active window
//but we want to run some script on the original workbook
win -o bk$ {
newsheet xy:="XYY";
col(1)=data(0,1,0.1);col(2)=col(1)*2;col(3)=col(1)*3;
plotxy (1,2:3) plot:=200 o:=<new>;
}

Please note that win -o is the only LabTalk command that allows a string variable to be used.

127

4.1 Running Scripts

As seen above, we did not have to write

win -o %(bk$)

as this particular command is used so often that it has been modified since Origin 8.0 to allow
string variables. In all other places you must use the %( ) substitution notation if a string
variable is used as an argument to a LabTalk command.
Where to Run LabTalk Scripts
While there are many places in Origin that scripts can be stored and run, they are not all
equally likely. The following sub-sections have been arranged in an assumed order of
prevalence based on typical use.
The first two, on (1) Running Scripts from the Script and Command Windows and (2) Running
Scripts from Files, will be used much more often than the others for those who primarily script.
If you only read two sub-sections in this chapter, it should be those. The others can be read on
an as-needed basis.

4.1.1

From Script and Command Window

Two Windows exist for direct execution of LabTalk: the (older) Script Window and the (newer)
Command Window. Each window can execute single or multiple lines of script. The Command
Window has a prompt and will execute all code entered at the prompt.
The Script Window has only a cursor and will execute highlighted code or code at the current
cursor position when you press Enter. Both windows accept Ctrl+Enter without executing.
When using Ctrl+Enter to add additional lines, you must include a semicolon ; at the end of a
statement.
The Command Window includes Intellisense for auto-completion of X-Functions, a command
history and recall of line history (Up and Down Arrows) while the Script Window does not. The
Script Window allows for easier editing of multiline commands and longer scripts.
Below is an example script that expects a worksheet with data in the form of one X column and
multiple Y columns. The code finds the highest and lowest Y values from all the Y data, then
normalizes all the Y's to that range.
// Find the lowest minimum and the highest maximum
double absMin = 1E300;
double absMax = -1E300;
loop(ii,2,wks.ncols)
{
stats $(ii);
if(absMin > stats.min) absMin = stats.min;
if(absMax < stats.max) absMax = stats.max;
}
// Now normalize each column to that range
loop(ii,2,wks.ncols)
{
stats $(ii);

128

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.2 From Files

wcol(ii)-=stats.min;
wcol(ii)/=(stats.max - stats.min);

// Shift to minimum of zero

// Normalize to 1

wcol(ii)*=(absMax - absMin);
wcol(ii)+=absMin;

// Normalize to range
// Shift to minimum

To execute in the Script Window, paste the code, then select all the code with the cursor
(selected text will be highlighted), and press Enter.
To execute the script in the Command Window, paste the code then press Enter. Note that if
there were a mistake in the code, you would have it all available for editing in the Script
Window, whereas the Command Window history is not editable and the line history does not
recall the entire script.
Origin also has a native script editor, Code Builder, which is designed for editing
and debugging both LabTalk and Origin C code. To access Code Builder, enter
ed.open() into the script or command window, or select the
Standard Toolbar.

4.1.2

button from the

From Files

Most examples of script location require an Origin Object and are thus restricted to an open
project. Scripts can also be saved to a file on disk to be called from any project. Script files can
be called with up to five arguments. This section outlines the use of LabTalk scripts saved to a
file.

Creating and Saving Script Files

LabTalk scripts can be created and saved from any text editor, including Origin's Code Builder.
To access Code Builder, select the
icon from the Standard Toolbar. Type or paste your
code into the editor window and then save with a desired filename (we encourage the OGS file
extension) and path.

The OGS File Extension

LabTalk scripts can be saved to files and given any extension, but for maximum flexibility they
are given the OGS file extension, and are therefore also known as OGS files. You may save
script files to any accessible folder in your file system, but specific locations may provide
additional advantages. If an OGS file is located in your User Files Folder, you will not have to
provide a path when running your script.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

129

4.1 Running Scripts

An OGS file can also be attached to the Origin Project (OPJ) rather than saving
it to disk. The file can be added to the Project node in Code Builder and will
then be saved with the project. Script sections in such attached OGS files can
be called using the run.section() object method similar to calling sections in a
file saved on disk. Only the file name needs to be specified, as Origin will first
look for the file in the project itself and execute the code if filename and section
are found as attachments to the project.

Sections in an OGS File

Script execution is easier to follow and debug when the code is written in a modular way. To
support modular scripting, LabTalk script files can be divided into sections, which are declared
by placing the desired section name in square brackets [ ] on its own line:
[SectionName]

Lines of script under the section declaration belong to that section. Execution of LabTalk in a
section ends when another section declaration is met, when a return statement is executed or
when a Command Error occurs. The framework of a typical multi-section OGS file might look
like the following:
[Main]
// Script Lines
ty In section Main;
[Section 1]
// Script Lines
ty In section 1;
[Section 2]
// Script Lines
ty In section 2;

Note here that ty issues the type command, which is possible since no other commands in
Origin begin with the letters 'ty'.

Running an OGS File

You can use the run object to execute script files or in certain circumstances LabTalk will
interpret your file name as a command object. To use a file as a command object, the file
extension must be OGS and the file must be located in the current working directory.
Compare the following call formats:
run.section(OGSFileName, SectionName[,arg1 arg2 ... arg5])
run.file(OGSFileName[,[,arg1 arg2 ... arg5) ]]
OGSFileName.SectionName [arg1 arg2 ... arg5]
OGSFileName [arg1 arg2 ... arg5]

130

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.2 From Files

Specifically, if you save a file called test.ogs to your Origin User Files folder:
// Runs [Main] section of test.ogs using command syntax, else runs
// unsectioned code at the beginning of the file, else does nothing.
test;
// Runs only section1 of test.ogs using command syntax:
test.section1;
// Runs only section1 of test.ogs with run.section() syntax:
run.section(test, section1)

To run an OGS file in Origin, enter its name into the Script Window or Command Window, after
telling Origin (using the cd command) where to find it. For example:
// Run a LabTalk Script named 'MyScript.ogs' located in the folder
//'D:\OgsFiles'.
// Change the current directory to 'D:\OgsFiles'
cd D:\OgsFiles;
// Runs the code in section 'Normalize' of 'MyScripts.ogs'
MyScripts.Normalize;

There are many examples in Origin's Samples\LabTalk Script Examples folder which can be
accessed by executing:
cd 2;

Passing Arguments in Scripts

When you use the run.section() object method to call a script file (or one of its sections) or a
macro, you can pass arguments with the call. Arguments can be literal text, numbers, numeric
variables, or string variables.
When passing arguments to script file sections or to macros:

The section call or the macro call must include a space between each argument being
passed.
When you pass literal text or string variables as arguments, each argument must be
surrounded by quotation marks (in case the argument contains more than one word, or is a
negative value). Passing numbers or numeric variables doesn't require quotation mark
protection, except when passing negative values.
You can pass up to five arguments, separated by Space, to script file sections or macros. In
the script file section or macro definition, argument placeholders receive the passed
arguments. These placeholders are %1, %2, %3, %4, and %5. The placeholder for the first
passed argument is %1, the second is %2, etc. These placeholders work like string variables
in that they are substituted prior to execution of the command in which they are embedded.

As an example of passing literal text as an argument that is received by %1, %2, etc., Suppose
a TEST.OGS file includes the following section:
[output]
type "%1 %2 %3";

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

131

4.1 Running Scripts

and you execute the following script:

run.section(test.ogs, output, "Hello World" "from" "LabTalk");

Here, %1 holds "Hello World", %2 holds "from", and %3 holds "LabTalk". After string
substitution, Origin outputs
Hello World from LabTalk

to the Script window. If you had omitted the quotation marks from the script file section call,
then %1 would hold "Hello", %2 would hold "World", and %3 would hold "from". Origin would
then output
Hello World from

Passing Numeric Variables by Reference

Passing numeric variable arguments by reference allows the code in the script file section or
macro to change the value of the variable.
For example, suppose your application used the variable LastRow to hold the row number of
the last row in column B that contains a value. Furthermore, suppose that the current value of
LastRow is 10. If you pass the variable LastRow to a script file section whose code appends
five values to column B (starting at the current last row), after appending the values, the script
file section could increment the value of the LastRow variable so that the updated value of
LastRow is 15.
See example:
If a TEST.OGS file includes the following section:
[adddata]
loop (n, 1, 5)
{
%1[%2 + n] = 100;
};
%2 = %2 + (n - 1);
return 0;

And you execute the following script:

col(b) = data(1, 10);

// fill data1_b with values

get col(b) -e lastrow; // store last row of values in lastrow

run.section(test.ogs, adddata, col(b) lastrow);
lastrow = ;

Then LastRow is passed by reference and then updated to hold the value 15.

Passing Numeric Variables by Value

Passing numeric variable arguments by value is accomplished by using the $() substitution
notation. This notation forces the interpreter to evaluate the argument before sending it to the
script file section or macro. This technique is useful for sending the value of a calculation for
future use. If the calculation were sent by reference, the entire expression would require
calculation each time it was interpreted.
In the following script file example, numeric variable var is passed by reference and by value.
%1 will hold the argument that is passed by reference and %2 will hold the argument that is
132

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.2 From Files

passed by value. Additionally, a string variable (%A) consisting of two words is sent by value
as a single argument to %3.
[typing]
type -b "The value of %1 = %2 %3";
return 0;

Save the section to Test.OGS and run the following script on command window:
var = 22;
%A = "degrees Celsius";
run.section(test.ogs, typing, var $(var) "%A");

Then a dialog box pop-up and says: "The value of var = 22 degrees Celsius".

Guidelines for Naming OGS Files and Sections

Naming rules for OGS script files differ based on how they will be called. The section above
discusses the two primary methods: calling using the run.section() method or calling directly
from the Script or Command window (the command method).

When Using the Run.section() Method

There is no restriction on the length or type of characters used to name the OGS file.
Specifying the filename extension is optional for files with the OGS extension.
When using run.section( ) inside an OGS file to call another section of that same OGS file,
the filename may be omitted, for instance:
[main]
run.section( , calculate);
[calculate]
cc = aa + bb;

When Using the Command Method

The name of the OGS file must conform to the restrictions on command names: 25
characters or fewer, must not begin with a number or special character, must not contain
spaces or underscore characters.
The filename extension must be OGS and must not be specified.

Section Name Rules (When Using Either Method)

When SectionName is omitted,

1. Origin looks for a section named main and executes it if found
2. If no main section is found, but code exists at the beginning of the file without
a section name, then that code is executed
3. Otherwise Origin does nothing and does not report an error
Section names consist of letters and numbers only. The run.section method object allows a
Space character in section names, but the command method does not.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

133

4.1 Running Scripts

Do not give an OGS file the same name as an existing Origin function or XFunction!

Setting the Path

By default, when starting Origin, the current working directory is OriginSystemPath\User Files;
you can always check the current working directory by entering cd in the Script Window. If your
script file resides there, there is no need to change the path .
However, if you write many scripts, you will want to organize them into folders, and call these
scripts from where they reside. Also, Origin provides sample scripts that you may want to run
from their respective directories.
For these reasons, it is helpful to know how to set the path from script. For example, to run an
OGS file named ave_curves.ogs, located in the Origin system sub-folder Samples\LabTalk
Script Examples, enter the following:
// Create a string variable to hold the complete path to the desired
//script file
// by appending folder path to Origin system path:
path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\LabTalk Script Examples\";
// Make the desired path the current directory.
cd path$;
// Call the function
ave_curves;

For more on setting the current working directory in Origin, including assigning shortcuts to
commonly used paths, see Current Directory, or Cd (command).

4.1.3

From Set Values Dialog

The Set Values Dialog is useful when calculations on a column of data are based on functions
that may include references to other datasets.
The column designated by Set Values is filled with the result of an expression that you enter
(the expression returns a dataset). The expression can be made to update automatically
(Auto), when requested by the user (Manual), or not at all (None).
For more complex calculations, where a single expression is not adequate, a Before Formula
Scripts panel in the dialog can include any LabTalk script.
Auto and Manual updates create lock icons,
and
respectively, at the top of the column. A
green lock indicates updated data; A yellow lock
indicates pending update; A red lock
indicates broken functionality.
134

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.3 From Set Values Dialog

In cases where the code is self-referencial (i.e. the column to be set is included in the
calculation) the Auto and Manual options are reset to None.
Below are two examples of script specifically for the Set Values Dialog. Typically short scripts
are entered in this dialog.

Expression using another column

// In column 3
// Scale a column - useful for fitting where very large
//or very small numbers are problematic
col(2)*1e6;

Using Before Formula Scripts Section

In the Before Formula Scripts section of the Set Column Values dialog, a script can be
entered that will be executed by Origin just before the formula itself is executed. This feature is
useful for carrying out operations that properly setup the formula itself. The following example
demonstrates the use of such a script:
// In column BaseNormal
// In the expression section ..
BN
// In the Before Formula Scripts section ..
range raR = col(Reading);
range raB = col(Baseline);

// The signal
// The Baseline

dataset BN;
BN = raR - raB;

// Subtract the baseline from the signal

stats BN;
BN /= (stats.max / 100);

// Get statistics of the result

// Normalize to maximum value of 100

The following image is a screenshot of the code above entered into the Set Column Values
dialog:

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

135

4.1 Running Scripts

4.1.4

From Worksheet Script

The Worksheet Script dialog is mostly provided for backward compatibility with older versions
of Origin that did not have the Auto Update feature in the Set Values dialog and/or did not
have import filters where scripts could be set to run after import.
Scripts can be saved in a Worksheet (so workbooks have separate Worksheet Scripts for each
sheet) and set to run after either importing into this Worksheet and/or changes in a particular
dataset (even one not in this Worksheet).
Here is a script that is attached to Sheet3 which is set to run on Import (into Sheet3) or when
the A column of Sheet2 changes.
range ra1 = Sheet1!1;
range ra2 = Sheet1!2;
range ra3 = Sheet2!A; // Our 'Change in Range' column
range ra4 = 3!2;

136

// Import could change the sheet name ..

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.5 From Script Panel

range ra5 = 3!3;
// .. so we use numeric sheet references
ra5 = ra3 * ra2 / ra1 * ra4;

4.1.5

From Script Panel

The Script Panel (accessed via the context menu of a Workbook's title bar) is a hybrid of the
Script Window and Command Window.

Like the Script Window, it can hold multiple lines and you can highlight select lines and press
Enter to execute.
Like the Command Window, there is a history of what has been executed.
Unlike the Script window, whose content is not saved when Origin closes, these scripts are
saved in the project.
// Scale column 2 by 10
col(2)*=10;
// Shift minimum value of 'mV' column to zero
stats col(mV);
col(mV)-=stats.min;
// Set column 3 to column 2 normalized to 1
stats 2;
col(3) = col(2)/stats.max;

4.1.6

From Graphical Objects

Graphic Objects (text, lines and shapes) can be tied to events and contain script that runs on
those events. Since graphical objects are attached to a page, they are saved in Templates,
Window files and Project files.

Buttons
Some of your scripts may be used so often that you would like to automate their execution by
assigning one or more of them to a button on the Origin project's graphical-user interface
(GUI). To do so, follow the steps below:
From a new open Origin project:
1.
2.

3.

Select the text tool from the tool menu on the left side of the project window -->
Now click in the open space to the right of the two empty columns of the blank worksheet in
the Book1 window. This will open a text box. Type "Hello" in the text box and press enter-you have now created a label for the button.
Now hold down the ALT key while double-clicking on the text that you just created. A
window called Programming Control will appear.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

137

4.1 Running Scripts

4.

In the lower text box of the Programming Control window, again type our script text
exactly:
type -b "Hello World";

5.
6.

Also in the Programming Control window, in the Script, Run After box, select Button
Up, and click OK.
You have now created a button that, when pressed, executes your script and prints "Hello
World" in a pop-up window.

Unlike a text script which exists only in the Classic Script Window, this button and the script it
runs will be saved when you save your Origin project.

Lines
Here is a script that creates a vertical line on a graph that can be moved to report the
interpolated value of your data at the X position represented by the line:
// Create a vertical line on our graph
draw -n MyCursor -l -v $(x1+(x2-x1)/2);
MyCursor.HMOVE = 1;
MyCursor.color = color(orange);

// Allow horizontal movement

// Change color to orange

MyCursor.linewidth = 3;
// Add a label to the graph

// Make line thicker

label -sl -a $(MyCursor.x) $(Y2+0.05*(Y2-Y1)) -n MyLabel $(%C(MyCursor.x));

// Assign a script to the line ..
MyCursor.script$="MyLabel.x = MyCursor.x;
MyLabel.y = Y2 + MyLabel.dy;
doc -uw;";
// .. and make the script run after the line is moved
MyCursor.Script = 2;

Other Objects
Any Graphical Object (text, lines and shapes) can have an attached script that runs when an
event occurs.
In this example, a rectangle (named RECT) on a graph is set to have a script run when the
rectangle is either Moved or Sized.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Use the Rectangle tool on the Tools toolbar to draw a rectangle on a graph.
Use the Back(data) tool on the Object Edit toolbar to push the rectangle behind the data.
Hold down the Alt key and double-click on the rectangle to open Programming Control.
Enter the following script:
%B = %C;
%A = xof(%B);
dataset dsRect;
dsRect = ((%A >= rect.x1) && (%A <= rect.x2) &&
(%B >= rect.y3) && (%B <= rect.y1))?%B:0/0;

138

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.7 ProjectEvents Script

stats dsRect;
delete dsRect;
type -a Mean of $(stats.mean);
5.
6.

Choose the Moved or Sized event in the Script, Run After drop down list.
Click OK.

When you Move or Resize this rectangle, the script calculates the mean of all the points within
the rectangle and types the result to the Script Window.

4.1.7

ProjectEvents Script

You may want to define functions, perform routine tasks, or execute a set of commands, upon
opening, closing, or saving your Origin project. Since Origin 8.1 a file named ProjectEvents.ogs
is attached to the Origin Project (OPJ) by default.
A template version of this file is shipped with Origin and is located in the EXE folder. This
template file is attached to each new project. The file can be viewed and edited by opening
Code Builder and expanding the Project node in the left panel.

Sections of ProjectEvents.ogs
The ProjectEvents.ogs file, by default, contains three sections that correspond to three
distinct events associated with the project:
1.
2.
3.

AfterOpenDoc: This section will be executed immediately after the project is opened
BeforeCloseDoc: This section will be executed before the project is closed
BeforeSaveDoc: This section will be executed before the project is saved

Utilizing ProjectEvents.ogs
In order for this file and its contents to have an effect, a user needs to edit the file and save it in
Code Builder, and then save the project. The next time the project is opened, the script code
contained in this attached OGS file will be executed upon the specified event (given by the predefined section name).
For example, if a user defines a new function in the [AfterOpenDoc] section of
ProjectEvents.ogs, saves it (in Code Builder), and then saves the project in Origin, that
function will be available (if defined to be global) for use any time the project is re-opened. To
make the function available in the current session place the cursor (in Code Builder) on the
section name to execute, select the Debug drop-down menu, and select the Execute Current
Section option. Then in the Origin Script Window, issuing the list a command will confirm that
the new function appears and is available for use in the project.
A brief tutorial in the Functions demonstrates the value of ProjectEvents.ogs when used in
conjunction with LabTalk's dataset-based functions.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

139

4.1 Running Scripts

You can add your own sections to this OGS file to save custom routines or
project-specific script code. Such sections will not be event-driven, but can be
accessed by name from any place that LabTalk script can be executed. For
example, if you add a section to this file named [MyScript], the code in that
section can be executed after opening the project by issuing this command from
the script window:
run.section(projectevents,myscript);
A ProjectEvents.ogs script can also be made to run by opening the associated Origin Project
(OPJ) from a command console external to Origin.

4.1.8

From Import Wizard

The Import Wizard can be used to import ASCII, Binary or custom file formats (when using a
custom program written in Origin C). The Wizard can save a filter in select locations and can
include script that runs after the import occurs. Once created, the filter can be used to import
data and automatically execute script. This same functionality applies when you drag a file
from Explorer and drop onto Origin if Filter Manager has support for the file type.
For example,

Start the Import Wizard

Browse to the Origin Samples\Spectroscopy folder and choose Peaks with Base.DAT
Click Add, then click OK
Click Next six times to get to the Save Filters page
Check Save Filter checkbox
Enter an appropriate Filter file name, such as Subtract Base and Find Peaks
Check Specify advanced filter options checkbox
Click Next
Paste the following into the text box:
range raTime = 1;
// Get the Time column as a range
range raAmp = 2;
range raBase = 3;

// Get the Amp column as a range

// Get the Base column as a range

wks.addcol(Subtracted);
range raSubtracted = 4;

// Create a column called Subtracted

// Get the Subtracted column as a range

raSubtracted = raAmp - raBase; // Subtract Base from Amp

pkFind iy:=(1,4);
// Find peaks in the Subtracted data
range raPeaks = 5;

// Get the peak index column as a range

for( idx = 1; idx <= raPeaks.GetSize() ; idx++ )

{
pkidx = raPeaks[idx];
ty Peak found at $(raTime[pkidx]) with height of $(raSubtracted[pkidx]);
}

140

Click Finish

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.9 From Nonlinear Fitter

This is what happens:

The filter is saved

The import runs using this filter
After the import, the script runs which creates the subtracted data and the pkFind function
locates peak indices. Results are typed to the Script Window.

4.1.9

From Nonlinear Fitter

The Nonlinear Fitter has a Script After Fitting section on the Code page of the NLFit dialog.
This can be useful if you want to always do something immediately after a fit. As an example,
you could access the fit parameter values to do further calculations or accumulate results for
further analysis.
In this example, the Script After Fitting section adds the name of the fit dataset and the
calculated peak center to a Workbook named GaussResults:
// This creates a new book only the first time
if(exist(GaussResults)!=2)
{
newbook name:=GaussResults sheet:=1 option:=1 chkname:=1;
GaussResults!wks.col1.name$= Dataset;
GaussResults!wks.col2.name$= PeakCenter;
}
// Get the tree from the last Report Sheet (this fit)
getresults iw:=__REPORT$;
// Assign ranges to the two columns in 'GaussResults'
range ra1 = [GaussResults]1!1;
range ra2 = [GaussResults]1!2;
// Get the current row size and increment by 1
size = ra1.GetSize();
size++;
// Write the Input data range in first column
ra1[size]$ = ResultsTree.Input.R2.C2$;
// and the Peak Center value in the second
ra2[size] = ResultsTree.Parameters.xc.Value;

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

141

4.1 Running Scripts

4.1.10 From an External Application

External applications can communicate with Origin as a COM Server. Origin's COM Object
exposes various classes with properties and methods to other applications. For complete
control, Origin has the Execute method which allows any LabTalk - including LabTalk callable
X-Functions and OriginC function - to be executed. In this example (using Visual Basic
Syntax), we start Origin, import some data, do a Gauss fit and report the peak center :
' Start Origin
Dim oa
Set oa = GetObject("", "Origin.Application")
'oa.Execute ("doc -m 1") ' Uncomment if you want to see Origin
Dim strCmd, strVar As String
Dim dVar As Double
' Wait for Origin to finish startup compile
' (30 seconds is specified here,
' but function may return in less than 1 second)
oa.Execute ("sec -poc 30")
'Project is empty so create a workbook and import some data
oa.Execute ("newbook")
strVar = oa.LTStr("SYSTEM.PATH.PROGRAM$") + _
"Samples\Curve Fitting\Gaussian.DAT"
oa.Execute ("string fname") ' Declare string in Origin
oa.LTStr("fname$") = strVar ' Set its value
oa.Execute ("impasc")
' Import
' Do a nonlinear fit (Gauss)
strCmd = "nlbegin 2 Gauss;nlfit;nlend;"
oa.Execute (strCmd)
' Get peak center
dVar = oa.LTVar("nlt.xc")
strVar = "Peak Center at " + CStr(dVar)
bRet = MsgBox(strVar, vbOKOnly, "Gauss Fit")
oa.Exit
Set oa = Nothing
End

There are more detailed examples of COM Client Applications in the Samples\Automation
Server folder.

142

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.11 From Console

4.1.11 From Console

When Origin is started from the command-line of an external console (such as Windows cmd
window), it reads any command beyond the Origin.exe call to check if any optional arguments
have been specified.

Syntax of Command Line Arguments

All command line arguments are optional. The syntax for passing arguments to Origin is:
Origin.exe [-switch arg] [origin_file_name] [labtalk_scripts]

-switch arg
Multiple switches can be passed. Most switches follow the above notation except -r, -r0 and
-rs, which use LabTalk scripts as arguments and execute the scripts after Origin C startup
compile. See the Switches table and examples below for available switches and their
function.
origin_file_name
This file name must refer to an Origin project file or an Origin window file. A path may be
included and the file extension must be specified.
labtalk_scripts
Optional script to run after the OPJ is open. This is useful when the script is very long.

Switches
Switch

Argument

Function

Specifies a configuration file to add to the list specified in the INI file.

Configuration files can include any LabTalk command, but

typically contain menu commands and macro definitions. You can
not specify a path nor should you include a file extension. The file
must be in the Origin Folder and must have a CNF extension. For
example:
-A

cnf file

C:\Program Files\OriginLab\Origin8\Origin8.exe -a
myconfig

Note: When passing the .cnf file on the command line using -a
switch, Origin C may not finish startup compiling, and the
licensing has probably not been processed by the time the .cnf
file is processed. So, when you want to include X-Functions in
your .cnf file, it's better to use -r or -rs switch instead of -a.

-B

<none>

Run script following OPJ path-name after the OPJ is open similar to -R
but before the OPJ's attached ProjectEvents.ogs, such that you can use
this option to pass in variables to ProjectEvents.ogs. This option also
have the advantage of using all the command line string at the end so it
does not need to be put into parenthesis as is needed by -R. (8.1)

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

143

4.1 Running Scripts

144

-C

cnf file

Specifies a new configuration file to override the specification in the INI

file.
Configuration files can include any LabTalk command, but typically
contain menu commands and macro definitions.

-H

<none>

Hide the Origin application. Script Window will still show if it is open by
internal control.

-I

ini file

Specifies an initialization file to use in place of ORIGIN.INI. In general

this switch should precede other switches if more than one switch is
used.

-L

level

Specifies at which menu level to start Origin at.

-M

<none>

Run the Origin application as minimized. (8.1)

-OCW

ocw file

Load the Origin C workspace file.

-P

full path

Directs the network version of Origin to look for client-specific files in

the specified path.

-R

(script)

-R0

(script)

-RS

scripts

Similar to -R but without having OPJ specified. All the remaining string
from the command line will be used as LabTalk script and run after
Origin C startup compile has finished. (8.1)

-TL

file name

Specifies the default page template.

-TM

otm file

Specifies the default matrix template.

-TG

otp file

Specifies the default graph template. Same as -TP.

-TP

otp file

Specifies the default graph template. Same as -TG.

Run the LabTalk script after any specified OPJ has been loaded.

Note: This script will execute after Origin C startup compile.

Run the LabTalk script before any specified OPJ has been loaded.

Note: This script will execute after Origin C startup compile.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.11 From Console

-TW

otw file

Specifies the default worksheet template.

-W

<none>

Directs the network version of Origin to look for client-specific files in

the Start In folder or Working directory.

Examples
Loading an Origin Project File
The following is an example of a DOS *.bat file. First it changes the current directory to the
Origin exe directory. It then calls Origin and passes the following command line arguments:

-r0 (type -b "opj will open next")

Uses -r0 to run script before the Origin project is loaded.
-r (type -b "OPJ is now loaded")
Uses -r to run script after the Origin project is loaded.
c:\mypath\test.opj
Gives the name of the Origin project to open.

Please note that these -r, -r0, -rs, -b switches will wait for Origin C startup compiling to finish
and thus you can use X-Functions in such script, as in:
cd "C:\Program Files\OriginLab\Origin8" origin8.exe -r0 (type -b "opj will open next") -r
(type -b "OPJ is now loaded") c:\mypath\test.opj

For more complicated scripts, you will be better off putting them into an OGS file, and then
running that OGS file from the command line.
The following example will run the script code in the main section of the startup.ogs file
located in the User Files Folder. When the file name given to the run.section method does not
contain a path, LabTalk assumes the file is in the User Files Folder. The following command
line argument illustrates use of the run.section object method:
C:\Program Files\OriginLab\Origin8\Origin8.exe -rs run.section(startup.ogs, main)

A simple startup.ogs file to demonstrate the above example can be:

[main]
type -b "hello, from startup.ogs";

Run OPJ-Based Custom Program with Command-Line Control

The ProjectEvents.ogs script attached to an OPJ file can be used to create an OPJ-centered
task-processing tool. In the following example, an OPJ can be used to run a program either by
opening the OPJ directly, or by calling it from a command line console external to Origin. In
addition, we can set a project variable in the command line to indicate whether the OPJ was
opened by a user from the Origin GUI or as part of a command-line argument.
We will create an OPJ with the following ProjectEvents.ogs code:
[AfterOpenDoc]
Function doTask()
{

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

145

4.1 Running Scripts

type -a "Doing some task...";
// code to do things
type "Done!";
}
//%2 = 2 for command line, but also for dble-click OPJ
// so we better control it exactly with this variable
CheckVar FromCmdLine 0;
if(FromCmdLine)
{
type -b "Coming from command line";
doTask();
sec -p 2;//wait a little before closing
exit;
}
else
{
type -N "Do you want to do the task now?";
doTask();
}

To run this OPJ (call it test) from a command line, use the -B switch to ensure the
FromCmdLine variable is defined before [AfterOpenDoc] is executed:
<exepath>Origin81.exe -b <opjpath>test.opj FromCmdLine=1

Batch Processing with Summary Report in Origin

The following example demonstrates starting Origin from a command line shell (i.e., Windows
cmd) by entering a long script string containing the -rs switch.
The script performs several actions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sets up a string variable (fname$) with multiple file names,

Calls an X-Function (batchprocess) to perform batch processing using an existing analysis
template,
Calls an X-Function (expasc) to Export the result to a CSV file (c:\test\my batch\output.csv),
Suppresses a prompt to save the Origin Project (OPJ) file (doc -s), and
Exits the Origin application.

To begin, issue this command at an external, system-level command prompt (such as

Windows cmd), replacing the Origin installation path given with the one on your computer or
network:
C:\Program Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Origin81.exe -m -rs template$="C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\autofit.ogw"; fname$="C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step01.dat%(CRLF)C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step02.dat%(CRLF)C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step03.dat%(CRLF)C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step04.dat%(CRLF)C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step05.dat%(CRLF)C:\Program
Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Samples\Curve Fitting\step06.dat"; batchprocess
batch:=template name:=template$ fill:="Data" append:="Summary" ow:=[Summary
Book]"Summary Sheet"!; expasc iw:=[Summary Book]"Summary Sheet"! type:=csv
path:="c:\test\my batch output.csv"; doc -s; exit;

146

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.12 On A Timer

Batch Processing with Summary Report in External Excel File

This example demonstrates using an external Excel file to generate a Summary Report using
Batch Processing.
In one single continuous command line, the following is performed:
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

Origin is launched and an existing Origin Project file (OPJ) is loaded which contains
o an Origin workbook to be used as Analysis Template, and
o an externally linked Excel file to be used as the report book.
All files matching a particular wild card specification (in this case, file names beginning with
T having the *.csv extension) are found.
The batchProcess X-Function is called to perform batch processing of the files.
The Excel window will contain the summary report at the end of the batch processing
operation. This window, linked to the external Excel file, is saved and the Origin project is
closed without saving.
You can directly open the Excel file from the \Samples\Batch Processing subfolder to
view the results.

To begin, issue this command at an external, system-level command prompt (such as

Windows cmd), replacing the Origin installation path given with the one on your computer or
network:
C:\Program Files\OriginLab\OriginPro81\Origin81.exe -rs string
path$=system.path.program$+"Samples\Batch Processing\";string opj$=path$+"Batch
Processing with Summary Report in External Excel File.opj";doc -o %(opj$);findfiles
ext:="T*.csv";win -a Book1;batchProcess batch:=0 fill:="Raw Data" append:="My
Results" ow:="[Book2]Sheet1!" number:=7 label:=1;win -o Book2 {save -i}; doc -s; exit;

Additional information on batch processing from script (using both Loops and X-Functions) is
available in a separate Batch Processing chapter.

4.1.12 On A Timer
The Timer (Command) executes the TimerProc macro, and the combination can be used to
run a script every n seconds.
The following example shows a timer procedure that runs every 2 seconds to check if a data
file on disk has been modified, and it is then re-imported if new.
In order to run this script example, perform the following steps first:
1.

Create a simple two-column ascii file c:\temp\mydata.dat or any other

desired name and location

2.

Start a new project and import the file into a new book with default ascii
settings. The book short name changes to mydata

3.

Create a line+symbol plot of the data, and set the graph x and y axis
rescale property to auto so that graph updates when new data is added

4.

Keep the graph as the active window

5.

Save the script below to the [AfterOpenDoc] section of the

ProjectEvents.OGS file attached to the project.

6.

Add the following command to the [BeforeCloseDoc] section of

ProjectEvents.OGS:

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

147

4.1 Running Scripts

timer -k;
7.

Save the Origin Project, close, and then re-open the project. Now any time
the project is opened, the timer will start, and when the project is closed the
timer will stop executing.

8.

Go to the data file on disk and edit and add a few more data points

9.

The timer procedure will trigger a re-import and the graph will update with
the additional new data

// Set up the TimerProc macro

def TimerProc {
// Check if file exists, and quit if it does not
string str$="c:\temp\mydata.dat";
if(0 == exist(str$) ) return;
// Get date/time of file on disk
double dtDisk = exist(str$,5);
// Run script on data book
// Assuming here that book short name is mydata
win -o mydata {
// Get date/time of last import
double dtLast = page.info.system.import.filedate;
// If file on disk is newer, then re-import the file
if( dtDisk > dtLast ) reimport;
}
}
// Set TimerProc to be executed every 2 seconds
timer 2;

The Samples\LabTalk Script Examples subfolder has a sample Origin Project

named Reimport File Using Timer.OPJ which has script similar to above set
up. You can open this OPJ to view the script and try this feature.

4.1.13 From a Custom Menu Item

LabTalk script can be assigned to custom menu items. The Custom Menu Organizer dialog
accessible from the Tools main menu in Origin provides easy access to add and edit main
148

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.1.14 From a Toolbar Button

menu items. The Add Custom Menu tab of this dialog can be used to add a new main menu
entry and then populate it with sub menu items including pop-up menus and separators. Once
a menu item has been added, LabTalk script can be assigned for that item. The menu items
can be made available for all window types or a specific window type.
The custom menu configuration can then be saved and multiple configuration files can be
created and then loaded separately using the Format: Menu main menu. For further
information please view the help file page for the Custom Menu Organizer dialog.

4.1.14 From a Toolbar Button

LabTalk script files can also be run from buttons on the Origin toolbar. Three files enable this
to happen:
1.
2.
3.

A bitmap file that defines the appearance of the button. Use one of the set of buttons
provided in Origin or create your own.
A LabTalk script file that will be executed when the user clicks the button.
An INI file that stores information about the button or button group. Origin creates the INI
file for you, when you follow the procedure below.

We will assume for now that you have a bitmap image file (BMP) that will define the button
itself (if you are interested in creating one, example steps are given below).
on the Origin Standard Toolbar to open) or other text
First, use CodeBuilder (select
editor, to develop your LabTalk script (OGS) file. Save the file with the OGS extension. You
may divide a single script file into several sections, and associate each section with a different
toolbar button.

Putting a Button on an Origin Toolbar

To put the button on an Origin toolbar, use this procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

In Origin, select View:Toolbars to open the Customize Toolbar dialog.

Make the Button Groups Tab active.
Click the New button in the Button Group to open the Create Button Group dialog.
Enter a new Group Name.
Enter the Number of Buttons for this new Group.
Click the Browse button to locate your bitmap file. This file should be in your User directory.
Click OK.
The Save As dialog will open. Enter the same name as that of your bitmap file. Click OK to
save the INI file. You will now see that your group has been added to the Groups list and
your button(s) is now visible.

When creating a custom button group for export to an OPX file, consider saving your button
group's initialization file, bitmap file(s), script file(s), and any other support files to a usercreated subfolder in your User Files folder. When another Origin user installs your OPX file,
your custom subfolder will automatically be created in the user's User Files folder, and this
subfolder will contain the files for the custom button group. This allows you to keep your
custom files separate from other Origin files.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

149

4.1 Running Scripts

Match the Button with a LabTalk Script (OGS) File

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Click on the button to select it.

Click the Settings button, to open the Button Settings dialog.
Click the Browse button to locate your OGS file.
Enter the Section Name of the OGS file and any arguments in the Argument List.
Enter something descriptive in the Tool Tip Text text box.
Enter a status bar message in the Status Bar text box.
Click OK.
Repeat these steps for each of the buttons in your Button Group.
Drag the first button out onto your Origin workspace. A toolbar is created. You can now drag
all other buttons onto this toolbar.

Custom Buttons Available in Origin

The following dialog can be accessed from the View: Toolbars menu option in Origin. On the
Button Groups tab, scroll down to select the User Defined group:

Drag any of these buttons onto the Origin toolbar to begin using them. Use the procedure
outlined above to associate a script with a given button.
150

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.2.1 Interactive Execution

Creating a Bitmap File for a New Button

To create a bitmap file, using any program that allows you to edit and save a bitmap image
(BMP) such as Window's Paint. The following steps will help you get started:
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

Using the bitmap for the built-in user defined toolbar is a good place to begin. In Windows
Paint, select File:Open, browse to your User Files folder and select Userdef.bmp.
Set the image size. Select Image:Attributes. The height needs to remain at 16 and should
not be changed. Each button is 16 pixels high by 16 pixels wide. If your toolbar will be only
2 buttons then change the width to 32. The width is always 16 times the number of buttons,
with a maximum of 10 buttons or a width of 160.
Select View:Zoom:Custom:800%. The image is now large enough to work with.
Select View:Zoom:Show Grid. You can now color each pixel. The fun begins - create a look
for each button.
Select File:Save As, enter a new File name but leave the Save as type to 16 Color
Bitmap.

4.2 Debugging Scripts

This section covers means of debugging your LabTalk scripts. The first part introduces
interactive execution of script. The second presents several debugging tools, including Origin's
native script editor, Code Builder.

4.2.1

Interactive Execution

You can execute LabTalk commands or X-functions line-by-line (or a selection of multiple lines)
to proceed through script execution step-by-step interactively. The advantage of this procedure
is that you can check the result of the issued command, and according to the result or the
occurred error, you can take the next step as in the prototype development.
To execute the LabTalk commands interactively, you can enter them in the following places:
Classic Script Window
Command window in Origin's main window
Command window in Code Builder
The characteristics and the advantages of each window are as follows:

Classic Script Window

This window can be open from the Window main menu. This is the most flexible place for
advanced users to execute LabTalk scripts. Enter key will execute
1.
2.

the current line if cursor has no selection

the selected block if there is a selection

You can prevent execution and just write codes by using cntrl-Enter.
Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

151

4.2 Debugging Scripts

Command Window in Origin's Main Window

You can enter a LabTalk command at the command prompt in the Command window. The
result would be printed immediately after the entered command line. Command window has
various convenient features such as command history panel, auto-completion, roll back
support to utilize previously executed commands, to execute a block of previously executed
commands, to save previously executed commands in an OGS file, etc.
To learn how to use the Command window, see "The Origin Command Window" chapter in the
Origin help file.

Command Window in Code Builder

Code Builder is the Origin's integrated debugging environment to debug LabTalk scripts as well
as Origin C codes, X-Function codes, etc. In Code Builder, user can use various convenient
debugging tools like setting up the break points, step-by-step execution, inspection of the
values of variables, etc. Command window in the Code Builder can be utilized with other
debugging features in the Code Builder.
To learn how to use the Code Builder, see the Code Builder User's Guide in the Programming
help file.

4.2.2

Debugging Tools

Origin provides various tools to help you to develop and debug your LabTalk scripts.

Code Builder (Origin feature)

Code Builder is the Origin's integrated debugging environment to debug LabTalk scripts,
Origin C codes, X-Function codes, and fitting functions coded in Origin C. In Code Builder, user
can use various convenient debugging tools like setting up break points, step-by-step
execution, and inspection of variable values. Code Builder can be opened by the ed.open()
method.
To learn how to use the Code Builder, see the Code Builder User's Guide in the Programming
help file.

Ed (object)
The Ed (object) provides script access to Code Builder , a dedicated editor for LabTalk script.
The ed object methods are:
Method

152

Brief Description

ed.open()

Open a Code Builder window.

ed.open(fileName)

Open the specified script file in a Code Builder window.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.2.2 Debugging Tools

ed.open(fileName,
sectionName)

Open the specified script file at the specified section in a Code

Builder window.

ed.saveFile(fileName)

Save the current script in the active Code Builder window to the
fileName script file.

Open the Code Builder

ed.open()

Open a Specific File in Code Builder

The following command opens the file myscript.ogs
ed.open(E:\myfolder\tmyscript.ogs)

Open a File on a Pre-Saved Path

Use the cd (command) to first switch to the particular folder:
cd 2;
ed.open(autofit.ogs);

LabTalk Variables and Functions Dialog

The list command with no options as well as the ed (command) (different than the ed object)
opens the LabTalk Variables dialog, which is a table of attributes for all variables in the current
project. The attributes are variable name, value, type, subtype, property, plot information, and
description.
This is a very helpful tool for script programmers as the current values and properties of
variables can be viewed in real time. Additionally, variables can be sorted by any of their
attributes, alphabetically in the case of text descriptors, numerically in the case of numeric
values.
Check boxes exist on the right-hand side of the dialog that allow you to see any subset of the
entire variable list.

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

153

4.2 Debugging Scripts

Echo (system variable)

To debug and trace, this system variable, Echo prints scripts or error messages to the
Command window (or Script window when it is entered there). To enable echo, type:
echo = Number
in the Script window (where Number is one of the following):
Number

154

Description

Display commands that generate an error;

Display scripts that have been sent to the queue for delayed execution;

Display scripts that involve commands;

Display scripts that involve assignments;

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.2.2 Debugging Tools

16

Display macros.

These values are bits that can be combined to produce cumulative effects. For example, echo
= 12 displays both command and assignment scripts. Echo = 7 (includes echo = 1, echo = 2,
and echo = 4) is useful for following script execution during menu command selection. To
disable echo, type echo = 0 in the Script window

#!script (special syntax)

Embed debugging statements in your script using this notation. The # character tells the
LabTalk interpreter to ignore the text until the end of the line. However, when followed by the !
character, the script is executed if the @B system variable (or System.Debug object property)
is set to 1. The following example illustrates this option:
For (ii=1; ii<=10; ii+=1) {
#!ii=; Book1_A[ii]=; //embedded debugging script
Book1_A[ii]+=ii*10;
}

If, before the previous script is run, you enter:

@B=0

In the Script window, the previous script then reports the cell value at each loop count. During
normal operation, when @B=0, the loop performs quietly.

{script} (special syntax)

An error in your LabTalk code will cause the code to break at the point of the error and not
execute any statements after the error. In cases where you would like the script to continue
executing after a particular line(s) of code which may contain an error, consider using curly
braces around the questionable line(s). For instance, in the following script,
type Start;
impasc fname:=MyFile;
type End;

the word Start will print to the Script Window, but if MyFile cannot be found, the script will stop
executing at that point, and the word End will not print.
If, however, you surround the line in question with curly braces (i.e., {}), as in,
type Start;
{impasc fname:=MyFile;}
type End;

then End will print whether or not MyFile is properly imported.

You can catch this condition with a variable:
flag = 1;
{
impasc fname:=MyFile;
flag = 0;

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

155

4.2 Debugging Scripts

}
if(flag)
type Error occurred;
else
type OK;

@B(system variable), System.Debug (object property)

@B system variable controls the Debug mode to execute the LabTalk statements that begin
with #! :
1 = enable
0 = disable

It is equivalent to System.Debug object property. which

@OC (system variable)

@OC system variable controls whether or not you can call Origin C functions from LabTalk.
Value

Description

@OC = 1 (default)

Origin C functions CAN be called

@OC = 0

Origin C functions CANNOT be called

@V(system variable), System.Version(object property)

@V indicates the Origin version number. @V and System.Version object property are
equivalent.

@VDF (system variable)

If you set @VDF = 1, when you open a project file (.OPJ), Origin will report the Origin version
in which the file was saved.

VarName= (command)
This command examines the value of any variable. Embed this in your script to display
intermediate variable values in the Script window during script execution.
Example 1
The following command prints out the value of myHeight variable:
myHeight=

156

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

4.2.3 Error Handling

LabTalk:List (command)
The list command is used to examine your system environment. For example, the list s
command displays all datasets (including temporary datasets) in the project.

ErrorProc (macro)
Macro type: Special event The ErrorProc macro is triggered when the LabTalk interpreter
detects a #Command Error. when you click the Cancel button in any dialog box. when you click
the No button in dialog boxes that do not have a Cancel button. The ErrorProc macro is
deleted immediately after it is triggered and executed. The ErrorProc macro is useful for error
trapping.

NotReady (macro)
This macro displays the message "This operation is still under development..." in a dialog box
with an OK button.

Type <ogsFileName> (command)

This command prints out the contents of the specified script file (.OGS) in the current directory
to the Command (or Script) window. Note that if the file extension .OGS in ogsFileName may
be omitted. The file name can be a full path.
Examples:
The following script prints the contents of D: \temp\mytemp1.ogs and C:\myogs\hello.ogs.
cd D:\Temp
type myscript1;
type C:\myogs\hello.ogs

4.2.3

Error Handling

LabTalk scripts will be interrupted if an error has been thrown. But there are times when you
want to continue the execution of the script even if an error is encountered. In this situation,
Origin allows you to use a pair of curly braces ("{" and ?}?) to enclose a part of the script that
might generate an error. Origin will encounter the error and resume with the rest part of the
script, which is outside the braces. In this sense, braces and run.section() commands have the
same behavior.
The following is a simple example to show how to handle possible errors. Please note that
before executing the scripts in the Script Window, you should create a new worksheet and
make sure that column C does not exist.
// Script without error handling
type "Start the section";
stats col(c);

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

157

4.2 Debugging Scripts

stats.max=;
type "Finished the section";

The line of code, stats col(c);, will throw an error, because Column C does not exist. Then,
the script will terminate and only output:
Start the section
Failed to resolve range string, VarName = ix, VarValue = col(c)

Now we will introduce braces to use error handling. We can add a variable to indicate if an
error occurred and make use of a System Variable to temporarily shut off Origin error
messages:
// Script with error handling
type "Start the section";
// The section that will generate an error
{
@NOE = 0; // Shut off Origin error messages
vErr = 1; // Set our error variable to true (1)
stats col(c); // This is the code which could produce an error
stats.max=; // Execution will continue only if no error occurs
vErr = 0; // If NO error then our variable gets set to false (0)
}
@NOE = 1; // Restore Origin error messages
if(vErr) ty An error occurred. Continuing ...;
type "Finished the section";

The output will become

Start the section
An error occurred. Continuing ...
Finished the section

After the error on the stats col(c) line, code execution continues outside the closing brace (})
and we can trap our error and process as needed.

158

Running and Debugging LabTalk Scripts

Working With Data

In this chapter we show many examples of working with different types of data using LabTalk
Script.

5.1 Numeric Data

5.1.1

Converting to String

The following examples demonstrate conversion of numeric variables to string, including

notation to format the number of digits and decimal places.

Converting Numeric to String

Using Substitution Notation
To convert a variable of a numeric type (double, int, or const) to a variable of string type,
consider the following simple example:
// myNum contains the integer value 456
int myNum = 456;
// myNumString now contains the characters 456 as a string
string myNumString$ = $(myNum);

The syntax $(num) is one of two substitution notations supported in LabTalk. The other,
%(string$), is used to convert in the opposite direction, from string to numeric, substituting a
string variable with its content.
Formatting can also be specified during the type conversion:
$(number [,format])

// braces indicate that the format is optional

Format follows the C-programming format-specifier conventions, which can be found in any Clanguage reference, for example:
string myNumString2$ = $("3.14159",%3d);
myNumString2$=

// "3"

string myNumString2$ = $("3.14159",%3.2f);

myNumString2$=
// "3.14"
string myNumString2$ = $("3141.59",%6.4e);
myNumString2$=

// "3.1416e+003"

For further information on this type of formatting, please see $() Substitution.
159

5.1 Numeric Data

Using the Format Function

Another way to convert a numeric variable to a string variable uses the format function:
// call format, specifying 3 significant figures
string yy$=Format(2.01232, "*3")$;
// "2.01"
yy$=;

For full documentation of the format function see Format (Function)

Significant Digits, Decimal Places, and Numeric Format

LabTalk has native format specifiers that, used as part of LabTalk's Substitution Notation
provide a simple means to format a number.

Use the * notation to set significant digits

x = 1.23456;
type "x = $(x, *2)";

In this example, x is followed by *2, which sets x to display two significant digits. So the output
result is:
x = 1.2

Additionally, putting a * before ")" will cause the zeros just before the power of ten to be
truncated. For instance,
y = 1.10001;
type "y = $(y, *4*)";

In this example, the output result is:

y = 1.1

The result has only 2 significant digits, because y is followed by *4* instead of *4.

Use the . notation to set decimal places

x = 1.23456;
type "x = $(x, .2)";

In this example, x is followed by .2, which sets x to display two decimal places. So the output
result is:
x = 1.23

Use E notation to change the variable to engineering format

The E notation follows the variable it modifies, like the * notation. For example,
x = 1e6;
type "x = $(x, E%4.2f)";

where % indicates the start of the substitution notation, 4 specifies the total number of digits, .2
specifies 2 decimal places, and f is an indicator for floating notation. So the output is:
x = 1.00M

160

Working With Data

5.1.2 Operations

Use the $(x, S*n) notation to convert from engineering to scientific

notation
In this syntax, n specifies the total number of digits.
x = 1.23456;
type "x = $(x,S*3)";

And Origin returns:

x = 1.23E0

5.1.2

Operations

Once you have loaded or created some numeric data, here are some script examples of things
you may want to do.

Basic Arithmetic
Most often data is stored in columns and you want to perform various operations on that data
in a row-wise fashion. You can do this in two ways in your LabTalk scripts: (1) through direct
statements with operators or (2) using ranges. For example, you want to add the value in each
row of column A to its corresponding value in column B, and put the resulting values in column
C:
Col(C) = Col(A) + Col(B);

// Add

Col(D) = Col(A) * Col(B);

Col(E) = Col(A) / Col(B);

// Multiply
// Divide

The - and ^ operators work the just as above for subtraction and exponentiation respectively.
You can also perform the same operations on columns from different sheets with range
variables:
// Point to column 1 of sheets 1, 2 and 3
range aa = 1!col(1);
range bb = 2!col(1);
range cc = 3!col(1);
cc = aa+bb;
cc = aa^bb;
cc = aa/bb;

When performing arithmetic on data in different sheets, you need to use range
variables. Direct references to range strings are not supported. For example,
the script Sheet3!col(1) = Sheet1!col(1) + Sheet2!col(1); will not work!

Working With Data

161

5.2 String Processing

Functions
In addition to standard operators, LabTalk supports many common functions for working with
your data, from trigonometric functions like sin and cos to Bessel functions to functions that
generate statistical distributions like uniform and Poisson. All LabTalk functions work with
single-number arguments of course, but many are also "vectorized" in that they work on
worksheet columns, loose datasets, and matrices as well. Take the trigonometric function sin
for example:
// Find the sine of a number:
double xx = sin(0.3572)
// Find the sine of a column of data (row-wise):
Col(B) = sin(Col(A))
// Find the sine of a matrix of data (element-wise):
[MBook2] = sin([MBook1])

As an example of a function whose primary job is to generate data consider the uniform
function, which in one form takes as input N, the number of values to create, and then
generates N uniformly distributed random numbers between 0 and 1:
/* Fill the first 20 rows of Column B
with uniformly distributed random numbers: */
Col(B) = uniform(20);

For a complete list of functions supported by LabTalk see Alphabetic Listing of Functions.

5.2 String Processing

This section provides examples of working with string data in your LabTalk scripts.

5.2.1

String Variables and String Registers

In Origin, string processing is supported in two ways: with string variables, and with string
registers. In general, we encourage the use of string variables as they are more intuitive (i.e.,
more like strings in other programming languages) and are supported by many pre-defined
string methods; both of which are advantages over string registers.

String Variables
A string variable is created by declaration and/or assignment, and its name is always followed
by a $-sign. For example:
// Creates by declaration a variable named 'aa' of the string type;
//'aa' is empty (i.e., "")
string aa$;
// Assigns to 'aa' a character sequence

162

Working With Data

5.2.2 String Processing

aa$ = "Happy";
// Creates and assigns a value to string variable 'bb',
//all on the same line
string bb$ = "Yes";
// Creates and assigns a value to string variable 'cc' with no declaration
//(see note below)
cc$ = "Global";

Note: Because string variable cc was not declared, it is given Global (or Project) scope, which
means all routines, functions, or otherwise can see it. Declared variables aa and bb are given
Local (or Session) scope. For more on scope, see Variables and Scope.

String Registers
Prior to Version 8.0, Origin supported string processing with string registers. As such, they
continue to be supported by more recent versions, and you may see them used in script
programming examples. There are 26 string registers, corresponding to the 26 letters of the
English alphabet, each proceeded by a %-sign, i.e., %A--%Z. They can be assigned a
character sequence just like string variables, the differences are in the way they are handled
and interpreted, as the examples below illustrate. As a warning, several of the 26 string
registers are reserved for system use, most notably, the ranges %C--%I, and %X--%Z. For
complete documentation on their use, see String Registers.

5.2.2

String Processing

Using String Methods

These examples show multiple ways to get a substring (in this case a file name) from a longer
string (a full file path). In the last of these, we demonstrate how to concatenate two strings.
Find substring, using getFileName()
In this example, a string method designed for a very specific but commonly needed task is
invoked.
// Use the built-in string method, GetFileName():
string fname$="C:\Program Files\Origin 8\Samples\Import\S15-125-03.dat";
string str1$ = fname.GetFileName()$;
str1$=;

Find substring, using reverseFind(), mid() methods

This time, a combination of string methods is used:
// Use the functions ReverseFind and Mid to extract the file name:
string fname$="C:\Program Files\Origin 8\Samples\Import\S15-125-03.dat";
// Find the position of the last '\' by searching from the right.
int nn=fname.ReverseFind('\');
// Get the substring starting after that position and going to the end.

Working With Data

163

5.2 String Processing

string str2$=fname.Mid(nn+1)$;
// Type the file name to the Script Window.
str2$=;

Find substring, token-based

Here, another variation of generic finding methods is chosen to complete the task.
// Use a token-based method to extract the file name:
string fname$="C:\Program Files\Origin 8\Samples\Import\S15-125-03.dat";
// Get the number of tokens, demarcated by '\' characters.
int nn=fname.GetNumTokens('\');
// Get the last token.
string str3$ = fname.GetToken(nn, '\')$;
// Output the value of that token to the Script Window.
str3$=;

String Concatenation
You can concatenate string s by using the '+' operator. As shown below:
string aa$="reading";
string bb$="he likes " + aa$ + " books";
type "He said " + bb$;

You may also use the insert string method to concatenate two strings:
string aa$ = "Happy";
string bb$ = " Go Lucky";
// insert the string 'aa' into string 'bb' at position 1
bb.insert(1,aa$);
bb$=;

For a complete listing and description of supported string methods, please see String (Object).

Using String Registers

String Registers are simpler to use and quite powerful, but more difficult to read when
compared with string variables and their methods. Also, they are global (session scope) and
you will have less control on their contents being modified by another program.
// Concatenate two strings using string registers
%A="Left";
%B="Handed";
%N="%A %B";
%N=

// "Left Handed"

// Extract the file name substring from the longer file path string:
%N="C:\Program Files\Origin 8\Samples\Import\S15-125-03.dat";
for(done=0;done==0; )
{
%M=%[%N,>'\'];
if(%[%M]>0) %N = %M;

164

Working With Data

5.2.3 Conversion to Numeric

else done = 1;
}
%N=;

Extracting Numbers from a String

This example shows multiple ways to extract numbers from a string:
// String variables support many methods
string fname$="S15-125-03.dat";
int nn=fname.Find('S');
string str1$ = fname.Mid(nn+1, 2)$;
type "1st number = %(str1$)";
string str2$ = fname.Between("-", "-")$;
type "2nd number = %(str2$)";
int nn = fname.ReverseFind('-');
int oo = fname.ReverseFind('.') ;
string str3$ = fname.Mid(nn + 1, oo - nn - 1)$;
type "3rd number = %(str3$)";
type $(%(str2$) - %(str1$) * %(str3$));
// Using string Registers, we can use substring notation
%M = "S15-125-03.dat";
%N = %[%M,2:3]; // Specify start and end
type "1st number = %N";
%N = %[%M,>'S']; // Find string after 'S'
%N = %[%N,'-']; // Find remaining before '-'
type "1st number = %N";
%O = %[%M,#2,\x2D]; // Find second token delimited by '-' (hexadecimal 2D)
type "2nd number = %O";
%P = %[%M,'.']; // trim extension
%P = %[%P,>'-']; // after first '-'
%P = %[%P,>'-']; // after second '-'
type "3rd number = %P";
type $(%O - %N * %P);

5.2.3

Conversion to Numeric

The next few examples demonstrate converting a string of numeric characters to an actual
number.
Working With Data

165

5.2 String Processing

Converting String to Numeric

Using Substitution Notation
To convert a variable of type string to a variable of type numeric (double, int, const), consider
the following simple example:
// myString contains the characters 456 as a string
string myString$ = "456";
// myStringNum now contains the integer value 456
int myStringNum = %(myString$);

The syntax %(string$) is one of two substitution notations supported in LabTalk. The other,
$(num), is used to convert in the opposite direction; from numeric to string.

Using String Registers

This example demonstrates how to convert a string held in a string register to a numeric value.
// Similar to above, but performed using string registers:
string myString$ = "456";
// Assignment without quotes will evaluate the right-hand-side
%A = myString$;
// %A will be substituted, then right-hand-side evaluated
int aa = %A;
// 'aa' can be operated on by other integers
int bb = aa + 100;
bb=;

5.2.4

// ANS: 556

String Arrays

This example shows how to create a string array, add elements to it, sort, and list the contents
of the array.
// Import an existing sample file
newbook;
fpath$ = "Samples\Data Manipulation\US Metropolitan Area Population.dat"
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impasc;
// Loop over last column and find all states
range rMetro=4;
stringarray saStates;
for( int ir=1; ir<=rMetro.GetSize(); ir++ )
{
string strCell$ = rMetro[ir]$;
string strState$ = strCell.GetToken(2,',')$;

166

Working With Data

5.3.1 Dates and Times

// Find instances of '-' in name
int nn = strState.GetNumTokens("-");
// Add to States string array
for( int ii=1; ii<=nn; ii++ )
{
string str$ = strState.GetToken(ii, '-')$;
// Add if not already present
int nFind = saStates.Find(str$);
if( nFind < 1 )
saStates.Add(str$);
}
}
// Sort States string array and print out
saStates.Sort();
for(int ii=1; ii<=saStates.GetSize(); ii++)
saStates.GetAt(ii)$=;

5.3 Date and Time Data

While the various string formats used for displaying date and time information are useful in
conveying information to users, a mathematical basis for these values is needed to provide
Origin with plotting and analysis of these values. Origin uses a modification of the Astronomical
Julian Date system to store dates and time. In this system, time zero is 12 noon on January 1,
4713 BCE. The integer part of the number represents the number of days since time zero and
the fractional part is the fraction of a 24 hour day. Origin offsets this value by subtracting 12
hours (0.50 days) to put day transitions at midnight, rather than noon.
The next few examples are dedicated to dealing with date and time data in your LabTalk
scripts.
Note : Text that appears to be Date or Time may in fact be Text or Text & Numeric which
would not be treated as a numeric value by Origin. Use the Column Properties dialog (doubleclick a column name or select a column and choose Format : Column) to convert a Text or
Text & Numeric column to Date or Time Format. The Display format should match the text
format in your column when converting.

5.3.1

Dates and Times

As an example, say you have Date data in Column 1 of your active sheet and Time data in
Column 2. You would like to store the combined date-time as a single column.
/* Since both date and time have a mathematical basis,
they can be added: */

Working With Data

167

5.3 Date and Time Data

Col(3) = Col(1) + Col(2);
// By default, the new column will display as a number of days ...
/* Use format and subformat methods to set
the date/time display of your choice: */
// Format #4 is the date format
wks.col3.format = 4;
// Subformat #11 is MM/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss
wks.col3.subformat = 11;

The column number above was hard-coded into the format statement; if instead you had the
column number as a variable named cn, you could replace the number 3 with $(cn) as in
wks.col$(cn).format = 4. For other format and subformat options, see LabTalk Language
Reference: Object Reference: Wks.col (object).
If our date and time column are just text with a MM/dd/yyyy format in Column 1 and
hh:mm:ss format in Column 2, the same operation is possible with a few more lines of code:
// Get the number of rows to loop over.
int nn = wks.col1.nrows;
loop(ii,1,nn){
string dd$ = Col(1)[ii]$;
string tt$ = Col(2)[ii]$;
// Store the combined date-time string just as text
Col(3)[ii]$ = dd$ + " " + tt$;
// Date function converts the date-time string to a numeric date value
Col(4)[ii] = date(%(dd$) %(tt$));
};
// Now we can convert column 4 to a true Date column
wks.col4.format = 4; // Convert to a Date column
wks.col4.subformat = 11; // Display as M/d/yyyy hh:mm:ss

Here, an intermediate column has been formed to hold the combined date-time as a string,
with the resulting date-time (numeric) value stored in a fourth column. While they appear to be
the same text, column C is literally just text and column D is a true Date.
Given this mathematical system, you can calculate the difference between two Date values
which will result in a Time value (the number of days, hours and minutes between the two
dates) and you can add a Time value to a Date value to calculate a new Date value. You can
also add Time data to Time data and get valid Time data, but you cannot add Date data to
Date data.

168

Working With Data

5.3.2 Formatting for Output

5.3.2

Formatting for Output

Available Formats
Use the D notation to convert a numeric date value into a date-time string using one of Origin's
built-in Date subformats:
type "$(@D, D10)";

returns the current date and time (stored in the system variable @D) as a readable string:
7/20/2009 10:30:48

The D10 option corresponds to the MM/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss format. Many other output formats
are available by changing the number after the D character, which is the index entry (from 0) in
the Date Format drop down list of the Worksheet Column Format dialog box, in the line of
script above. The first entry (index = 0) is the Windows Short Date format, while the second is
the Windows Long Date format.
Note : The D must be uppercase. When setting a worksheet subformat as in
wks.col3.subformat = #, these values are indexed from 1.
For instance
type "$(date(7/20/2009), D1)";

produces, using U.S. Regional settings,

Monday, July 20, 2009

Similarly, for time values alone, there is an analogous T notation , to format output:
type "$(time(12:04:14), T5)";

// ANS: 12:04 PM

Formatting dates and times in this way uses one specific form of the more general $()
Substitution notation.

Custom Formats
There are three custom date and time formats - two of which are script editable properties and
one which is editable in the Column Properties dialog or using a worksheet column object
method.
1.
2.

system.date.customformatn$
wks.col.SetFormat object method.

Both methods use date-time specifiers, such as yyyy'.'MM'.'dd, to designate the custom
format. Please observe that:

The text portions (non-space delimiters) of the date-time specifier can be changed as
required, but must be surrounded by single quotes.
The specifier tokens themselves (i.e., yyyy, HH, etc.) are case sensitive and need to be used
exactly as shown all possible specifier tokens can be found in the Reference Tables: Date
and Time Format Specifiers.
The first two formats store their descriptions in local file storage and as such may appear
different in other login accounts. The third format stores its description in the column itself.

Working With Data

169

5.3 Date and Time Data

Dnn notation
Origin has reserved D19 to D21 (subformats 20 to 22, since the integer after D starts its count
from 0) for these custom date displays. The options D19 and D20 are controlled by system
variables system.date.customformat1$ and system.date.customformat2$, respectively. To
use this option for output, follow the example below:
system.date.customformat1$ = MMM dd hh'.'mm tt;
type "$(Date(7/25/09 14:47:21),D19)";
// Output: Jul 25 02.47 PM
system.date.customformat2$ = yy','MM','dd H'.'mm'.'ss'.'####;
type "$(Date(7/27/09 8:22:37.75234),D20)"; // Output: 09,07,27 8.22.37.7523

Wks.Col.SetFormat object method

To specify a custom date display for a date column which is stored in the worksheet column,
use the Wks.Col.SetFormat object method. When entering the custom date format specifier, be
sure to surround any non-date characters with single quotes. Also note that this object method
works on columns of the active worksheet only.
In the following example, column 4 of the active worksheet is set to display a custom date/time
format:
// wks.format=4 (date), wks.subformat=22 (custom)
wks.col4.SetFormat(4, 22, yyyy'-'MM'-'dd HH':'mm':'ss'.'###);
doc -uw; // Refresh the worksheet to show the change

170

Working With Data

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

In this chapter we show manipulate workbook and matrix books.

6.1 Worksheet Manipulation

The following sections give examples of data transformation (move, copy, paste) and data
reduction (sample, average, filter) with data stored in worksheets, matrices, and loose data
sets.

6.1.1

Basic Worksheet Operation

You can manipulate workbooks and worksheets with the Page and Wks objects. You can also
use Data Manipulation X-Functions. These objects and X-Functions can duplicate data,
generate new workbooks and new worksheets, set worksheet properties, etc. Some practical
examples are provided below.

Add a New Workbook or Worksheet

The newbook and newsheet X-Function can be used to create workbook s and add new
sheets.
// Create a new workbook with the long name "mybook"
newbook mybook;
// Create a new workbook with 3 worksheets,
// and use "mydata" as long name and short name
newbook name:="mydata" sheet:=3 option:=lsname;
// Add a sheet named "source" with 4 columns to current workbook
newsheet name:=source cols:=4;

If you did not specify the workbook name when using newbook, you can use win -r command
to rename it after creation. The following script will rename the current workbook to
MyNewBook:
win -r %H MyNewBook

Activate a Worksheet
Workbook is an Origin object that contains worksheets which then contain columns. The
window -a command is used to active a window, including a workbook, with the following
syntax:
171

6.1 Worksheet Manipulation

win -a winName;
for example:
win -a book1;

// Active a workbook with short name Book1

Worksheets in a book are internally layers in a page. In other words, a worksheet is derived
from a layer object and a workbook derived from a page object. The active layer in a page is
represented by the page.active or page.active$ property, and thus it is used to active a
worksheet.
page.active = 2; // Active worksheet by index
page.active$ = sheet2;

// Active worksheet by name

Most Origin commands operate on the active window, so you may be tempted to use win -a to
activate a workbook and then run script after it to assume the active book. This will work in
simple codes but for longer script, there might be timing issues and we recommend that you
use window -o winName {script} instead. See A Note about Object that a Script Operates upon
for more detail explanation.

Modify Worksheet Properties

Using Worksheet Object
When a worksheet is active, you can type wks.= and press Enter to list all worksheet
properties. Most of these properties are writable so you can modify it directly. For example:
// Rename the worksheet
wks.name$ = Raw Data
// Set the number of columns to 4
wks.ncols = 4
// Modify the column width to 8 character
wks.colwidth = 8
// Show the first user-defined parameter on worksheet header
wks.userparam1 = 1

Two properties, wks.maxRows and wks.nRows are similar. The former one find the largest row
index that has value in the worksheet, while the later set or read the number of rows in the
worksheet. You can see the different in the following script.
newbook;
col(b) = {1:10};
wks.maxRows = ;
wks.nRows = ;

Origin outputs 10 for wks.maxRows; while outputs 32 for wks.nRows.

Using X-Functions
Beside wks object, you can also use X-Functions to modify worksheet properties. These XFunction names are usually with the starting letter "w". Such as wcolwidth, wcellformat and
wclear, etc. So we can also resize the column with as below without using wks.colwidth:
wcolwidth 2 10; // Set the 2nd column width to 10

172

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.1.1 Basic Worksheet Operation

Copy Worksheet Data

Copying a Worksheet
The wcopy X-Function is used to create a copy worksheet of the specified worksheet.
The following example duplicates the current worksheet, creating a new book:
wcopy 1! [<new>]1!;

Copying a Range of Cells

The wrcopy X-Function is used to copy a range of cells from one worksheet to another. It also
allows you to specify a source row to be used as the Long Names in the destination worksheet.
The following script copies rows from 5 to 9 of [book1]sheet1! to a worksheet named
CopiedValues in Book1 (if the worksheet does not exist it will be created), and assigns the
values in row 4 from [book1]sheet1! to the long name of the destination worksheet,
[book1]CopiedValues!
wrcopy iw:=[book1]sheet1! r1:=5 r2:=10 name:=4 ow:=CopiedValues!;

Copying a Column
The colcopy X-Function copies column(s) of data including column label rows and column
format such as date or text and numeric.
The following example copies columns two through four of the active worksheet to columns
one through three of sheet1 in book2:
// Both the data and format as well as each column long name,
// units and comments gets copied:
colcopy irng:=(2:4) orng:=[book2]sheet1!(1:3) data:=1
format:=1 lname:=1 units:=1 comments:=1;

Moving a Column
The colmove X-Function allows you to move column(s) of data within a worksheet. It accepts
an explicitly stated range (as opposed to a range variable), and the type of move operation as
inputs.
// Make the first column the last (left to right) in the worksheet:
colmove rng:=col(1) operation:=last;
// Move columns 2-4 to the leftmost position in the worksheet:
colmove rng:=Col(2):Col(4) operation:=first;

Copying a Matrix
The following example copies a matrix from mbook1 into another matrix mbook2.
mcopy im:=mbook1 om:=mbook2;

Delete Workbooks and Worksheets

Use the win -cd and layer -d commands to delete workbooks and worksheets respectively.

Deleting a Workbook
The win -cd command can be used to delete a workbook, matrix, or graph window.
Workbooks and Matrixbooks

173

6.1 Worksheet Manipulation

To delete the entire workbook window named book1:

win -cd book1;

Or the same can be done with the desired book name stored in a string variable:
string str$="book1";
win -cd %(str$);

To delete the active window:

win -cd %H;

Deleting a Worksheet
The layer -d command can be used to delete a worksheet or graph layer.
To delete the active worksheet:
layer -d;

To delete a worksheet by index:

// delete third sheet in active book (or third layer in active graph)
layer -d 3;

To delete a worksheet by name:

layer -d "FitLinearCurve3";

To delete a specified worksheet by range:

range rs=[book1]"my sheet"!;
layer -d rs;

To delete a worksheet whose name is stored in a string variable:

//__report$ holds the name of the last report sheet Origin created
layer -d %(__report$);

The variable __report$ is an example of a system-created string variable that records the lastused instance of a particular object. A list of such variables can be found in Reference Tables.

6.1.2

Worksheet Data Manipulation

In this section we present examples of X-Functions for basic data processing. For direct
access to worksheet data, see Range Notation.

Set Column Values

In the Origin GUI, the Set Column Values dialog can be used to generate or transform data in
worksheet columns using a specified formula. Such transformation can also be performed in
LabTalk by using the csetvalue X-Function. Here are some examples on how to set column
value using LabTalk.
newbook;
wks.ncols = 3;
// Fill column 1 with random numbers
csetvalue rnd() 1;
// Transform data in column 1 to integer number between 0 ~ 100

174

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.1.2 Worksheet Data Manipulation

csetvalue formula:="int(col(1)*100)" col:=2;
// Specify Before Formula Script when setting column value
// and set recalculate mode to Manual
csetvalue formula:="mm - col(2)" col:=3 script:="int mm = max(col(2))"
recalculate:=2;
string str$ = [%h]%(page.active$)!;
newsheet cols:=1;
// Use range variables to refer to a column in another sheet
csetvalue f:="r1/r2" c:=1 s:="range r1=%(str$)2; range r2=%(str$)3;" r:=1;

Reduce Worksheet Data

Origin has several data reducing X-Functions like reduce_ex, reducedup, reducerows and
reducexy. These X-Functions provide different ways of creating a smaller dataset from a larger
one. Which one you choose will depend on what type of input data you have, and what type of
output data you want.

Examples
The following script will create a new X and Y column where the Y will be the mean value for
each of the duplicate X values.
reducedup col(B);

The following script will reduce the active selection (which can be multiple columns or an entire
worksheet, independent of X or Y plotting designation) by a factor of 3. It will remove rows 2
and 3 and then rows 5 and 6, leaving rows 1 and 4, etc. By default, the reduced values will go
to a new worksheet.
reducerows npts:=3;

The following script will average every n numbers (5 in the example below) in column A and
output the average of each group to column B. It is the same as the ave LabTalk function,
which would be written as col(b)=ave(col(a),5):
reducerows irng:=col(A) npts:=5 method:=ave rd:=col(b);

Extract Worksheet Data

Partial data from a worksheet can be extracted using conditions involving the data columns,
using the wxt X-function.
// Import a sample data file
newbook;
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + "samples\statistics\automobile.dat";
impasc;
// Define range using some of the columns
range rYear=1, rMake=2, rHP=3;
type "Number of rows in raw data sheet= $(rYear.GetSize())";
// Define a condition string and extract data
// to a new named sheet in the same book

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

175

6.1 Worksheet Manipulation

string strCond$="rYear >= 1996 and rHP<70 and rHP>60 and rMake[i]$=Honda";
wxt test:=strCond$ ow:="Extracted Rows"! num:=nExtRows;
type "Number of rows extracted = $(nExtRows)";

Output To New Book

You can also direct the output to a new book, instead of a new sheet in the existing book, by
changing the following line:
wxt test:=strCond$ ow:=[<new name:="Result">]"Extracted"! num:=nExtRows;

As you can see, the only difference from the earlier code is that we have added the book part
of the range notation for the ow variable, with the <new> keyword. (show links and indexing to
<new> modifiers, options, like template, name, etc)

Using Wildcard Search

LabTalk uses * and ? characters for wildcard in string comparison. You can try changing the
strCond as follows:
string strCond$ = "rYear >= 1996 and rHP<70 and rHP>60 and rMake[i]$=*o*";

to see all the other makes of cars with the letter o.

Deleting Worksheet Data

Deleting the Nth row can be accomplished with the reducerows X-Function, described above.
This example demonstrates deleting every Nth column in a worksheet using a for-loop:
int ndel = 3; // change this number as needed;
int ncols = wks.ncols;
int nlast = ncols - mod(ncols, ndel);
// Need to delete from the right to the left
for(int ii = nlast; ii > 0; ii -= ndel)
{
delete wcol($(ii));
}

Sorting a Worksheet
The following example shows how to perform nested sorting of data in a worksheet using the
wsort X-Function:
// Start a new book and import a sample file
newbook;
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\automobile.dat";
impasc;
// Set up vectors to specify nesting of columns and order of sorting;
// Sort nested: primary col 2, then col 1, then col 3:
dataset dsCols = {2, 1, 3};
// Sort col2 ascending, col 1 ascending, col 3 descending:

176

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.2.1 Basic Matrix Operation

dataset dsOrder = {1, 1, 0};
wsort nestcols:=dsCols order:=dsOrder;

Unstacking Categorical Data

At times unstacking categorical data is desirable for analysis and/or plotting purposes. The
wunstackcol X-Function is the most convenient way to perform this task from script.
In this example, categorical data is imported, and we want to unstack the data by a particular
category, which we specify with the input range irng2. The data to be displayed (by category)
is referenced by input range irng1. In this example, the column ranges are input directly, but
range variables can also be used.
// Import automobile data
newbook;
string fpath$ = "\Samples\Statistics\Automobile.dat";
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impasc;
// Unstack all other columns using automobile Make, stored in col 2
// Place "Make" in Comments row of output sheet
wunstackcol irng1:=(1, 3:7) irng2:=2 label:="Comments";

The result is a new worksheet with the unstacked data.

6.2 Matrix Manipulation

Similar to workbooks and worksheets, matrices in Origin also employ a data organizing
hierarchy: Matrix Book -> Matrix Sheet -> Matrix Object. Therefore, objects like Page and Wks
encompass matrix books and matrix sheets as well as workbooks and worksheets. In addition,
Origin provides many X-Functions for handling matrix data.

6.2.1

Basic Matrix Operation

Examples in this section are similar to those found in the Worksheet Operation section,
because many object properties and X-Functions apply to both Worksheets and Matrix Sheets.
Note, however, that not all properties of the wks object apply to a matrixsheet, and one should
verify before using a property in production code.

Add a New Matrix Book or Matrix Sheet

The newbook and newsheet X-Function with the mat:=1 option can be used to create matrix
book s and add new matrix sheets.
Workbooks and Matrixbooks

177

6.2 Matrix Manipulation

// Create a new matrix book with the long name "myMatrixbook"
newbook name:=myMatrixbook mat:=1;
// Create a new matrix book with 3 matrix sheets,
// and use "myMatrix" as long name and short name
newbook name:="myMatrix" sheet:=3 option:=lsname mat:=1;
// Add a 100*100 matrix sheet named "newMatrix" to current matrix book
newsheet name:=newMatrix cols:=100 rows:=100 mat:=1;

After creating a matrix sheet, you can also use the mdim X-Function to set matrix dimensions.
The win -r command can be used to rename a window in Origin. For example:
win -r %H MyNewMatBook;

Activate a Matrix Sheet

Similar to Worksheets, Matrixsheets are also layers in a page, and page.active and
page.active$ properties can access Matrixsheets. For example:
win -a MBook1;
// Activate a matrix book with short name MBook1
page.active = 2; // Activate a matrixsheet by layer number
page.active$ = MSheet2;

// Activate a matrixsheet by name

The command window -o winName {script} can be used to run the specified script for the
named Matrix. See the opening pages of the Running Scripts chapter for a more detailed
explanation.

Modify Matrix Sheet Properties

To modify matrix properties, use the wks object, which works on matrixsheets as well as
worksheets. For example:
// Rename the matrix sheet
wks.name$ = "New Matrix";
// Modify the column width
wks.colwidth = 8;

Add or Delete Matrix Object

A matrix sheet can have multiple matrix objects. A matrix object is analogous to a worksheet
column and can be added or deleted, as is shown here:
// Set the number of matrix objects in the matrix sheet to 5
wks.nmats = 5;
// Add a new matrix object to a matrix sheet
wks.addCol();
// Add a named matrix object to a matrix sheet
wks.addCol(Channel2);
// Delete a matrix object by range
range rs=[mbook1]msheet1!1;
del rs;

// The first matrix object

// or delete a matrix object by name

range rs=[mbook1]msheet1!Channel2; // The object named Channel2

178

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.2.1 Basic Matrix Operation

Set Dimensions
Both the wks object and the mdim X-Function can be used to set matrix dimensions:
// Use the wks object to set dimension
wks.ncols = 100;
wks.nrows = 200;
// Use the mdim X-Function to set dimension
mdim cols:=100 rows:=100;

For the case of multiple matrix objects contained in the same matrix sheet, note that all of the
matrix objects must have the same dimensions.
Set XY Mapping
Matrices have numbered columns and rows which are mapped to linearly spaced X and Y
values. In LabTalk, you can use the mdim X-Function to set the mapping.
// XY mapping of matrix sheet
mdim cols:=100 rows:=100 x1:=2 x2:=4 y1:=4 y2:=9;

Show Image Mode/Thumbnails

The matrix command has provided the option for showing image mode and thumbnails of the
matrix sheet. Only the active matrix object appears in the matrixsheet.
matrix -ii;
matrix -it;

// Show image mode

// Show thumbnails of the active matrix sheet

Copy Matrix Data

The mcopy X-Function is used to copy matrix data.
// Copy data from mbook1 into another matrix, mbook2.
mcopy im:=mbook1 om:=mbook2; // This command auto-redimensions the target

Delete Matrix Books and Matrix Sheets

Use the win -cd and layer -d commands to delete matrix books and matrix sheets respectively.
For example:
// delete the entire matrix book named mbook1
win -cd mbook1;
// the matrix book name stored in a string variable
string str$ = "mbook2";
win -cd %(str$);
// delete the active window
win -cd %H;
layer -d; // delete the active layer, can be worksheet, matrix sheet or graph layer
layer -d 3; // by index, delete third matrix sheet in active matrix book
layer -d msheet1; // delete matrix sheet by name
range rs = [mbook1]msheet3!;

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

179

6.2 Matrix Manipulation

layer -d rs; // delete matrix sheet by range
// the matrix book name stored in a string variable
string str$ = msheet2;
layer -d %(str$);

6.2.2

Data Manipulation

In addition to the matrix command, Origin provides X-Functions for performing specific
operations on matrix data. In this section we present examples of X-Functions that available
used to work with matrix data.

Setting Values in a Matrix

Matrix cell values can be set either using the matrix -v command or the msetvalue X-Function.
The matrix -v command works only on an active matrix object, whereas the X-Function can set
values in any matrix sheet.
This example shows how to set matrix values and then turn on display of image thumbnails in
the matrix window.
// Create a matrix book
newbook mat:=1;
int nmats = 10;
range msheet=1!;
// Set the number of matrix objects
msheet.Nmats = nmats;
// Set value to the first matrix object
matrix -v x+y;
range mm=1; mm.label$="x+y";
double ff=0;
// Loop over other objects
loop(i, 2, nmats-1) {
msheet.active = i;
ff = (i-1)/(nmats-2);
// Set values
matrix -v (5/ff)*sin(x) + ff*20*cos(y);
// Set LongName
range aa=$(i);
aa.label$="$(5/ff,*3)*sin(x) + $(ff*20)*cos(y)";
}
// Fill last one with random values
msheet.active = nmats;
matrix -v rnd();
range mm=$(nmats); mm.label$="random";
// Display thumbnail images in window
matrix -it;

180

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.2.2 Data Manipulation

Converting between Matrix and Vector

Two X-Functions, m2v and v2m, are available for converting matrix data into a vector, and
vector data into a matrix, respectively. Origin uses row-major ordering for storing a matrix, but
both functions allow for column-major ordering to be specified as well.
// Copy the whole matrix, column by column, into a worksheet column
m2v method:=m2v direction:=col;
// Copy data from col(1) into specified matrix object
v2m ix:=col(1) method:=v2row om:=[Mbook1]1!1;

Converting between Matrix Sheets and Matrix Objects

In Origin, a matrix sheet can hold multiple matrix objects. Use the mo2s X-Function to split
multiple matrix objects into separate matrix sheets.
Use the ms2o X-Function to combine multiple matrix sheets into one (provided all matrices
share the same dimensions).
// Merge matrix sheet 2, 3, and 4
ms2o imp:=MBook1 sheets:="2,3,4" oms:=Merge;
// Split matrix objects in MSheet1 into new sheets
mo2s ims:=MSheet1 omp:=<new>;

Converting between Numeric Data and Image Data

In Origin, matrices can contain image data (i.e., RGB) or numeric data (i.e., integer). The
following functions are available to convert between the two formats.
// Convert a grayscale image to a numeric data matrix
img2m img:=mat(1) om:=mat(2) type:=byte;
// Convert a numeric matrix to a grayscale image
m2img bits:=16;

Manipulating a Matrix with Complex Values

X-Functions for manipulating a matrix with complex values include map2c, mc2ap, mri2c, and
mc2ri. These X-Functions can merge two matrices (amplitude and phase, or real and
imaginary) into one complex matrix, or split a complex matrix into amplitude/phase or
real/imaginary components.

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

181

6.2 Matrix Manipulation

// Combine Amplitude and Phase into Complex
map2c am:=mat(1) pm:=mat(2) cm:=mat(3);
// Combine Real and imaginary in different matrices to complex in new matrix
mri2c rm:=[MBook1]MSheet1!mat(1) im:=[MBook2]MSheet1!mat(1) cm:=<new>;
// Convert complex numbers to two new matrix with amplitude and phase respectively
mc2ap cm:=mat(1) am:=<new> pm:=<new>;
// Convert complex numbers to two matrix objects with real part and imaginary part
mc2ri cm:=[MBook1]MSheet1!Complex rm:=[Split]Real im:=[Split]Imaginary;

Transforming Matrix Data

Use the following X-Functions to physically alter the dimensions or contents of a matrix.

Crop or extract from a Data or Image Matrix

When a matrix contains an image in a matrix, the X-Function mcrop can be used to extract or
crop to a rectangular region of the matrix.
// Crop an image matrix to 50 by 25 beginning from 10 pixels
// from the left and 20 pixels from the top.
mcrop x:=10 y:=20 w:=50 h:=25 im:=<active> om:=<input>; // <input> will crop
// Extract the central part of an image matrix to a new image matrix
// Matrix window must be active
matrix -pg DIM px py;
dx = nint(px/3);
dy = nint(py/3);
mcrop x:=dx y:=dy h:=dy w:=dx om:=<new>; // <new> will extract

Expand a Data Matrix

The X-Function mexpand can expand a data matrix using specified column and row factors.
Biquadratic interpolation is used to calculate the values for the new cells.
// Expand the active matrix with both factor of 2
mexpand cols:=2 rows:=2;

Flip a Data or Image Matrix

The X-Function mflip can flip a matrix horizontally or vertically to produce its mirror matrix.
// Flip a matrix vertically
mflip flip:=vertical;
// Can also use the "matrix" command
matrix -c h;
matrix -c v;

182

// horizontally
// vertically

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.2.2 Data Manipulation

Rotate a Data or Image Matrix

With the X-Function mrotate90, you can rotate a matrix 90/180 degrees clockwise or
counterclockwise.
// Rotate the matrix 90 degrees clockwize
mrotate90 degree:=cw90;
// Can also use the "matrix" command to rotate matrix 90 degrees
matrix -c r;

Shrink a Data Matrix

The X-Function mshrink can shrink a data matrix by specified row and column factors.
// Shrink the active matrix by column factor of 2, and row factor of 1
mshrink cols:=2 rows:=1;

Transpose a Data Matrix

The X-Function mtranspose can be used to transpose a matrix.
// Transpose the second matrix object of [MBook1]MSheet1!
mtranspose im:=[MBook1]MSheet1!2;
// Can also use the "matrix" command to transpose a matrix
matrix -t;

Splitting RGB Image into Separate Channels

The imgRGBsplit X-Functions splits color images into separate R, G, B channels. For example:
// Split channels creating separate matrices for red, green and blue
imgRGBsplit img:=mat(1) r:=mat(2) g:=mat(3) b:=mat(4) colorize:=0;
// Split channels and apply red, green, blue palettes to the result matrices
imgRGBsplit img:=mat(1) r:=mat(2) g:=mat(3) b:=mat(4) colorize:=1;

Please see Image Processing X-Functions for further information on image handling.

6.3 Worksheet and Matrix Conversion

You may need to re-organize your data by converting from worksheet to matrix, or vice versa,
for certain analysis or graphing needs. This page provides information and examples of such
conversions.

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

183

6.3 Worksheet and Matrix Conversion

6.3.1

Worksheet to Matrix

Data contained in a worksheet can be converted to a matrix using a set of Gridding XFunctions.
The w2m X-Function converts matrix-like worksheet data directly into a matrix. Data in source
worksheet can contain the X or Y coordinate values in the first column, first row, or a header
row. However, because the coordinates in a matrix should be uniform spaced, you should have
uniformly spaced X/Y values in the source worksheet.
If your X/Y coordinate values are not uniform spaced, you should use the Virtual Matrix feature
instead of converting to a matrix.
The following example show how to perform direct worksheet to matrix conversion:
// Create a new workbook
newbook;
// Import sample data
string fname$ = system.path.program$ +
"\samples\Matrix Conversion and Gridding\DirectXY.dat";
impasc;
// Covert worksheet to matrix, first row will be X and first column will be Y
w2m xy:=xcol xlabel:=row1 ycol:=1;
// Show X/Y values in the matrix window
page.cntrl = 2;

When your worksheet data is organized in XYZ column form, you should use Gridding to
convert such data into a matrix. Many gridding methods are available, which will interpolate
your source data and generate a uniformly spaced array of values with the X and Y dimensions
specified by you.
The following example converts XYZ worksheet data by Renka-Cline gridding method, and
then creates a 3D graph from the new matrix.
// Create a new workbook without sheets
newbook;
// Import sample data
string fname$ = system.path.program$ +
"\samples\Matrix Conversion and Gridding\XYZ Random Gaussian.dat";
impasc;
// Convert worksheet data into a 20 x 20 matrix by Renka-Cline gridding method
xyz_renka 3 20 20;
// Plot a 3D color map graph
worksheet -p 242 cmap;

6.3.2

Matrix to Worksheet

Data in a matrix can also be converted to a worksheet by using the m2w X-Function. This XFunction can directly convert data into worksheet, with or without X/Y mapping, or convert data
by rearranging the values into XYZ columns in the worksheet.
184

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

6.3.2 Matrix to Worksheet

The following example shows how to convert matrix into worksheet, and plot graphs using
different methods according the form of the worksheet data.
// Create a new matrix book
win -t matrix;
// Set matrix dimension and X/Y values
mdim cols:=21 rows:=21 x1:=0 x2:=10 y1:=0 y2:=100;
// Show matrix X/Y values
page.cntrl = 2;
// Set matrix Z values
msetvalue formula:="nlf_Gauss2D(x, y, 0, 1, 5, 2, 50, 20)";
// Hold the matrix window name
%P = %H;
// Covert matrix to worksheet by Direct method
m2w ycol:=1 xlabel:=row1;
// Plot graph from worksheet using Virtual Matrix
plot_vm irng:=1! xy:=xacross ztitle:=MyGraph type:=242 ogl:=<new template:=cmap>;
// Convert matrix to XYZ worksheet data
sec -p 2;
win -a %P;
m2w im:=!1 method:=xyz;
// Plot a 3D Scatter
worksheet -s 3;
worksheet -p 240 3D;

If the matrix data is converted directly to worksheet cells, you can then plot such worksheet
data using the Virtual Matrix feature.

6.4 Virtual Matrix

Data arranged in a group of worksheet cells can be treated as a matrix and various plots such
as 3D Surface, 3D Bars, and Contour can be created from such data. This feature is referred to
as Virtual Matrix. The X and Y coordinate values can be optionally contained in the block of
data in the first column and row, or also in a header row of the worksheet.
Whereas Matrix objects in Origin only support linear mapping of X and Y coordinates, a virtual
matrix supports nonlinear or unevenly spaced coordinates for X and Y.
The virtual matrix is defined when data in the worksheet is used to create a plot. The plotvm XFunction should be used to create plots.
The following example shows how to use the plot_vm X-Function:
// Create a new workbook and import sample data
newbook;
string fname$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Graphing\VSurface 1.dat";
impasc;
// Treat entire sheet as a Virtual Matrix and create a colormap surface plot

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

185

6.4 Virtual Matrix

plotvm irng:=1! format:=xacross rowpos:=selrow1 colpos:=selcol1
ztitle:="VSurface 1" type:=242 ogl:=<new template:=cmap>;
// Change X axis scale to log
layer.x.type=2;

186

Workbooks and Matrixbooks

Graphing

Origin's breadth and depth in graphing support capabilities are well known. The power and
flexibility of Origin's graphing features are accessed as easily from script as from our graphical
user interface. The following sections provide examples of creating and editing graphs from
LabTalk scripts.

7.1 Creating Graphs

Creating graphs is probably the most commonly performed operation in Origin. This section
gives examples of two X-Functions that allow you to create graphs directly from LabTalk
scripts: plotxy and plotgroup. Once a plot is created, you can use object properties, like page,
layer, axis objects, and set command to format the graph.

7.1.1

Creating a Graph with the PLOTXY X-Function

plotxy is an X-Function used for general purpose plotting. It is used to create a new graph
window, plot into a graph template, or plot into a new graph layer. It has a syntax common to
all X-Functions:
plotxy option1:=optionValue option2:=optionValue ... optionN:=optionValue
All possible options and values are summarized in the X-Function help for plotxy. Since it is
somewhat non-intuitive, the plot option and its most common values are summarized here:
plot:=

Plot Type

200

Line

201

Scatter

202

Line+symbol

203

column

All of the possible values for the plot option can be found in the Worksheet (command) (-p
switch).
187

7.1 Creating Graphs

Plotting X Y data
Input XYRange referencing the X and Y
The following example plots the first two columns of data in the active worksheet, where the
first column will be plotted as X and the second column as Y, as a line plot.
plotxy iy:=(1,2) plot:=200;

Input XYRange referencing just the Y

The following example plots the second column of data in the active worksheet, as Y against
its associated X, as a line plot. When you do not explicitly specify the X, Origin will use the Xcolumn that is associated with that Y-column in the worksheet, or if there is no associated Xcolumn, then an <auto> X will be used. By default, <auto> X is row number.
plotxy iy:=2 plot:=200;

Plotting X YY data
The following example plots the first three columns of data from Book1, Sheet1, where the first
column will be plotted as X and the second and third columns as Y, as a grouped scatter plot.
plotxy iy:=[Book1]Sheet1!(1,2:3) plot:=201;

Plotting XY XY data
The following example plots the first four columns of data in the active worksheet, where the
first column will be plotted as X against the second column as Y and the third column as X
against the fourth column as Y, as a grouped line+symbol plot.
plotxy iy:=((1,2),(3,4)) plot:=202;

Plotting using worksheet column designations

The following example plots all columns in the active worksheet, using the worksheet column
plotting designations, as a column plot. '?' indicates to use the worksheet designations; '1:end'
indicates to plot all the columns.
plotxy iy:=(?,1:end) plot:=203;

Plotting a subset of a column

The following example plots rows 1-12 of all columns in the active worksheet, as a grouped line
plot.
plotxy iy:=(1,2:end)[1:12] plot:=200;

188

Graphing

7.1.1 Creating a Graph with the PLOTXY X-Function

Plotting into a graph template

The following example plots the first column as theta(X) and the second column as r(Y) in the
active worksheet, into the polar plot graph template, and the graph window is named
MyPolarGraph.
plotxy (1,2) plot:=192 ogl:=[<new template:=polar name:=MyPolarGraph>];

Plotting into an existing graph layer

The following example plots columns 10-20 in the active worksheet, using column plotting
designations, into the second layer of Graph1. These columns can all be Y columns and they
will still plot against the associated X column in the worksheet.
plotxy iy:=(?,10:20) ogl:=[Graph1]2!;

Creating a new graph layer

The following example adds a new Bottom-X Left-Y layer to the active graph window, plotting
the first column as X and the third column as Y from Book1, Sheet2, as a line plot. When a
graph window is active and the output graph layer is not specified, a new layer is created.
plotxy iy:=[Book1]Sheet2!(1,3) plot:=200;

Creating a Double-Y Graph

// Import data file
string fpath$ = "Samples\Import and Export\S15-125-03.dat";
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impASC;
// Remember Book and Sheet names
string bkname$ = page.name$;
string shname$ = layer.name$;
// Plot the first and second columns as X and Y
// The worksheet is active, so can just specify column range
plotxy iy:=(1,2) plot:=202 ogl:=[<new template:=doubleY>];
// Plot the first and third columns as X and Y into the second layer
// Now that the graph window is the active window, need to specify Book
//and Sheet
plotxy iy:=[bkname$]shname$!(1,3) plot:=202 ogl:=2;

Graphing

189

7.1 Creating Graphs

7.1.2

Create Graph Groups with the PLOTGROUP X-Function

According to the grouping variables (datasets), plotgroup X-Function creates grouped plots for
page, layer or dataplot. To work properly, the worksheet should be sorted by the graph group
data first, then the layer group data and finally the dataplot group data.
This example shows how to plot by group.
// Establish a path to the sample data
fn$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\body.dat";
newbook;
impASC fn$;

// Import into new workbook

// Sort worksheet--Sorting is very important!

wsort bycol:=3;
// Plot by group
plotgroup iy:=(4,5) pgrp:=Col(3);

This next example creates graph windows based on one group and graph layers based on a
second group:
// Bring in Sample data
fn$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Graphing\Categorical Data.dat";
newbook;
impASC fn$;
// Sort
dataset sortcol = {4,3}; // sort by drug, then gender
dataset sortord = {1,1}; // both ascending sort
wsort nest:=sortcol ord:=sortord;
// Plot each drug in a separate graph with gender separated by layer
plotgroup iy:=(2,1) pgrp:=col(drug) lgrp:=col(gender);

Note : Each group variable is optional. For example, you could use one group variable to
organize data into layers by omitting Page Group and Data Group. The same sort order is
important for whichever options you do use.

7.1.3

Create 3D Graphs with Worksheet -p Command

To create 3D Graphs, use the Worksheet (command) (-p switch).

First, create a simple 3D scatter plot:
// Create a new book
newbook r:=bkn$;
// Run script on bkn$
win -o bkn$ {
// Import sample data
string fname$ = system.path.program$ +
"\samples\Matrix Conversion and Gridding" +

190

Graphing

7.1.4 Create 3D Graph and Contour Graphs from Virtual Matrix

"\XYZ Random Gaussian.dat";
impasc;
// Save new book name
bkn$ = %H;
// Change column type to Z
wks.col3.type = 6;
// Select column 3
worksheet -s 3;
// Plot a 3D scatter graph by template named "3d"
worksheet -p 240 3d;
};

You can also create 3D color map or 3D mesh graph. 3D graphs can be plotted either from
worksheet or matrix. And you may need to do gridding before plotting.
We can run the following script after above example and create a 3D wire frame plot from
matrix:
win -o bkn$ {
// Gridding by Shepard method
xyz_shep 3;
// Plot 3D wire frame graph;
worksheet -p 242 wirefrm;
};

7.1.4 Create 3D Graph and Contour Graphs from Virtual

Matrix
Origin can also create 3D graphs, such as 3D color map, contour, or 3D mesh, etc., from
worksheet by the plotvm X-Function. This function creates a virtual matrix, and then plot from
such matrix. For example:
// Create a new workbook and import sample data
newbook;
string fname$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Graphing\VSurface 1.dat";
impasc;
// Treat entire sheet as a Virtual Matrix and create a colormap surface plot
plotvm irng:=1! format:=xacross rowpos:=selrow1 colpos:=selcol1
ztitle:="VSurface 1" type:=242 ogl:=<new template:=cmap>;
// Change X axis scale to log
// Nonlinear axis type supported for 3D graphs created from virtual matrix
LAYER.X.type=2;

Graphing

191

7.2 Formatting Graphs

7.2 Formatting Graphs

7.2.1

Graph Window

A graph window is comprised of a visual page, with an associated Page (Object). Each graph
page contains at least one visual layer, with an associated layer object. The graph layer
contains a set of X Y axes with associated layer.x and layer.y objects, which are sub-objects
of the layer object.
When you have a range variable mapped to a graph page or graph layer, you
can use that variable name in place of the word page or layer.

7.2.2

Page Properties

The page object is used to access and modify properties of the active graph window. To output
a list of all properties of this object:
page.=

The list will contain both numeric and text properties. When setting a text (string) property
value, the $ follows the property name.
To change the Short name of the active window:
page.name$="Graph3";

To change the Long name of the active window:

page.longname$="This name can contain spaces";

You can also change Graph properties or attributes using a range variable instead of the page
object. The advantage is that using a range variable works whether or not the desired graph is
active.
The example below sets the active graph layer to layer 2, using a range variable to point to the
desired graph by name. Once declared, the range variable can be used in place of page:
//Create a Range variable that points to your graph
range rGraph = [Graph3];
//The range now has properties of the page object
rGraph.active=2;

7.2.3

Layer Properties

The layer object is used to access and modify properties of the graph layer.
To set the graph layer dimensions:

192

Graphing

7.2.4 Axis Properties

//Set the layer area units to cm
layer.unit=3;
//Set the Width
layer.width=5;
//Set the Height
layer.height=5;

Fill the Layer Background Color

The laycolor X-Function is used to fill the layer background color. The value you pass to the
function for color, corresponds to Origin's color list as seen in the Plot Details dialog (1=black,
2=red, 3=green, etc).
To fill the background color of layer 1 as green:
laycolor layer:=1 color:=3;

Set Speed Mode Properties

The speedmode X-Function is used to set layer speed mode properties.

Update the Legend

The legendupdate X-Function is used to update or reconstruct the graph legend on the
page/layer.

7.2.4

Axis Properties

The layer.x and layer.y sub-object of the layer object is used to modify properties of the axes.
To modify the X scale of the active layer:
//Set the scale to Log10
layer.x.type = 2;
//Set the start value
layer.x.from = .001;
//Set the end value
layer.x.to = 1000;
//Set the increment value
layer.x.inc = 2;

If you wish to work with the Y scale, then simply change the x in the above
script to a y. If you wish to work with a layer that is not active, you can specify
the layer index, layerN.x.from. Example: layer3.y.from = 0;

Graphing

193

7.2 Formatting Graphs

The Axis command can also be used to access the settings in the Axis dialog.
To change the X Axis Tick Labels to use the values from column C, given a plot of col(B) vs.
col(A) with text in col(C), from Sheet1 of Book1:
range aa = [Book1]Sheet1!col(C);
axis -ps X T aa;

7.2.5

Data Plot Properties

The Set (Command) is used to change the attributes of a data plot. The following example
shows how the Set command works by changing the properties of the same dataplot several
times. In the script, we use sec command to pause one second before changing plot styles.
// Make up some data
newbook;
col(a) = {1:5};
col(b) = col(a);
// Create a scatter plot
plotxy col(b);
// Set symbol size
// %C is the active dataset
sec -p 1;
set %C -z 20;
// Set symbol shape
sec -p 1;
set %C -k 3;
// Set symbol color
sec -p 1;
set %C -c color(blue);
// Connect the symbols
sec -p 1;
set %C -l 1;
// Change plot line color
sec -p 1;
set %C -cl color(red);
// Set line width to 4 points
sec -p 1;
set %C -w 2000;
// Change solid line to dash
sec -p 1;
set %C -d 1;

194

Graphing

7.2.6 Legend and Label

7.2.6

Legend and Label

Formatting the Legend and Label are discussed on Creating and Accessing Graphical Objects.

7.3 Managing Layers

7.3.1

Creating a panel plot

The newpanel X-Function creates a new graph with an n x m layer arrangement.

Creating a 6 panel graph

The following example will create a new graph window with 6 layers, arranged as 2 columns
and 3 rows. This function can be run independent of what window is active.
newpanel col:=2 row:=3;

Remember that when using X-Functions you do not always need to use the
variable name when assigning values; however, being explicit with col:= and
row:= may make your code more readable. To save yourself some typing, in
place of the code above, you can use the following:
newpanel 2 3;

Creating and plotting into a 6 panel graph

The following example will import some data into a new workbook, create a new graph window
with 6 layers, arranged as 2 columns and 3 rows, and loop through each layer (panel), plotting
the imported data.
// Create a new workbook
newbook;
// Import a file
path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Graphing\";
fname$ = path$ + "waterfall2.dat";
impasc;
// Save the workbook name as newpanel will change %H
string bkname$=%H;
// Create a 2*3 panel
newpanel 2 3;
// Plot the data

Graphing

195

7.3 Managing Layers

for (ii=2; ii<8; ii++)
{
plotxy iy:=[bkname$]1!wcol(ii) plot:=200 ogl:=$(ii-1);
}

7.3.2

Adding Layers to a Graph Window

The layadd X-Function creates/adds a new layer to a graph window. This function is the
equivalent of the Graph:New Layer(Axes) menu.
Programmatically adding a layer to a graph is not common. It is recommended
to create a graph template ahead of time and then use the plotxy X-Function to
plot into your graph template.
The following example will add an independent right Y axis scale. A new layer is added,
displaying only the right Y axis. It is linked in dimension and the X axis is linked to the current
active layer at the time the layer is added. The new added layer becomes the active layer.
layadd type:=rightY;

7.3.3

Arranging the layers

The layarrange X-Function is used to arrange the layers on the graph page.
Programmatically arranging layers on a graph is not common. It is
recommended to create a graph template ahead of time and then use the
plotxy X-Function to plot into your graph template.
The following example will arrange the existing layers on the active graph into two rows by
three columns. If the active graph does not already have 6 layers, it will not add any new
layers. It arranges only the layers that exist.
layarrange row:=2 col:=3;

7.3.4

Moving a layer

The laysetpos X-Function is used to set the position of one or more layers in the graph,
relative to the page.
The following example will left align all layers in the active graph window, setting their position
to be 15% from the left-hand side of the page.
laysetpos layer:="1:0" left:=15;

196

Graphing

7.3.5 Swap two layers

7.3.5

Swap two layers

The layswap X-Function is used to swap the location/position of two graph layers. You can
reference the layers by name or number.
The following example will swap the position on the page of layers indexed 1 and 2.
layswap igl1:=1 igl2:=2;

The following example will swap the position on the page of layers named Layer1 and Layer2.
layswap igl1:=Layer1 igl2:=Layer2;

Layers can be renamed from both the Layer Management tool as well as the
Plot Details dialog. In the Layer Management tool, you can double-click on the
Name in the Layer Selection list, to rename. In the left-hand navigation panel of
the Plot Details dialog, you can slow double-click a layer name to rename.
To rename from LabTalk, use layern.name$ where n is the layer index. For
example, to rename layer index 1 to Power, use the following:
layer1.name$="Power";

7.3.6

Aligning layers

The layalign X-Function is used to align one or more layers relative to a source/reference
layer.
The following example will bottom align layer 2 with layer 1 in the active graph window.
layalign igl:=1 destlayer:=2 direction:=bottom;

The following example will left align layers 2, 3 and 4 with layer 1 in the active graph window.
layalign igl:=1 destlayer:=2:4 direction:=left;

The following example will left align all layers in Graph3 with respect to layer 1. The 2:0
notation means for all layers, starting with layer 2 and ending with the last layer in the graph.
layalign igp:=graph3 igl:=1 destlayer:=2:0 direction:=left;

7.3.7

Linking Layers

The laylink X-Function is used for linking layers to one another. It is used to link axes scales
as well as layer area/position.
The following example will link all X axes in all layers in the active graph to the X axis of layer
1. The Units will be set to % of Linked Layer.
laylink igl:=1 destlayers:=2:0 XAxis:=1;

7.3.8

Setting Layer Unit

The laysetunit X-Function is used to set the unit for the layer area of one or more layers.
Graphing

197

7.4 Creating and Accessing Graphical Objects

7.4 Creating and Accessing Graphical Objects

7.4.1

Labels

A label is one type of graphic object and can be created using the Label command. Once a
label is created, you can see it by invoking the list o command option. If no name is specified
when using the label -n command, Origin will name the labels automatically with "Textn",
where n is the creation index.

Using Escape Sequences

You can use escape sequences in a string to customize the text display. These sequences
begin with the backslash character (\). Enter the following script to see how these escape
sequences work. When there are spaces or multiple lines in your label text, quote the text with
a double quote mark.
label "You can use \b(Bold Text)
Subscripts and Superscripts like X\=(\i(i), 2)
\i(Italic Text)
\ab(Text with Overbar)
or \c4(Color Text) in your Labels";

Addressing Worksheet Cell Values

The following script creates a new text label on your active graph window with the value from
column 1, row 5 of sheet1 in book3. It works for both string and numeric.
label -s %([book3]Sheet1,1,5);

The following script creates a new text label on your active graph window from the value in row
1 of column 2 of sheet2 in book1. Note the difference from the above example - the cell(i,j)
function takes row number as first argument. It works for a numeric cell only.
label -s $([book1]Sheet2!cell(1,2));

The following script creates a new text label on your active graph window from the value in row
1 of column 2 of sheet2 in book1. The value is displayed with 4 significant digits.
label -s $([book1]Sheet2!cell(1,2), *4);

The %( ) notation does not allow formatting and displays the value with full
precision. You need to use $( ) notation if you wish to format the numeric value.

198

Graphing

7.4.2 Graph Legend

Placing Labels
Labels are graphical objects , so we can use LabelName.= to get or set label properties.
The object.x and object.y properties specify the x and y position of the center of an object,
and object.dx and object.dy specify the object width and height. These four properties are all
using axis units, so we can combine these four properties with layer.axis.from and
layer.axis.to to place the label in the proper position on a layer.
The following script example shows how to use label properties to place labels.
// Import sample data
newbook;
string fname$ = system.path.program$ +
"Samples\Curve Fitting\Enzyme.dat";
impasc;
string bn$ = %H;
plotxy ((,2), (,3));
// Create a label and name it "title"
// Be note the sequence of option list, -n should be the last option
// -j is used to center the text
// -s enables the substitution notation
// -sa enables conversion of \n (new line)
// Substitution is used to get text from column comments
label -j 1 -s -sa -n title
Enzyme Reaction Velocity\n%([bn$]1!col(2)[c]$) vs. %([bn$]1!col(3)[c]$);
// Set font
title.font=font(Times New Roman);
// Set label font size
title.fsize = 28;
// Set label font color
title.color = color(blue);
// Placing label
title.x = layer.x.from + (layer.x.to - layer.x.from) / 2;
title.y = layer.y.to + title.dy / 2;
// Placing legend
legend.y = layer.y.from + (layer.y.to - layer.y.from) / 2;
legend.x = layer.x.to - legend.dx / 2;

7.4.2

Graph Legend

A graph legend is just a text label with the object name Legend. It has properties common to
all graphical objects. To output a list of all properties of the legend, simply enter the following:
legend.=

Graphing

199

7.4 Creating and Accessing Graphical Objects

To view the object name of any graphical object right-click on it and select
Programming Control from the context menu.
To update or reconstruct the graph legend, use the legendupdate X-function, which has the
following syntax:
legendupdate [mode:=optionName]
The square brackets indicate that mode is optional, such that legendupdate may be used on
its own, as in:
legendupdate;

which will use the default legend setting (short name) or use mode to specify what you would
like displayed:
legendupdate mode:=0;

which will display the Comment field in the regenerated legend for the column of data plotted.
All possible modes can be found in Help: X-Functions: legendupdate:
Note that either the index or the name of the mode may be used in the X-function call, such
that the script lines,
legendupdate mode:=comment;
legendupdate mode:=0;

are equivalent and produce the same result.

The custom legend option requires an additional argument, demonstrated here:
legendupdate mode:=custom custom:=@WS;

All available custom legend options are given in the Text Label Options.
The following example shows how to use these functions and commands to update legends.
// Import sample data;
newbook;
string fn$ = system.path.program$ +
"Samples\Curve Fitting\Enzyme.dat";
impasc fname:=fn$;
string bn$ = %H;
// Create a two panels graph
newpanel 1 2;
// Add dataplot to layers
for (ii=1; ii<=2; ii++)
{
plotxy iy:=[bn$]1!wcol(ii+1) plot:=201 ogl:=$(ii);
}
// Update whole page legends by worksheet comment + unit
legendupdate dest:=0 update:=0 mode:=custom custom:=@ln;
// Modify the legend settings for each layers
doc -e LW {

200

Graphing

7.4.3 Draw
// Set legend font size
legend.fsize = 28;
// Set legend font color
legend.color = color(blue);
// Move legend to upper-left of the layer
legend.x = layer.x.from + legend.dx / 2;
legend.y = layer.y.to - legend.dy / 2;
};

Note: To modify the text of the legend, you can also use the label command. One reason to
use this would be if you wanted to display more than one text entry for each dataplot. The
script below will update the legend text to display both the worksheet name and the X column's
Comment:
label -sl -n legend "\l(1) %(1, @WS) %(1X, @LC)";

7.4.3

Draw

Use the -l and -v switches to draw a Vertical Line. In the example below, the line will be drawn
at the midpoint of the X axis. X1 and X2 are system variables that store the X From and X To
scale values respectively.
draw -l -v (X1+(X2-X1)/2);

To make the line movable, use the -lm switch.

draw -lm -v (X1+(X2-X1)/2);

A line also is a graphic object. Once created, you can access and change the object properties.

Graphing

201

Importing

Origin 8.1 provides a collection of X-Functions for importing data from various file formats such
as ASCII, CSV, Excel, National Instruments DIAdem, pCLAMP, and many others. The XFunction for each file format provides options relevant to that format in addition to common
settings such as assigning the name of the import file to the book or sheet name.

8.1 X-Functions for Importing

All X-Functions pertaining to importing have names that start with the letters imp. The table
below provides a listing of these X-Functions. As with all X-Functions, help-file information is
available at Script or Command line by entering the name of the X-Function with the -h option.
For instance: entering impasc -h in the Script window will display the help file immediately
below the command.
Name

Brief Description

impASC

Import ASCII file/files

impBin2d

Import binary 2d array file

impCSV

Import csv file

impDT

Import Data Translation Version 1.0 files

impEP

Import EarthProbe (EPA) file. Now only EPA file is supported for EarthProbe
data.

impExcel

Import Microsoft Excel 97-2007 files

impFamos

Import Famos Version 2 files

impFile

Import file with pre-defined filter.

impHEKA

Import HEKA (dat) files

203

8.1 X-Functions for Importing

204

impIgorPro

Import WaveMetrics IgorPro (pxp, ibw) files

impImage

Import a graphics file

impinfo

Read information related to import files.

impJCAMP

Import JCAMP-DX Version 6 files

impJNB

Import SigmaPlot (JNB) file. It supports version lower than SigmaPlot 8.0.

impKG

Import KaleidaGraph file

impMatlab

Import Matlab files

impMDF

Import ETAS INCA MDF (DAT, MDF) files. It supports INCA 5.4 (file version
3.0).

impMNTB

Import Minitab file (MTW) or project (MPJ). It supports the version prior to
Minitab 13.

impNetCDF

Import netCDF file. It supports the file version lower than 3.1.

impNIDIAdem

Import National Instruments DIAdem 10.0 dat files

impNITDM

Import National Instruments TDM and TDMS files(TDMS does not support
data/time format)

impODQ

Import *.ODQ files.

imppClamp

Import pCLAMP file. It supports pClamp 9 (ABF 1.8 file format) and pClamp 10
(ABF 2.0 file format).

impSIE

Import nCode Somat SIE 0.92 file

impSPC

Import Thermo File

impSPE

Import Princeton Instruments (SPE) file. It supports the version prior to 2.5.

Importing

8.2.1 Import an ASCII Data File Into a Worksheet or Matrix

impWav

Import waveform audio file

iwfilter

Make an X-Function import filter

reimport

Re-import current file

You can write your own import routines in the form of X-Functions as well. If the name of a
user-created X-Function begins with imp and it is placed in the \X-Functions\Import and
Export subfolder of the EXE, UFF or Group paths, then such functions will appear in the
File|Import menu.
The following sections give examples of script usage of these functions for importing data,
graphs, and images.

8.2 Importing Data

The following examples demonstrate the use of X-Functions for importing data from external
files. The examples import ASCII files, but the appropriate X-Function can be substituted based
on your desired filetype (i.e., CSV, Matlab); syntax and supporting commands will be the same.
Since these examples import Origin sample files, they can be typed or pasted directly into the
Script or Command window and run.

8.2.1

Import an ASCII Data File Into a Worksheet or Matrix

This example imports an ASCII file (in this case having a *.txt extension) into the active
worksheet or matrix. Another X-Function, findfiles, is used to find a specific file in a directory
(assigned to the string path$) that contains many other files. The output of the findfiles XFunction is a string variable containing the desired filename(s), and is assigned, by default, to a
variable named fname$. Not coincidentally, the default input argument for the impASC XFunction is a string variable called fname$.
string path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Import and Export\";
findfiles ext:=matrix_data_with_xy.txt;
impASC;

8.2.2

Import ASCII Data with Options Specified

This example makes use of many advanced options of the impASC X-Function. It imports a
file to a new book, which will be renamed by the options of the impASC X-Function. Notice that
there is only one semi-colon (following all options assignments) indicating that all are part of
the call to impASC.
Importing

205

8.2 Importing Data

string fn$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Spectroscopy\HiddenPeaks.dat";
impasc fname:=fn$
options.ImpMode:=3
options.Sparklines:=0

/* start with a new book */

/* turn off sparklines */

options.Names.AutoNames:=0
options.Names.FNameToSht:=1

/* turn off auto rename */

/* rename sheet to file name */

options.Miscellaneous.LeadingZeros:=1;

/* remove leading zeros */

8.2.3

Import Multiple Data Files

This example demonstrates importing multiple data files to a new workbook; starting a new
worksheet for each file.
string fns, path$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Curve Fitting\";
findfiles f:=fns$ e:="step1*.dat";
int n = fns.GetNumTokens(CRLF);

// find matching files in 'path$'

// Number of files found

string bkName$;
newbook s:=0 result:=bkName$;
impasc fname:=fns$
options.ImpMode:=4

// impasc has many options

// start with new sheet

options.Sparklines:=2
options.Cols.NumCols:=3

// add sparklines if < 50 cols

// only import first three columns

options.Names.AutoNames:=0
options.Names.FNameToBk:=0

// turn off auto rename

// do not rename the workbook

options.Names.FNameToSht:=1

// rename sheet to file name

options.Names.FNameToShtFrom:=4
options.Names.FNameToBkComm:=1

// trim file name after 4th letter

// add file name to workbook comment

options.Names.FNameToColComm:=1
options.Names.FPathToComm:=1

// add file name to columns comments

// include file path to comments

orng:=[bkName$]A1!A[1]:C[0] ;

8.2.4 Import an ASCII File to Worksheet and Convert to

Matrix
This example shows two more helpful X-Functions working in conjunction with impASC; they
are dlgFile, which generates a dialog for choosing a specific file to import, and w2m which
specifies the conversion of a worksheet to a matrix. It should be noted that the w2m XFunction expects linearly increasing Y values in the first column and linearly increasing X
values in the first row: test this with matrix_data_with_xy.txt in the Samples\Import and
Export\ folder.
dlgfile g:=ascii; // Open file dialog
impAsc; // Import selected file
// Use the worksheet-to-matrix X-Function, 'w2m', to do the conversion
w2m xy:=0 ycol:=1 xlabel:="First Row" xcol:=1

206

Importing

8.2.5 Related: the Open Command

8.2.5

Related: the Open Command

Another way to bring data into Origin is with the Open (Command).
Open has several options, one of which allows a file to be open for viewing in a notes window:
open -n fileName [winName]

This line of script opens the ASCII file fileName to a notes window. If the optional winName is
not specified, a new notes window will be created.
To demonstrate with an existing file, try the following:
%b = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Import and Export\ASCII simple.dat";
open -n "%b";

8.2.6

Import with Themes and Filters

Import with a Theme

When importing from the Origin GUI, you can save your import settings to a theme file. Such
theme files have a *.OIS extension and are saved in the \Themes\AnalysisAndReportTable\
subfolder of the Origin User Files Folder (UFF). They can then be accessed using an XFunction with the -t option switch. The import is performed according to the settings saved in
the theme file specified.
string fn$=system.path.program$ + "Samples\Spectroscopy\HiddenPeaks.dat";
// Assume that a theme file named "My Theme.OIS" exists
impasc fname:=fn$ -t "My Theme";

Import with an Import Wizard Filter File

Custom importing of ASCII files and simple binary files can be performed using the Import
Wizard GUI tool. This tool allows extraction of variables from file name and header, and further
customization of the import including running a script segment at the end of the import, which
can be used to perform post-processing of imported data. All settings in the GUI can be saved
as an Import Filter File to disk. Such files have extension of .OIF and can be saved in multiple
locations.
Once an import wizard filter file has been created, the impfile X-Function can be used to
access the filter and perform custom importing using the settings saved in the filter file.
string fname$, path$, filtername$;
// point to file path
path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Import and Export\";
// find files that match specification
findfiles ext:="S*.dat";
// point to Import Wizard filter file
string str$ = "Samples\Import and Export\VarsFromFileNameAndHeader.oif";
filtername$ = system.path.program$ + str$;

Importing

207

8.2 Importing Data

// import all files using filter in data folder
impfile location:=data;

8.2.7

Import from a Database

Origin provides four functions for Database Queries. The basic functionality of Database
importing is encapsulated in two functions as shown in this example using the standard
Northwind database provided by Microsoft Office:
// The dbedit function allows you to create the query and connection
// strings and attach these details to a worksheet
dbedit exec:=0
sql:="Select Customers.CompanyName, Orders.OrderDate,
[Order Details].Quantity, Products.ProductName From
((Customers Inner Join Orders On Customers.CustomerID = Orders.CustomerID)
Inner Join [Order Details] On Orders.OrderID = [Order Details].OrderID)
Inner Join Products On Products.ProductID = [Order Details].ProductID"
connect:="Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;User ID=;
Data Source=C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\SAMPLES\Northwind.mdb;
Mode=Share Deny None;Extended Properties="";
Jet OLEDB:System database="";
Jet OLEDB:Registry Path="";
Jet OLEDB:Database Password=***;
Jet OLEDB:Engine Type=5;
Jet OLEDB:Database Locking Mode=1;
Jet OLEDB:Global Partial Bulk Ops=2;
Jet OLEDB:Global Bulk Transactions=1;
Jet OLEDB:New Database Password="";
Jet OLEDB:Create System Database=False;
Jet OLEDB:Encrypt Database=False;
Jet OLEDB:Don't Copy Locale on Compact=False;
Jet OLEDB:Compact Without Replica Repair=False;
Jet OLEDB:SFP=False;Password="
// The dbimport function is all that's needed to complete the import
dbimport;

Two additional functions allow you to retrieve the details of your connection and query strings
and execute a Preview/Partial import.
Name

dbEdit

208

Brief Description

Create, Edit, Load or Remove a query in a worksheet.

Importing

8.3.1 Import Image to Matrix and Convert to Data

dbImport

Execute the database queried stored in a specific worksheet.

dbInfo

Read the sql string and the connection string contained in a database query
in a worksheet.

dbPreview

Execute a limited import (defaults to 50 rows) of a query. Useful in testing to

verify that your query is returning the information you want.

8.3 Importing Images

The ImpImage X-Function supports importing image files into Origin from script. By default, the
image is stored in Origin as an image (i.e., RGB values). You have the option to convert the
image to grayscale.
Multiple-file importing is supported. By default, multiple images will be appended to the target
page by creating new layers. If importing to a matrix, each matrix-layer will be renamed to the
corresponding imported file's name.

8.3.1

Import Image to Matrix and Convert to Data

This example imports a single image file to a matrix and then converts the (RGB color) image
to grayscale values, storing them in a new matrix.
newbook mat:=1;
// Create a new matrix book
fpath$ = "Samples\Image Processing and Analysis\car.bmp";
string fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
// Imports the image on path 'fname$' to the active window
//(the new matrix book)
impimage;
// Converts the image to grayscale values,and puts them in a new matrix
// 'type' specifies bit-depth:
// 1=byte (1-byte/8-bit)

0=short (2-byte/16-bit, default);

img2m type:=byte;

Importing

209

8.3 Importing Images

8.3.2

Import Single Image to Matrix

This example imports a series of *.TIF images into a new Matrix Book. As an alternative to the
img2m X-Function (shown above), the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Shift+d and Ctrl+Shift+i
toggle between the matrix data and image representations of the file.
newbook mat:=1;
fpath$ = "Samples\Image Processing and Analysis\";
string fns, path$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
// Find the files whose names begin with 'myocyte'
findfiles f:=fns$ e:="myocyte*.tif";
// Import each file into a new sheet (options.Mode = 4)
impimage options.Mode:=4 fname:=fns$;

8.3.3

Import Multiple Images to Matrix Book

This example imports a folder of JPG images to different Matrix books.

string pth1$ = "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\"
string pth2$ = "Documents\My Pictures\Sample Pictures\";
string fns, path$ = pth1$ + pth2$;
// Find all *.JPG files (in 'path$', by default)
findfiles f:=fns$ e:="*.jpg";
// Assign the number of files found to integer variable 'n'
// 'CRLF' ==> files separated by a 'carriage-return line-feed'
int n = fns.GetNumTokens(CRLF);
string bkName$;
string fname$;
// Loop through all files, importing each to a new matrix book
for(int ii = 1; ii<=n; ii++)
{
fname$ = fns.GetToken(ii, CRLF)$;
//create a new matrix page
newbook s:=0 mat:=1 result:=bkName$;
//import image to the first layer of the matrix page,
//defaut file name is fname$
impimage orng:=[bkName$]msheet1;
}

8.3.4

Import Image to Graph Layer

You also can import an Image to an existing GraphLayer. Here the image is only for display
(the data will not be visible, unless it is converted to a matrix, see next example).
210

Importing

8.3.4 Import Image to Graph Layer

string fpath$ = "Samples\Image Processing and Analysis\cell.jpg";
string fn$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impimage fname:=fn$ ipg:=graph1;

Importing

211

Exporting

Origin provides a collection of X-Functions for exporting data, graphs, and images. All XFunctions pertaining to exporting have names that start with the letters exp. The table below
provides a listing of these X-Functions. As with all X-Functions, help-file information is available
at Script or Command line by entering the name of the X-Function with the -h option. For
instance: entering expgraph -h in the Script window will display the help file immediately below
the command.
Name

Brief Description

expASC

Export worksheet data as ASCII file

expGraph

Export graph(s) to graphics file(s)

expImage

Export the active Image into a graphics file

expMatASC

Export matrix data as ASCII file

expNITDM

Export workbook data as National Instruments TDM and TDMS files

expWAV

Export data as Microsoft PCM wave file

expWks

Export the active sheet as raster or vector image file

img2GIF

Export the active Image into a gif file

9.1 Exporting Worksheets

9.1.1

Export a Worksheet

Your worksheet data may be exported either as an image (i.e., PDF) or as a data file.

213

9.1 Exporting Worksheets

Export a Worksheet as an Image File

The expWks X-Function can be used to export the entire worksheet, the visible area of the
worksheet, or worksheet selection, to an image file such as JPEG, EPS, or PDF:
// Export the active worksheet to an EPS file named TEST.EPS,
// saved to the D:\ drive.
expWks type:=EPS export:=active filename:="TEST" path:="D:";

The expWks X-Function also provides options for exporting many worksheets at the same
time using the export option, which if unspecified simply exports the active worksheet.
In the following example, export:=book exports all worksheets in the current workbook to the
desired folder path:
expWks type:=PDF export:=book path:="D:\TestImages" filename:=Sheet#;

Worksheets are saved in the order they appear in the workbook from left to right. Here, the
naming has been set to number the sheets in that order, as in 'Sheet1', 'Sheet2', etc. If more
than 9 sheets exist, filename:=Sheet## will yield names such as 'Sheet01'.
Other options for export are project, recursive, folder, and specified.
The expWks X-Function is particularly useful in exporting custom report worksheets that user
may create by placing graphs and other relevant analysis results in a single sheet for
presentation, using formatting features such as merging and coloring cells.

Export a Worksheet as a Multipage PDF File

The expPDFw X-Function allows exporting worksheets to multi-page PDF files. This XFunction is then useful to export large worksheets, including custom report sheets, where the
worksheet has more content than can fit in one page for the current printer settings. This XFunction offers options such as printing all sheets in a book or all sheets in the project, and
options for including a cover page and adding page numbering.

Export a Worksheet as a Data File

In this example, worksheet data is output to an ASCII file with tabs separating the columns
using the expAsc X-Function:
// Export the data in Book 2, Worksheet 3 using tab-separators to
// an ASCII file named TEST.DAT, saved to the D:\ drive.
expASC iw:=[Book2]Sheet3 type:=0 path:="D:\TEST.DAT" separator:=TAB;

Note, in this example, that type simply indicates the type of file extension, and may be set to
any of the following values (type:=dat is equivalent to type:=0):

214

0=dat:*.dat,
1=text:Text File(*.txt),
2=csv:*.csv,
3=all:All Files(*.*)

Exporting

9.2.1 Export a Graph with Specific Width and Resolution (DPI)

9.2 Exporting Graphs

Here are two examples of exporting graphs using the X-Function expGraph called from
LabTalk:

9.2.1
(DPI)

Export a Graph with Specific Width and Resolution

Export a graph as an image using the expGraph X-Function. The image size options are
stored in the nodes of tree variable named tr1, while resolution options (for all raster type
images) are stored in a tree named tr2.
One common application is to export a graph to a desired image format specifying both the
width of the image and the resolution. For example, consider a journal that requires, for a twocolumn article, that graphs be sent as high-resolution (1200 DPI), *.tif files that are 3.2 inches
wide:
// Export the active graph window to D:\TestImages\TEST.TIF.
// Width = 3.2 in, Resolution = 1200 DPI
expGraph type:=tif path:="D:\TestImages" filename:="TEST"
tr1.unit:=0
tr1.width:=3.2
tr2.tif.dotsperinch:=1200;

Possible values for tr1.unit are:

0 = inch
1 = cm
2 = pixel
3 = page ratio
Note: this is a good example of accessing data stored in a tree structure to specify a particular
type of output. The full documentation for tr1 can be found in the online and product (CHM)
help.

9.2.2

Exporting All Graphs in the Project

Exporting all of the graphs from an Origin Project can be achieved by combining the doc -e
command, which loops over all specified objects in a project with the expGraph X-Function.
For example, to export all graphs in the current project as a bitmap (BMP) image, as above:
doc -e P
{
// %H is a string register that holds the name of the active window.
expGraph type:=bmp path:="d:\TestImages\" filename:=%H
tr1.unit:=2

Exporting

215

9.3 Exporting Matrices

tr1.width:=640;
}

Several examples of doc -e can be found in Looping Over Objects.

9.3 Exporting Matrices

Matrices can store image data as well as non-image data in Origin. In fact, all images in Origin
are stored as matrices, whether or not they are rendered as a picture or displayed as pixel
values. A matrix can be exported no matter which type of content it holds.
Exporting matrices with script is achieved with two X-Functions: expMatAsc for a non-image
matrix and expImage for an image matrix.

9.3.1

Exporting a Non-Image Matrix

To export a matrix that holds non-image data to an ASCII file use the expMatAsc X-Function.
Allowed export extensions are *.dat (type:=0), *.txt (type:=1), *.csv (type:=2), and all file types
(type:=3).
// Export a matrix (in Matrix Book 1, Matrix Sheet 1) to a file of
// the *.csv type named TEST.CSV with xy-gridding turned on.
expMatASC im:=[MBook1]MSheet1 type:=2 path:="D:\TEST.CSV" xygrid:=1;

9.3.2

Exporting an Image Matrix

Matrix windows in Origin can contain multiple sheets, and each sheet can contain multiple
matrix objects. A matrix object can contain an image as RGB values (default, reported as three
numbers in a single matrix cell, each matrix cell corresponds to a pixel), or as gray-scale data
(a single gray-scale number in each matrix cell).
For example, a user could import an image into a matrix object (as RGB values) and later
convert it to gray-scale data (i.e., the gray-scale pixel values) using the Image menu. Whether
the matrix object contains RGB or gray-scale data, the contents of the matrix can be exported
as an image file to disk, using the expImage X-Function. For example, the following script
command exports the first matrix object in Sheet 1 of matrix book MBook 1:
// Export the image matrix as a *.tif image:
expImage im:=[MBook1]1!1 type:=tif fname:="c:\flower"

When exporting to a raster-type image format (includes JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIF), one may want
to specify the bit-depth as well as the resolution (in dots-per-inch, DPI). This is achieved with
the expImage options tree, tr. The X-Function call specifying these options might look like this:

216

Exporting

9.3.2 Exporting an Image Matrix

expImage im:=[MBook1]MSheet1! type:=png fname:="D:\TEST.PNG"
tr.PNG.bitsperpixel:="24-bit Color"
tr.PNG.dotsperinch:=300;

All nodes of the tree tr, are described in the online or product (CHM) help.

Exporting

217

10 The Origin Project

The Origin Project contains all of your data, operations, graphs, and reports. This chapter
discusses techniques for managing the elements of your project using script, and is presented
in three sections:
1.
2.
3.

Managing Your Project

Accessing Metadata
Looping Over Objects

10.1 Managing the Project

10.1.1 The DOCUMENT Command
Document is a native LabTalk command that lets you perform various operations related to
the Origin Project. The syntax for the document command is
document -option value;

Notes:
value is not applicable for some options and is left out of the command
For further details please see Document (Object).
Internally, Origin updates a property that indicates when a project has been modified.
Attempting to Open a project when the current project has been modified normally triggers a
prompt to Save the current project. The document command has options to control this
property.

Start a New Project

// WARNING! This will turn off the Save project prompt
document -s;
// ''doc'' is short for ''document'' and ''n'' is short for ''new''
doc -n;

Open/Save a project
Use the doc -o command to open a project and the save command to save it.
// Open an Origin Project file
string fname$ = SYSTEM.PATH.PROGRAM$ + "Origin.opj";
doc -o %(fname$);

// Abbreviation of ''document -open''

219

10.1 Managing the Project

// Make some changes
%(Data1,1) = data(0,100);
%(Data1,2) = 100 * uniform(101);
// Save the project with a new name in new location
fname$ = SYSTEM.PATH.APPDATA$ + "My Project.opj";
save %(fname$);

Append projects
Continuing with the previous script, we can Append other project file(s). Origin supports only
one project file at a time.
// Append an Origin Project file to the current file
fname$ = SYSTEM.PATH.PROGRAM$ + "Origin.opj";
doc -a %(fname$); // Abbreviation of ''document -append''
// Save the current project - which is still ''My Project.opj''
save;
// Save the current project with a new name to a new location
save "C:\Data Files\working.opj";

Save/Load Child Windows

In Origin, a child window - such as a graph, workbook, matrix or Excel book - can be saved as
a single file. Append can be used to add the file to another project. The appropriate extension
is added automatically for Workbook, Matrix and Graph whereas you must specify .XLS for
Excel windows.
// The save command acts on the active window
save -i C:\Data\MyBook;

Append can be used to load Child Window Types :

// Workbook(*.OGW), Matrix(*.OGM), Graph(*.OGG), Excel(*.XLS)
dlgfile group:=*.ogg;
// fname is the string variable set by the dlgfile X-Function
doc -a %(fname$);

For Excel, you can specify that an Excel file should be imported rather than opened as Excel
doc -ai "C:\Data\Excel\Current Data.xls";

Notes windows are a special case with special option switch:

// Save notes window named Notes1
save -n Notes1 C:\Data\Notes\Today.TXT;
// Read text file into notes window named MyNotes
open -n C:\Data\Notes\Today.txt MyNotes;

220

The Origin Project

10.1.2 Project Explorer X-Functions

Saving External Excel Book

This is introduced in Origin 8.1, to allow an externally linked Excel book to be saved using its
current file name:
save -i;

Refresh Windows
You can refresh windows with the following command:
doc -u;

10.1.2 Project Explorer X-Functions

The following X-Functions provide DOS-like commands to create, delete and navigate through
the subfolders of the project:
Name

Brief Description

pe_dir

Show the contents of the active folder

pe_cd

Change to another folder

pe_move

Move a Folder or Window

pe_path

Report the current path

pe_rename

Rename a Folder or Window

pe_mkdir

Create a Folder

pe_rmdir

Delete a Folder

In this example :
doc -s;

// Clear Origin's 'dirty' flag

doc -n;
pe_cd /;

// Start a new project

// Go to the top level

pe_mkdir "Test Subjects";

pe_cd "Test Subjects";

// Create a folder
// Navigate to that folder

pe_mkdir "Trials";

// Create a sub-folder

The Origin Project

221

10.2 Accessing Metadata

pe_mkdir "Results";
pe_cd /;

// and another
// Return to the top level

pe_mkdir "Control Subjects"; // Create another folder

pe_cd "Control Subjects";
// Navigate to that folder
pe_mkdir "Trials";
pe_mkdir "Results";

// Create a sub-folder
// and another

pe_cd /;
pe_mkdir "Comparison";

// Return to the top level

// Create a folder

we create a folder structure that looks like this in Project explorer :

Note that if you have Open in Subfolder enabled in Tools : Options : [Open/Close] then you
will have an additional folder named Folder1.

10.2 Accessing Metadata

Metadata is information which refers to other data. Examples include the time at which data
was originally collected, the operator of the instrument collecting the data and the temperature
of a sample being investigated. Metadata can be stored in Projects, Pages, Layers and
Columns.

10.2.1 Column Label Rows

Metadata is most visible in a worksheet where column headers may contain information such
as Long Name (L), Units (U), Comments (C), Sampling Interval and various Parameter rows,
including User-Defined parameters.
The row indices for column label rows are assigned to characters, which are given in the
Column Label Row reference table. Examples of use follow.

Read/Write Column Label Rows

At times you may want to capture or set the Column Label Rows or Column Header string
from script. Access the label row by using the corresponding label row characters as a row
index.
222

The Origin Project

10.2.1 Column Label Rows

Note: Numeric cell access does not supported to use label row characters.
Here are a few examples of reading and writing column header strings:
Book1_A[L]$ = Time;

// Set the Long Name of column A to '''Time'''

Book1_A[U]$ = sec;

// Set the Units of column A to '''sec'''

string strC$ = col(2)[C]$;

// Read the Comments of column2 into strC$
// Get value from first system parameter row
double syspar1 = %(col(2)[p1]$);
Col(1)[L]$="Temperature";
// set Col(1) long name to "Temperature"
range bb = 2;
// declare a range variable for Col(2)
// Set the long name of Col(2) to that of Col(1) with the string " Data"
// appended
bb[L]$=Col(1)[L]$+" Data";

Note: For Origin 8.0, LabTalk variables took precedence over Column Label Row characters,
for example:
int L = 4;

// For Origin 8.0 and earlier ...

Col(B)[L]$=

// Returns the value in row 4 of Col(B), as a string

But since Origin 8.1, this has been changed so that the column label rows (L, U, C, etc.) will
take precedence:
int L = 4;

// For Origin 8.1 ...

Col(B)[L]$=

// Returns the Long Name of Col(B), as a string

The following example shows how to create and access user parameter rows
// Show the first user parameter row
wks.userParam1 = 1;
// Assign the 1st user parameter row a custom name
wks.userParam1$ = "Temperature";
// Write to a specific user parameter row of a column
col(2)[Temperature]$ = "96.8";
// Get a user-defined parameter row value
double temp = %(col(2)[Temperature]$);

Show/Hide Column Labels

You can set which column header rows are displayed and in what order by wks.labels object
method. For the active worksheet, this script specifies the following column header rows (in the
order given): Long Name, Unit, the first System-Parameter, the First User-Parameter, and
Comments:
range ww = !;
ww.labels(LUP1D1C);

The Origin Project

223

10.2 Accessing Metadata

10.2.2 Even Sampling Interval

Origin users can set the sampling interval (X) for a data series (Y) to something other than the
corresponding row numbers of the data points (default).

Accessing the Sampling Interval Column Label Row

When this is done, a special header row is created to remind the user of the custom interval
(and initial value) applied. To access the text in this header row, simply use the E row-index
character. This header is effectively read-only and cannot be set to an arbitrary string, but the
properties from which this string is composed may be changed with either column properties
(see the wks.col object) or the colint X-Function.
// Read the Sampling Interval header text of Column 1 to a string variable
string sampInt$ = Col(1)[E]$;
// If an initial value of 2 and increment of 0.5 was set for Col(1),
// the output will be:
sampInt$=;

// "x0 = 2"
// "dx = 0.5"

To see a Sampling Interval header, you can try the following steps:
1.

Create a new worksheet and delete the X-column

2.

Right-click at the top of the remaining column (i.e., B(Y)), such that then
entire column is selected, and select Set Sampling Interval from the
drop-down menu.

3.

Set the initial and step values to something other than 1.

4.

Click OK, and you will see a new header row created which lists the values
you specified.

The next example demonstrates how to do this from script, using X-functions.
Also, when you import certain types of data, e.g. *.wav, the sampling interval
will show as a header row.

Sampling Interval by X-Function

Sampling Interval is special in that its display is formatted for the user's information.
Programmatically, it is accessed as follows
// Use full formal notation of an X-Function
colint rng:=col(1) x0:=68 inc:=.25 units:=Degrees lname:="Temperature";
// which in shorthand notation is
colint 1 68 .25 Degrees "Temperature";

The initial value and increment can be read back using worksheet column properties:
double XInitial = wks.col1.xinit;
double XIncrement = wks.col1.xinc;

224

The Origin Project

10.2.3 Trees
string XUnits$ = wks.col1.xunits$;
string XName$ = wks.col1.xname$;

Note: While these properties will show up in a listing of column properties (Enter wks.col1.= in
the Script window to display the property names for column 1), unless a sampling interval is
established:

The strings wks.col1.xunits$ and wks.col1.xname$ will have no value.

The numeric values wks.col1.xinit and wks.col1.xinc will each have a value of 1,
corresponding to the initial value and increment of the row numbers.

10.2.3 Trees
Trees are a data type supported by LabTalk, and we also consider trees a form of metadata
since they give structure to existing data. They were briefly introduced in the section dealing
with Data Types and Variables, but appear again because of their importance to X-functions.
Many X-functions input and output data in tree form. And since X-functions are one of the
primary tools accessible from LabTalk script, it is important to recognize and use tree variables
effectively.

Access Import File Tree Nodes

After importing data into a worksheet, Origin stores metadata in a special tree-like structure at
the page level. Basic information about the file can be retrieved directly from this structure:
string strName, strPath;
double dDate;
// Get the file name, path and date from the structure
strName$ = page.info.system.import.filename$;
strPath$ = page.info.system.import.filepath$;
dDate = page.info.system.import.filedate;
// Both % and $ substitution methods are used
ty File %(strPath$)%(strName$), dated $(dDate,D10);

This tree structure includes a tree with additional information about the import. This tree can be
extracted as a tree variable using an X-Function:
Tree MyFiles;
impinfo ipg:=[Book2] tr:=MyFiles;
MyFiles.=; // Dump the contents of the tree to the script Window

Note: The contents of the impinfo tree will depend on the function used to import.
If you import multiple files into one workbook (using either New Sheets, New Columns or New
Rows) then you need to load a particular tree for each file as the Organizer only displays the
system metadata from the last import:

The Origin Project

225

10.2 Accessing Metadata

Tree trFile;
int iNumFiles;
// Use the function first to find the number of files
impinfo trInfo:=trFile fcount:=iNumFiles;
// Now loop through all files - these are indexed from 0
for( idx = 0 ; idx < iNumFiles ; idx++ )
{
// Get the tree for the next file
impinfo findex:=idx trInfo:=trFile;
string strFileName, strLocation;
//
strFileName$ = trFile.Info.FileName$;
strLocation$ = trFile.Info.DataRange$;
ty File %(strFileName$) was imported into %(strLocation$);
}

Access Report Page Tree

Analysis Report pages are specially formatted Worksheets based on a tree structure. You can
get this structure into a tree variable using the getresults X-Function and extract results.
// Import an Origin Sample file
string fpath$ = "Samples\Curve Fitting\Gaussian.dat";
string fname$ = SYSTEM.PATH.PROGRAM$ + fpath$;
impasc;
// Run a Gauss fit of the data and create a Report sheet
nlbegin (1,2) gauss;
nlfit;
nlend 1 1;
// An automatically-created string variable, __REPORT$,
// holds the name of the last Report sheet created:
string strLastReport$ = __REPORT$;
// This is the X-Function which gets the Report into a tree
getresults tr:=MyResults iw:=%(strLastReport$);
// So now we can access those results
ty Variable\tValue\tError;
separator 3;
ty y0\t$(MyResults.Parameters.y0.Value)\t$(MyResults.Parameters.y0.Error);
ty xc\t$(MyResults.Parameters.xc.Value)\t$(MyResults.Parameters.xc.Error);
ty w\t$(MyResults.Parameters.w.Value)\t$(MyResults.Parameters.w.Error);
ty A\t$(MyResults.Parameters.A.Value)\t$(MyResults.Parameters.A.Error);

226

The Origin Project

10.2.3 Trees

User Tree in Page Storage

Information can be stored in a workbook, matrix book or graph page using a tree structure. The
following example shows how to create a section and add subsections and values to the active
page storage area.
// Add a new section named Experiment
page.tree.add(Experiment);
// Add a sub section called Sample;
page.tree.experiment.addsection(Sample);
// Add values to subsection;
page.tree.experiment.sample.RunNumber = 45;
page.tree.experiment.sample.Temperature = 273.8;
// Add another subsection called Detector;
page.tree.experiment.addsection(Detector);
// Add values;
page.tree.experiment.detector.Type$ = "InGaAs";
page.tree.experiment.detector.Cooling$ = "Liquid Nitrogen";

Once the information has been stored, it can be retrieved by simply dumping the storage
contents:
// Dump entire contents of page storage
page.tree.=;
// or programmaticaly accessed
temperature = page.tree.experiment.sample.temperature;
string type$ = page.tree.experiment.detector.Type$;
ty Using %(type$) at $(temperature)K;

You can view such trees in the page Organizer for Workbooks and Matrixbooks.

User Tree in a Worksheet

Trees stored at the Page level in a Workbook can be accessed no matter what Sheet is active.
You can also store trees at the sheet level:
// Here we add two trees to the active sheet
wks.tree.add(Input);
// Dynamically create a branch and value
wks.tree.input.Min = 0;
// Add another value
wks.tree.input.max = 1;
// Add second tree
wks.tree.add(Output);
// and two more values
wks.tree.output.min = -100;
wks.tree.output.max = 100;
// Now dump the trees

The Origin Project

227

10.3 Looping Over Objects

wks.tree.=;
// or access it
ty Input $(wks.tree.input.min) to $(wks.tree.input.max);
ty Output $(wks.tree.output.min) to $(wks.tree.output.max);
// Access a sheet-level tree using a range
range rs = [Book7]Sheet2!;
rs!wks.tree.=;

You can view such trees in the page Organizer for Workbooks and Matrixbooks.

User Tree in a Worksheet Column

Individual worksheet columns can also contain metadata stored in tree format. Assigning and
retrieving tree nodes is very similar to the page-level tree.
// Create a COLUMN tree
wks.col2.tree.add(Batch);
// Add a branch
wks.col2.tree.batch.addsection(Mix);
// and two values in the branch
wks.col2.tree.batch.mix.ratio$ = "20:15:2";
wks.col2.tree.batch.mix.BatchNo= 113210;
// Add branch dynamically and add values
wks.col2.tree.batch.Line.No = 7;
wks.col2.tree.batch.Line.Date$ = 3/15/2010;
// Dump the tree to the Script Window
wks.col2.tree.=;
// Or access the tree
batch = wks.col2.tree.batch.mix.batchno;
string strDate$ = wks.col2.tree.batch.Line.Date$;
ty Batch $(batch) made on %(strDate$) [$(date(%(strDate$)))];

You can view these trees in the Column Properties dialog on the User Tree tab.

10.3 Looping Over Objects

There may be instances where it is desirable to perform a certain task or set of tasks on every
object of a particular type that exists in the Origin project. For example, you might want to
rescale all of your project graph layers or add a new column to every worksheet in the project.
The LabTalk document command (or doc) facilitates this type of operation. Several examples
are shown here to illustrate the doc command.

228

The Origin Project

10.3.1 Looping over Objects in a Project

10.3.1 Looping over Objects in a Project

The document command with the -e or -ef switch (or doc -e command), is the primary means
for looping over various collections of objects in an Origin Project. This command allows user
to execute multiple lines of LabTalk script on each instance of the Origin Object found in the
collection.

Looping over Workbooks and Worksheets

You can loop through all worksheets in a project with the doc -e LB command. The script below
loops through all worksheets, skipping the matrix layers:
//loop over all worksheets in project to print their names
//and the number of columns on each sheet
doc -e LB {
if(exist(%H,2)==0) //not a workbook, must be a matrix
continue;
int nn = wks.nCols;
string str=wks.Name$;
type "[%H]%(str$) has $(nn) columns";
}

The following example shows how to loop and operate on data columns that reside in different
workbooks of a project.
Open the sample project file available in Origin:
\\Samples\LabTalk Script Examples\Loop_wks.opj
In the project there are two folders for two different samples and a folder named Bgsignal for
the background signals alone. Each sample folder contains two folders named Freq1 and
Freq2, which correspond to data at a set frequency for the specific sample.
The workbook in each Freq folder contains three columns including DataX, DataY and the
frequency, which is a constant. The workbook's name in the Bgsignal folder is Bgsig. In the
Bgsig workbook, there are three columns including DataX and two Y columns whose long
names correspond to set frequencies in the workbook in each Freq folder.
The aim is to add a column in each workbook and subtract the background signal for a
particular frequency from the sample data for the same frequency. The following LabTalk script
performs this operation.
doc -e LB
{ //Loop over each worksheet.
if(%H != "Bgsig") //Skip the background signal workbook.
{
Freq=col(3)[1]; //Get the frequency.
wks.ncols=wks.ncols+1; //Add a column in the sample sheet.
//bg signal column for Freq using long name.
range aa=[Bgsig]1!col("$(Freq)");
wcol(wks.ncols)=col(2)-aa; //Subtract the bg signal.
wcol(wks.ncols)[L]$="Remove bg signal"; //Set the long name.

The Origin Project

229

10.3 Looping Over Objects

}
}

For increased control, you may also loop through the books and then loop through the sheets
in your code, albeit a bit more slowly than the code above.
The following example shows how to loop over all workbooks in the current/active Project
Explorer Folder, and then loop over each sheet inside each book that is found:
int nbooks = 0;
// Get the name of this folder
string strPath;
pe_path path:=strPath;
// Loop over all Workbooks ...
// Restricted to the current Project Explorer Folder View
doc -ef W {
int nsheets = 0;
// Loop over all worksheets in each workbook
doc -e LW {
type Sheet name: %(layer.name$);
nsheets++;
}
type Found $(nsheets) sheet(s) in %H;
type %(CRLF);
nbooks++;
}
type Found $(nbooks) book(s) in folder %(strPath$) of project %G;

Additionally, we can replace the internal loop using Workbook properties:

int nbooks = 0;
// Get the name of this folder
string strPath;
pe_path path:=strPath;
// Loop over all Workbooks ...
Restricted to the current Project Explorer Folder View
doc -ef W {
// Loop over all worksheets in each workbook
loop(ii,1,page.nlayers) {
range rW = [Book1]$(ii)!;
type Sheet name: %(rw.name$);
}
type Found $(page.nlayers) sheet(s) in %H;
type %(CRLF);
nbooks++;
}
// Final report - %G contains the project name
type Found $(nbooks) book(s) in folder %(strPath$) of project %G;

230

The Origin Project

10.3.1 Looping over Objects in a Project

Looping Over Graph Windows

Here we loop over all plot windows (which include all Graph , Function Plots, Layout pages and
embedded Graphs).
doc -e LP
{
// Skip over any embedded graphs or Layout windows
if(page.IsEmbedded==0&&exist(%H)!=11)
{
string name$ = %(page.label$);
if(name.Getlength()==0 ) name$ = %H;
type [%(name$)]%(layer.name$);
}
}

The following script prints the contents of all graph windows in the project to the default printer
driver.
doc -e P print; // Abbreviation of ''document -each Plot Print''

Looping Over Workbook Windows

The document -e command can be nested as in this example that loops over all Y datasets
within all Worksheets :
doc -e W
{
int iCount = 0;
doc -e DY
{
iCount++;
}
if( iCount < 2 )
{ type Worksheet %H has $(wks.ncols) columns,;
type $(iCount) of which are Y columns; }
else
{ type Worksheet %H has $(wks.ncols) columns,;
type $(iCount) of which are Y columns; }
}

Looping over Columns and Rows

This example shows how to loop over all columns and delete every nth column
int ndel = 3; // change this number as needed;
int ncols = wks.ncols;

The Origin Project

231

10.3 Looping Over Objects

int nlast = ncols - mod(ncols, ndel);
// Need to delete from the right to the left
for(int ii = nlast; ii > 0; ii -= ndel)
{
delete wcol($(ii));
}

This example shows how to delete every nth rows in a worksheet.

int ndel = 3;
range rr = col(1);

// change this number as needed

// Get a range for column 1

nrows = rr.GetSize();
// Get the number of rows
int nlast = nrows - mod(nrows, ndel);
// Need to delete from the bottom to the top
for(int ii = nlast; ii > 0; ii -= ndel)
{
range rr = wcol(1)[$(ii):$(ii)];
mark -d rr;
}

This script calculates the logarithm of four columns on Sheet1, placing the result in the
corresponding column of Sheet2:
for(ii=1; ii<=4; ii++)
{
range ss = [book1]sheet1!col($(ii));
range dd = [book1]sheet2!col($(ii));
dd = log(ss);
}

Looping Over Graphic Objects

You can loop over all Graphic Objects in the active layer. By wrapping this with two other
options we can cover an entire project.
// For each Plot
doc -e P
{
// For each Layer in each Plot
doc -e LW
{
// For each Graphic Object in each Layer in each Plot
doc -e G
{

// Set Legend background to Shadow

if("%B"=="Legend") %B.background = 2;
// Set timestamp color to Blue
if("%B"=="timestamp") %B.color = color(blue);

232

The Origin Project

10.3.2 Perform Peak Analysis on All Layers in Graph

}
}

10.3.2 Perform Peak Analysis on All Layers in Graph

This example shows how to loop over all layer s in a graph and perform peak analysis on
datasets in each layer using a pre-saved Peak Analyzer theme file. It assumes the active
window is a multi-layer graph, and each layer has one data curve. It further assumes a presaved Peak Analyzer theme exists.
// Block reminder messages before entering loop.
// This is to avoid either reminder message from popping up
// about Origin switching to the report sheet
type -mb 0;
// Loop over all layers in graph window
doc -e LW
{
// Perform peak analysis with preset theme
sec;
pa theme:="My Peak Fit";
watch;
/* sec and watch are optional,
they print out time taken for fitting data in each layer */
}
// Un-block reminder message
type -me;

The Origin Project

233

11 Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

This chapter contains two sections explaining, respectively, how to call X-Functions and Origin
C functions from LabTalk.

11.1 X-Functions
X-Functions are a primary tool for executing tasks and tapping into Origin features from your
LabTalk scripts. The following sections outline the details that will help you recognize,
understand, and utilize X-Functions in LabTalk.

11.1.1 X-Functions
X-Functions provide a uniform way to access nearly all of Origin's capabilities from your
LabTalk scripts. The best way to get started using X-Functions is to follow the many examples
that use them, and then browse the lists of X-Functions accessible from script provided in the
LabTalk-Supported X-Functions section.

Syntax
You can recognize X-Functions in script examples from their unique syntax:
xFunctionName input:=<range> argument:=<name/value> output:=<range> -switch;
General Notes:
X-Functions can have multiple inputs, outputs, and arguments.
X-Functions can be called with any subset of their possible argument list supplied.
If not supplied a value, each required argument has a default value that is used.
Each X-Function has a different set of input and output arguments.
Notes on X-Function Argument Order :

By default, X-Functions expect their input and output arguments to appear in a particular
order.
Expected argument order can be found in the help file for each individual X-Function or from
the Script window by entering XFunctionName -h.
If the arguments are supplied in the order specified by Origin, there is no need to type out
the argument names.
If the argument names are explicitly typed, arguments can be supplied in any order.

The following examples use the fitpoly X-Function to illustrate these points.

235

11.1 X-Functions

Examples
The fitpoly X-Function has the following specific syntax, giving the order in which Origin
expects the arguments:
fitpoly iy:=(inputX,inputY) polyorder:=n coef:=columnNumber oy:=(outputX,outputY)
N:=numberOfPoints;
If given in the specified order, the X-Function call,
fitpoly (1,2) 4 3 (4,5) 100;

tells Origin to fit a 4th order polynomial with 100 points to the X-Y data in columns 1 and 2 of
the active worksheet, putting the coefficients of the polynomial in column 3, and the X-Y pairs
for the fit in columns 4 and 5 of the active worksheet.
In contrast, the command with all options typed out is a bit longer but performs the same
operation:
fitpoly iy:=(1,2) polyorder:=4 coef:=3 oy:=(4,5) N:=100;

In return for typing out the input and output argument names, LabTalk will accept them in any
order, and still yield the expected result:
fitpoly coef:=3 N:=100 polyorder:=4 oy:=(4,5) iy:=(1,2);

Also, the inputs and outputs can be placed on separate lines from each other and in any order,
as long as they are explicitly typed out.
fitpoly
coef:=3
N:=100
polyorder:=4
oy:=(4,5)
iy:=(1,2);

Notice that the semicolon ending the X-Function call comes only after the last parameter
associated with that X-Function.

Option Switches
Option switches such as -h or -d allow you to access alternate modes of executing X-functions
from your scripts. They can be used with or without other arguments. The option switch (and its
value, where applicable) can be placed anywhere in the argument list. This table summarizes
the primary X-Function option switches:
Name

236

Function

-h

Prints the contents of the help file to the Script window.

-d

Brings up a graphical user interface dialog to input parameters.

-s

Runs in silent mode; results not sent to Results log.

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

11.1.2 X-Function Input and Output

-t <themeName>

Uses a pre-set theme.

-r <value>

Sets the output to automatically recalculate if input changes.

For more on option switches, see the section X-Function Execution Options.

Generate Script from Dialog Settings

The easiest way to call an X-Function is with the -d option and then configures its settings
using the graphical user interface (GUI).
In the GUI, once the dialog settings are done, you can generate the corresponding LabTalk
script for the configuration by selecting the Generate Script item in the dialog theme fly-out
menu. Then a script which matches the current GUI settings will be output to script window and
you can copy and paste it into a batch OGS file or some other project for use.

11.1.2 X-Function Input and Output

X-Function Variables
X-Functions accept LabTalk variable types (except StringArray) as arguments. In addition to
LabTalk variables, X-Functions also use special variable types for more complicated data
structures.
These special variable types work only as arguments to X-Functions, and are listed in the
table below:
Variable
Type

Description

Sample Constructions

XYRange

A combination of X, Y,
and optional Y Error Bar
data

(1,2)
<new>
(1,2:end)
(<input>,<new>)
[book2]sheet3!<new>

XYZRange

A combination of X, Y,
and Z data

(1,2,3)
<new>
[book2]sheet3!(1,<new>,<new>)

ReportTree

A Tree based object for a

<new>

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

Comment

For graph,
use index
directly to
indicate plot
range
(1,2) means
1st and 2nd
plots on
graph

237

11.1 X-Functions

Hierarchical Report
Must be associated with a
worksheet range or a
LabTalk Tree variable

ReportData

A Tree based object for a

collection of vectors
Must be associated with a
worksheet range or a
LabTalk Tree variable.
Unlike ReportTree,
ReportData outputs to a
regular worksheet and
thus can be used to
append to the end of
existing data in a
worksheet. All the
columns in a ReportData
object must be grouped
together.

[<input>]<new>
[book2]sheet3

<new>
[<input>]<new>
[book2]sheet3
[<input>]<input>!<new>

Special Keywords for Range

<new>
Adding/Creating a new object
<active>
Use the active object
<input>
Same as the input range in the same X-Function
<same>
Same as the previous variable in the X-Function
<optional>
Indicate the object is optional in input or output
<none>
No object will be created

ReportData Output
Many X-Functions generate multiple output vectors in the form of a ReportData object.
Typically, a ReportData object is associated with a worksheet, such as the Fit Curves output
from the NLFit X-Function. Consider, for example, the output from the fft1 X-Function:
// Send ReportData output to Book2, Sheet3.
fft1 rd:=[book2]sheet3!;
// Send ReportData output to a new sheet in Book2.
fft1 rd:=[book2]<new>!;

238

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

11.1.2 X-Function Input and Output

// Send ReportData output to Column 4 in the active workbook/sheet.
fft1 rd:=[<active>]<active>!Col(4);
// Send ReportData output to a new sheet in the active workbook.
fft1 rd:=[<active>]<new>!;
// Send ReportData output to a tree variable named tr1;
// If 'tr1' does not exist, it will be created.
fft1 rd:=tr1;

Sending ReportData to Tree Variable

Often, you may need the ReportData output only as an intermediate variable and thus may
prefer not to involve the overhead of a worksheet to hold such data temporarily.
One alternative then is to store the datasets that make up the Report Data object using a Tree
variable, which already supports bundling of multiple vectors, including support for additional
attributes for such vectors.
The output range specification for a worksheet is usually in one of the following forms:
[Book]Sheet!, <new>, or <active>. If the output string does not have one of these usual booksheet specifications, then the output is automatically considered to be a LabTalk Tree name.
The following is an example featuring the avecurves X-Function. In this example, the resulting
ReportData object is first output to a tree variable, and then one vector from that tree is placed
at a specific column-location within the same sheet that houses the input data. ReportData
output typically defaults to a new sheet.
int nn = 10;
col(1)=data(1,20); //fill some data
loop(i,3,nn){wcol(i)=normal(20);};
range ay=col(2); //for 'avecurves' Y-output
Tree tr; // output Tree
avecurves (1,3:end) rd:=tr;
// Assign tree node (vector) 'aveY' to the range 'ay'.
// Use 'tr.=' to see the tree structure.
ay=tr.Result.aveY;
ay[L]$="Ave Y"; // set its LongName
// Plot the raw data as scatter-plot using the default-X.
plotxy (?,3:end) p:=201;
// Add the data in range 'ay' to the same as line-plot.
plotxy ay o:=<active> p:=200;

Sending ReportData Directly to a Specific Book/Sheet/Column Location

If you are happy with simply putting the result from the X-Function into the input sheet as new
columns, then you can also do the following:
avecurves (1,2:5) rd:=[<input>]<input>!<new>;

Or if you would like to specify a particular column of the input sheet in which to put the
ReportData output, you may specify that as well:
avecurves (1,2:5) rd:=[<input>]<input>!Col(3);

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

239

11.1 X-Functions

Subsequent access to the data is more complicated, as you will need to write additional code
to find these new columns.
Realize that output of the ReportData type will contain different amounts
(columns) of data depending on the specific X-Function being used. If you are
sending the results to an existing sheet, be careful not to overwrite existing data
with the ReportData columns that are generated.

11.1.3 X-Function Execution Options

X-Function Option Switches
The following option switches are useful when accessing X-Functions from script:
Switch

240

Full Name

Function

-cf

--

Copy column format of the input range, and apply it to the

output range.

-d

-dialog

Brings up a dialog to select X-Function parameters.

-db

--

Variation of dialog; Brings up the X-Function dialog as a panel

in the current workbook.

-dc IsCancel

--

Variation of dialog; Brings up a dialog to select X-Function

parameters. Set IsCancel to 0 if click the OK button, set to 1 if
click the Cancel button. When clicking the Cancel button, no
error message like #User Abort! dumps to Script Window and
the script after X-Function can be executed.

-h

-help

Prints the contents of the help file to the Script window.

-hn

--

Loads and compiles the X-Function without doing anything

else. If the X-Function has already been compiled and loaded,
it will do nothing.

-hs

--

Variation of -h; Prints only the Script Usage Examples.

-ht

--

Variation of -h; Prints only the Treenode information, if any

exists.

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

11.1.3 X-Function Execution Options

-hv

--

Variation of -h; Prints only the Variable list.

-hx

--

Variation of -h; Prints only the related X-Function information.

-r 1

-recalculate 1

Sets the output to automatically recalculate if input changes.

-r 2

-recalculate 2

Sets the output to recalculate only when manually prompted to

do so.

-s

-silent

Runs in silent mode; results are not sent to Results log.

-sb

--

Variation of -s; suppresses error messages and Results log

output.

-se

--

Variation of -s; suppresses error messages, does not suppress

Results log output.

-sl

-silent

Same as -s.

-ss

--

Variation of -s; suppresses info messages to the script window.

-t <Name>

-theme

Uses the designated preset theme.

Recalculate is not supported when <input> is used an an <output>.

For options with an existing Full Name, either the shortened switch name or the full name may
be used in script. For instance, for the X-Function smooth,
smooth -h

is the same as
smooth -help

Examples
Using a Theme
Use the theme named FivePtAdjAve to perform a smoothing operation on the XY data in
columns 1 and 2 of the active worksheet.
smooth (1,2) -t FivePtAdjAve

Note: A path does not need to be specified for the theme file since Origin automatically saves
and retrieves your themes. Themes saved in one project (*.OPJ) will be available for use in
other projects as well.
Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

241

11.1 X-Functions

Setting Recalculate Mode

Set the output column of the freqcounts X-Function to automatically recalculate when data in
the input column changes.
freqcounts irng:=col(1) min:=0 max:=50 stepby:=increment inc:=5
end:=0 count:=1 center:=1 cumulcount:=0 rd:=col(4) -r 1;
// Set Recalculate to Auto with '-r 1'.

Open X-Function Dialog

While running an X-Function from script it may be desirable to open the dialog to interactively
supply input. In this simple example, we perform a smoothing operation using a percentile filter
(method:=2) and specifying a moving window width of 25 data points. Additionally, we open the
dialog (-d) associated with the smooth X-Function allowing the selection of input and output
data, among other options.
smooth method:=2 npts:=25 -d

Copy Format from Input to Output

Use an FFT filter with the -cf option switch to format the output data to match that of the input
data:
// Import a *.wav file; imported *.wav data format is short(2).
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Signal Processing\sample.wav";
newbook s:=0; newsheet col:=1; impWav options.SparkLines:=0;
string bkn$=%H;
// By default, all analysis results are output as datatype double.
// -cf is used here to make sure the output data to be short(2)
fft_filters -cf [bkn$]1!col(1) cutoff:=2000
oy:=(<input>,<new name:="Lowpass Sound Frequency">);

11.1.4 X-Function Exception Handling

The example below illustrates trapping an X-Function error with LabTalk, so that an XFunction call that is likely to generate an error does not break your entire script.
For X-Functions that do not return an error code, two functions exist to check for errors in the
last executed X-Function: xf_get_last_error_code() and xf_get_last_error_message()$.
These functions should be used in situations where the potential exists that a particular XFunction could fail.
In this example, the user is given the option of selecting a file for import, but if that import fails
(e.g. user picked file type inappropriate for the import) we need to handle the remaining code.
dlgfile gr:=*.txt; // Get the file name and path from user
impasc -se; // The fname$ was set by the previous function
if( 0 != xf_get_last_error_code() )
{

242

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

11.2.1 Loading and Compiling Origin C Functions

strError$ = "XFunction Failed: " + xf_get_last_error_message()$;
type strError$;
break 1;

// Stop execution

}
// Data import probably succeeded, so our script can continue
type continuing...;

Note the use of the general X-Function option -se to suppress error messages. You can also
use -sl to suppress error logging and -sb to suppress both.

Looping Over to Find Peaks

In the following example, we loop over all columns in a worksheet to find peaks. If no peak is
found in a particular column, the script continues with the rest of the columns. It is assumed
here that a worksheet with suitable data is active.
for(int ii=2; ii<=wks.ncols; ii++)
{
// Find peak in current column, suppress error message from XF
Dataset mypeaks;
pkfind $(ii) ocenter:=mypeaks -se;
// Check to see if XF failed
if( 0 != xf_get_last_error_code() )
{
type "Failed on column $(ii): %(xf_get_last_error_message()$)";
}
else
{
type Found $(mypeaks.getsize()) peaks in column $(ii);
}
}

11.2 Origin C Functions

The following subsections detail how to call Origin C functions from your LabTalk scripts.

11.2.1 Loading and Compiling Origin C Functions

Loading and Compiling Origin C Function or Workspace
Before you call your Origin C function from Origin, your function must be compiled and linked in
the current Origin session. To programmatically compile and link a source file, or to
Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

243

11.2 Origin C Functions

programmatically build a workspace from a LabTalk script use the run.loadOC method of the
LabTalk run object.
err = run.LoadOC("myFile",[option]);

Example
Use option to scan the .h files in the OC file being loaded, and all other dependent OC files are
also loaded automatically:
if(run.LoadOC(OriginLab\iw_filter.c, 16) != 0)
{
type "Failed to load iw_filter.c!";
return 0;
}

Adding Origin C Source Files to System Folder

Once a file has been opened in Code Builder, one can simply drag and drop the file to the
System branch of the Code Builder workspace. This will then ensure that the file will be loaded
and compiled in each new Origin session. For more details, please refer to Code Builder
documentation.
You can programmatically add a source file to the system folder so that it will be available
anytime Origin is run.
run.addOC(C:\Program Files\Originlab\Source Code\MyFunctions.c);

This can be useful when distributing tools to users or making permanently available functions
that have been designed to work with Set Column Values.

Adding Origin C Files to Project (OPJ)

Origin C files (or files with any extension/type) can also be appended to the Origin project
(OPJ) file itself. The file will then be saved with the OPJ and extracted when the project is
opened. In case of Origin C files, the file is then also compiled and linked, and functions within
the file are available for access. To append a file to the project, simply drag and drop the file to
the Project branch of Code Builder or right-click on Project branch and add the file. For more
details, please refer to Code Builder documentation.

11.2.2 Passing Variables To and From Origin C Functions

When calling a function of any type it is often necessary to pass variables to that function and
likewise receive variables output by the function. The following summarizes the syntax and
characteristics of passing LabTalk variables to Origin C functions.

244

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

11.2.2 Passing Variables To and From Origin C Functions

Syntax for calling Origin C Function from LabTalk

Origin C functions are called from LabTalk with syntax such as:
// separate parameters by commas (,) if more than one
int iret = myfunc(par1, par2....);
// no need for parentheses and comma if there is no assignment
myfunc par1;
// function returns no value, and no parameter, parentheses optional
myfunc;

Variable Types Supported for Passing To and From LabTalk

The following table lists variable types that can be passed to and from LabTalk when calling an
Origin C Function:
Variable Type

Argument to OC Function

Return from OC Function

double

Yes

Yes

int

Yes

Yes

bool

No, pass int instead

No, return int instead

string

Yes

Yes

int, double array

Yes

Yes

string array

Yes, but cannot pass by reference

Yes

Note:
1.
2.

The maximum number of arguments that Origin C function can have to call from LabTalk is
20.
LabTalk variables can be passed to Origin C numeric function by reference.

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

245

11.2 Origin C Functions

11.2.3 Updating an Existing Origin C File

Introduction
There are cases where a group leader or a developer wants to release a new version of an
Origin C file to other Origin users. In such cases, if the end users have already installed an
older version of the Origin C file, they will have a corresponding .OCB file in their User Files
Folder (UFF). It is possible that the time stamp of the new Origin C file is older than the time
stamp of the .OCB file. When this happens Origin will think the .OCB file is already updated
and will not recompile the new Origin C file. To avoid this possible scenario it is best to delete
the .OCB file when the new Origin C file is installed. Once deleted, Origin will be forced to
remake the .OCB file and will do so by compiling the new Origin C file.

Manually Deleting OCB Files

The OCB file corresponding to the Origin C file in question, can be manually deleted from the
OCTEMP folder in the Users Files Folder on the end user's computer. Depending on the
location of the Origin C file, it is possible for the OCB file to be in nested subfolders within the
OCTemp folder. Once located, the end user can delete the OCB file and rebuild their
workspace to create an updated OCB file.

Programmatically Deleting OCB Files

A group leader or developer can programmatically delete the corresponding OCB files using
LabTalk's Delete command with the OCB option. This is very useful when distributing Origin C
files in an Origin package and it is not acceptable to have the end user manually delete the
.OCB files.
Below are some examples of how to call LabTalk's Delete command with the OCB option:
del -ocb filepathname1.c
del -ocb filepathname1.ocw
del -ocb filepathname1.c filepathname2.c // delete multiple files
del -ocb %YOCTEMP\filename.c // use %Y to get to the Users Files Folder

11.2.4 Using Origin C Functions

To extend the functions, you can also define an Origin C function which returns a single value,
and call the function from command window. For example, you can define a function in the
code builder as follows:
double MyFunc (double x)
{
return sin(x) + cos(x);
}

After compiling, you can call the function in the command window with the following:
Col(B) = MyFunc(Col(A));

246

Calling X-Functions and Origin C Functions

12 Analysis and Applications

Origin supports functions that are valuable to certain types of data analysis and specific
mathematic and scientific applications. The following sections provide examples on how to use
some of these functions, broken down by categories of use.

12.1 Mathematics
In this section we feature examples of four common mathematical tasks in data processing:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Differentiation
Integration
Interpolation
Averaging Multiple Curves

12.1.1 Average Multiple Curves

Multiple curves (XY data pairs) can be averaged to create a single curve, using the avecurves
X-Function. This X-Function provides several options such as using the input X values for the
output curve, or generating uniformly spaced X values for the output and then interpolating the
input Y data before averaging.
The following example demonstrates averaging with linear interpolation:
// Load sample data using existing 'loadDSC.ogs' script
string fpath$ = "Samples\LabTalk Script Examples\LoadDSC.ogs";
string LoadPath$=system.path.program$ + fpath$;
// If the data does not load properly, then stop script execution.
if(!run.section(%(LoadPath$), Main, 0)) break 1;
// Data should now be loaded now into the active workbook ...
// Get the name of the active workbook, %H points to the active workbook
string dscBook$=%H;
// Perform average on all data using linear interpolation
avecurves iy:=[dscBook$](1:end)!(1,2)
rd:=[<input>]<new name:="Averaged Data">!
method:=ave
interp:=linear;

Once averaged, the data and the result can be plotted:

// plot all the data and the averaged curve, using the plotxy X-Function:
plotxy [dscBook$](1:end)!(1,2) plot:=200;

247

12.1 Mathematics

12.1.2 Differentiation
Finding the Derivative
The following example shows how to calculate the derivative of a dataset. Note that the
differentiate X-Function is used, and that it allows higher-order derivatives as well:
// Import the data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "\Samples\Spectroscopy\HiddenPeaks.dat";
impasc;
// Calculate the 1st and 2nd derivatives of the data in Column 2:
// Output defaults to the next available column, Column 3
differentiate iy:=Col(2);
// Output goes into Column 4 by default
differentiate iy:=Col(2) order:=2;
// Plot the source data and the results
// Each plot uses Column 1 as its x-values
plotstack iy:=((1,2), (1,3), (1,4)) order:=top;

Finding the Derivative with Smoothing

The differentiate X-Function also allows you to obtain the derivatives using Savitzky-Golay
smoothing. If you want to use this capability, set the smooth variable to 1. Then you can
customize the smoothing by specifying the polynomial order and the points of window used in
the Savitzky-Golay smoothing method. The example below illustrates this.
// Import a sample data with noise
newbook;
fpath$ = "\Samples\Signal Processing\fftfilter1.DAT";
fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impasc;
bkname$=%h;
// Differentiate using Savitsky-Golay smoothing
differentiate iy:=col(2) smooth:=1 poly:=1 npts:=30;
// Plot the source data and the result
newpanel row:=2;

248

Analysis and Applications

12.1.3 Integration
plotxy iy:=[bkname$]1!2 plot:=200 ogl:=1;
plotxy iy:=[bkname$]1!3 plot:=200 ogl:=2;

12.1.3 Integration
The integ1 X-Function is capable of finding the area under a curve using integration. Both
mathematical and absolute areas can be computed. In the following example, the absolute
area is calculated:
//Import a sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Mathematics\Sine Curve.dat";
impasc;
//Calculate the absolute area of the curve and plot the integral curve
integ1 iy:=col(2) type:=abs plot:=1;

Once the integration is performed, the results can be obtained from the integ1 tree variable:
// Dump the integ1 tree
integ1.=;
// Get a specific value
double area = integ1.area;

The X-Function also allows specifying variable names for quantities of interest, such as:
double myarea, ymax, xmax;
integ1 iy:=col(2) type:=abs plot:=1 area:=myarea y0:=ymax x0:=xmax;
type "area=$(myarea) %(CRLF)ymax=$(ymax) %(CRLF)xmax=$(xmax)";

Integration of two-dimensional data in a matrix can also be performed using the integ2 XFunction. This X-Function computes the volume beneath the surface defined by the matrix,
with respect to the z=0 plane.
// Perform volume integration of 1st matrix object in first matrix sheet
range rmat=[MBook1]1!1;
integ2 im:=rmat integral:=myresult;
type "Volume integration result: $(myresult)";

12.1.4 Interpolation
Interpolation is one of the more common mathematical functions performed on data, and Origin
supports interpolation in two ways: (1) interpolation of single values and datasets through
range notation and (2) interpolation of entire curves by X-Functions.
Method (1) requires that the independent variable be monotonically increasing or decreasing,
whereas method (2) supports interpolation with a non-monotonic independent variable.
Examples of each follow.
Analysis and Applications

249

12.1 Mathematics

Finding Y given X using XY Datasets

An XY Range can be used as a function. The argument to this function can be a scalar or a
vector. In either case, the X dataset should be monotonically increasing or decreasing.

Scalar Calculation
From Worksheet Data
With XY data in a worksheet, single interpolated Y values can be obtained at any X value using
code such as:
// Generate some data
newbook;
col(1)={1, 2, 3, 4};
col(2)={2, 3, 5, 6};
// Define range on Y column
range r2 = 2, r1 = 1;
// Find Y value by linear interpolation at a specified X value.
r2(1.23,r1) = ;

// ANS: R2(1.23,R1)=2.23

By default, when range is used as a function, the Y value is calculated based on the associated
X values. Therefore, in the example above, since Column 1 is the default X column unless
otherwise assigned, r1 is actually redundant, and the last line could be replaced by
r2(1.23)=

and the same result would be obtained. This is not true for any two columns.
In the case that no associated X values exist, the Y value will be calculated using the row
numbers as X values.
From Graph Data
In the above case linear interpolation, which is the default interpolation method, is performed.
This syntax for interpolation also works with XY data that is plotted in a graph, and, in that
case, the interpolation method will use the line connection style of that graph (i.e., linear,
spline, or b-spline).
plotxy (1,2) plot:=202;
// Define range on active plot
range rg = %c;
// Output Y value at x=3.54
rg(3.54)=;

Change the line style to spline using the set command:

set %c -l 9;

Further interpolation will now use the line connection style as the interpolation method:
rg(3.54)=;

250

Analysis and Applications

12.1.4 Interpolation

Vector Calculation
From Worksheet Data
You can enter more than one X value into a column in your worksheet. That data range can
then be passed as an argument. In this case, since the input is a range, the output must be
assigned to a column of data.
range rInY = 2;
range rOutX = 3;
range rOutY = 4;
rOutY = rInY(rOutX);

The result above can also be obtained with the Table function. Instead of using the defined
ranges, Table takes the column names as arguments:
Col(4) = Table(Col(1), Col(2), Col(3))

Note that in the example using range notation, the input X values are assumed to reside in
column 1.
From Graph Data
You can also interpolate an entire vector using graph data as input. For example, say you want
to interpolate new Y values given X values that you know, and based on data that you have in
a particular graph. First, make the desired graph window active. Then enter a script such as:
// Give the location of the new X values:
range newX = [Book2]1!1;
// Give the location where the new Y values (output) should go:
range newY = [Book2]1!2;
// Select the data from the graph using range -w:
range -w inputY = 1;
// 1 = first dataplot in the layer
// Compute the new Y values:
newY = inputY(newX);

Finding X given Y using XY Datasets

To find X values given Y values, simply reverse the arguments in the examples above. In the
case of finding X given Y, the Y dataset should be monotonically increasing or decreasing.
In the first scalar case, using the same input data ranges:
r1(5.5, r2) =

// ANS: R1(5.5,R2)=3.5

In the vector case, using range notation:

range rInX = 1, rInY = 2, rOutX = 3, rOutY = 4;
rOutX = rInX(rOutY, rInY);

Note here that the input Y range cannot be left implicit when obtaining X values from Y values,
since X columns do not have a default Y column associated with them.
And in the vector case, using the Table function:
Col(3) = Table(Col(2), Col(1), Col(4));

Analysis and Applications

251

12.1 Mathematics

Creating Interpolated Curves

XY Range Variable Interpolation
In this new notation, an XY range is declared, with the X and Y columns controlled from the
declaration, for example:
// Declare an XYRange with X column from col(2) and Y column from col(1)
range aa=(2,1);

You can then use this range variable as a function with the following form:
xyr(x[,connect[,param]])
where connect is one of the following:
line
a straight line connection, param will be ignored
spline
a spline connection, param will be supported (not yet supported in 8.1)
bspline
a b-spline connection, param is the smoothing parameter. If param=-1, then a simple
bspline that is also used in the line plot is used. If param >=0, the NAG
nag_1d_spline_function is used.

The following code illustrates the usage of the various smoothing parameters for bspline:
col(1)=data(1,9);
col(2)=normal(9);
col(3)=data(1,9,0.01);
wks.col3.type = 4;

// Establish Col(3) as X values

range bb=(1,2);
col(4)=bb(col(3),bspline,-1);

// Same as graph

loop(i, 5, 10) {
wcol(i)=bb(col(3), bspline, 0.02*i);
}

X-Functions for Interpolation of Curves

Origin provides three X-Functions for interpolating XY data and creating a new output XY data
pair:
Name

252

Brief Description

interp1xy

Perform interpolation of XY data and generate output at uniformly spaced

X

interp1

Perform interpolation of XY data and generate output at a given set of X

values

interp1trace

Perform interpolation of XY data that is not monotonic in X

Analysis and Applications

12.1.4 Interpolation

Using Existing X Dataset

The following example shows how to use an existing X dataset to find interpolated Y values:
// Create a new workbook with specific column designations
newbook sheet:=0;
newsheet cols:=4 xy:="XYXY";
// Import a sample data file
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Mathematics\Interpolation.dat";
impasc;
// Interpolate the data in col(1) and col(2) with the X values in col(3)
range rResult=col(4);
interp1 ix:=col(3) iy:=(col(1), col(2)) method:=linear ox:=rResult;
//Plot the original data and the result
plotxy iy:=col(2) plot:=202 color:=1;
plotxy iy:=rResult plot:=202 color:=2 size:=5 ogl:=1;

Uniformly Spaced X Output

The following example performs interpolation by generating uniformly spaced X output:
//Create a new workbook and import a data file
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Mathematics\Sine Curve.dat";
newbook;
impasc;
//Interpolate the data in column 2
interp1xy iy:=col(2) method:=bspline npts:=50;
range rResult = col(3);
//Plot the original data and the result
plotxy iy:=col(2) plot:=202 color:=1;
plotxy iy:=rResult plot:=202 color:=2 size:=5 ogl:=1;

Interpolating Non-Monotonic Data

The following example performs trace interpolation on data where X is not monotonic:
//Create a new workbook and import the data file
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Mathematics\circle.dat";
newbook;
impasc;
//Interpolate the circular data in column 2 with trace interpolation
interp1trace iy:=Col(2) method:=bspline;
range rResult= col(4);
//Plot the original data and the result

Analysis and Applications

253

12.2 Statistics
plotxy iy:=col(2) plot:=202 color:=1;
plotxy iy:=rResult plot:=202 color:=2 size:=1 ogl:=1;

Note that the interpolation X-Functions can also be used for extrapolating Y values outside of
the X range of the input data.

Matrix Interpolation
The minterp2 X-Function can be used to perform interpolation/extrapolation of matrices.
// Create a new matrix book and import sample data;
newbook mat:=1;
filepath$ = "Samples\Matrix Conversion and Gridding\Direct.dat";
string fname$=system.path.program$ + filepath$;
impasc;
// Interpolate to a matrix with 10 times the x and y size of the original
range rin = 1; // point to matrix with input data;
int nx, ny;
nx = rin.ncols * 10;
ny = rin.nrows * 10;
minterp2 method:=bicubic cols:=nx rows:=ny ;

OriginPro also offers the interp3 X-Function which can be used to perform interpolation on 4dimensional scatter data.

12.2 Statistics
This is an example-based section demonstrating support for several types of statistical tests
implemented in script through X-Function calls.

12.2.1 Descriptive statistics

Origin provides several X-Functions to compute descriptive statistics, some of the most
common are:
Name

254

Brief Description

colstats

Columnwise statistics

corrcoef

Correlation Coefficient

freqcounts

Frequency counts of a data set.

Analysis and Applications

12.2.1 Descriptive statistics

mstats

Compute descriptive statistics on a matrix

rowstats

Statistics of a row of data

stats

Treat selected columns as a complete dataset; compute statistics of the dataset.

For a full description of each of these X-Functions and its inputs and outputs, please see the
Descriptive Statistics.

Descriptive Statistics on Columns and Rows

The colstats X-Function can perform statistics on columns. By default, it outputs the mean, the
standard deviation, the number of data points and the median of each input column. But you
can customize the output by assigning different values to the variables. In the following
example, colstats is used to calculate the means, the standard deviations, the standard errors
of the means, and the medians of four columns.
//Import a sample data with four columns
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\nitrogen_raw.txt";
impasc;
//Perform statistics on column 1 to 4
colstats irng:=1:4 sem:=<new> n:=<none>;

The rowstats X-Function can be used in a similar way. The following example calculates the
means, the standard deviations and the sums of row 1 and 2 of the active worksheet; the
results are placed in columns to the immediate right of the input data.
//Import a sample data with four columns
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\rowttest2.dat";
impasc;
//Row statistics
rowstats irng:=col(1)[1]:col(end)[2] sum:=<new>;

Frequency Count
If you want to calculate the frequency counts of a range of data, use the freqcounts XFunction.
//Open a sample workbook
%a = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\Body.ogw";
doc -a %a;

Analysis and Applications

255

12.2 Statistics
//Count the frequency of the data in column 4
freqcounts irng:=4 min:=35 max:=75 stepby:=increment intervals:=5;

Correlation Coefficient
corrcoef X-Function can be used to compute the correlation coefficient between two datasets.
//import a sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\automobile.dat";
impasc;
//Correlation Coefficient
corrcoef irng:= (col(c):col(g)) rt:= <new name:=corr>

12.2.2 Hypothesis Testing

Origin supports the following set of X-Functions for hypothesis testing:
Name

Brief Description

ttest1

Compare the sample mean to the hypothesized population mean.

ttest2

Compare the sample means of two samples.

ttestpair

Determine whether two sample means are equal in the case that they are matched.

vartest1

Determine whether the sample variance is equal to a specified value.

vartest2

Determine whether two sample variances are equal.

For a full description of these X-functions, including input and output arguments, please see
the Hypothesis Testing.

One-Sample T-Test
If you need to know whether the mean value of a sample is consistent with a hypothetical value
for a given confidence level, consider using the one-sample T-test. Note that this test
assumes that the sample is a normally distributed population. Before we apply the one-sample
T-test, we should verify this assumption.

256

Analysis and Applications

12.2.3 Nonparametric Tests

//Import a sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\diameter.dat";
impasc;
//Normality test
swtest irng:=col(a) prob:=p1;
if (p1 < 0.05)
{
type "The sample is not likely to follow a normal distribution."
}
else
{
// Test whether the mean is 21
ttest1 irng:=col(1) mean:=21 tail:=two prob:=p2;
if (p2 < 0.05) {
type "At the 0.05 level, the population mean is";
type "significantly different from 21."; }
else {
type "At the 0.05 level, the population mean is NOT";
type "significantly different from 21."; }
}

Two-Sample T-Test
The rowttest2 X-Function can be used to perform a two-sample T-test on rows. The following
example demonstrates how to compute the corresponding probability value for each row:
// Import sample data
newbook;
string fpath$ = "Samples\Statistics\ANOVA\Two-Way_ANOVA_raw.dat";
fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impasc;
// Two-sample T-test on a row
rowttest2 irng1:=(col(a):col(c)) irng2:=(col(d):col(f))
tail:=two prob:=<new>;

12.2.3 Nonparametric Tests

Hypothesis tests are parametric tests when they assume the population follows some specific
distribution (such as normal) with a set of parameters. If you don't know whether your data
Analysis and Applications

257

12.2 Statistics

follows normal distribution or you have confirmed that your data do not follow normal
distribution, you should use nonparametric tests.
Origin provides support for the following X-Functions for non-parametric analysis:
Name

Brief Description

signrank1

Test whether the location (median) of a population distribution is the

same with a specified value

signrank2/sign2

Test whether or not the medians of the paired populations are equal.
Input data should be in raw format.

mwtest/kstest2

Test whether the two samples have identical distribution. Input data
should be Indexed.

kwanova/mediantest

Test whether different samples' medians are equal, Input data should be
arranged in index mode.

friedman

Compares three or more paired groups. Input data should be arranged

in index.

As an example, we want to compare the height of boys and girls in high school.
//import a sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\body.dat";
impasc;
//Mann-Whitney Test for Two Sample
//output result to a new sheet named mynw
mwtest irng:=(col(c), col(d)) tail:=two rt:=<new name:=mynw>;
//get result from output result sheet
page.active$="mynw";
getresults tr:=mynw;
//Use the result to draw conclusion
if (mynw.Stats.Stats.C3 <= 0.05); //if probability is less than 0.05
{
type "At 0.05 level, height of boys and girls are different.";
//if median of girls height is larger than median of boy's height
if (mynw.DescStats.R1.Median >= mynw.DescStats.R2.Median)
type "girls are taller than boys.";

258

Analysis and Applications

12.2.4 Survival Analysis

else
type "boys are taller than girls."
}
else
{
type "The girls are as tall as the boys."
}

12.2.4 Survival Analysis

Survival Analysis is widely used in the biosciences to quantify survivorship in a population
under study. Origin supports three widely used tests:
Name

Brief Description

kaplanmeier

Kaplan-Meier (product-limit) Estimator

phm_cox

Cox Proportional Hazards Model

weibullfit

Weibull Fit

For a full description of these X-functions, including input and output arguments, please see
the Survival Analysis.

Kaplan-Meier Estimator
If you want to estimate the survival ratio, create survival plots and compare the quality of
survival functions, use the kaplanmeier X-Function. It uses product-limit method to estimate
the survival function, and supports three methods for testing the equality of the survival
function: Log Rank, Breslow and Tarone-Ware.
As an example, scientists are looking for a better medicine for cancer resistance. After
exposing some rats to carcinogen DMBA, they apply different medicine to two different groups
of rats and record their survival status for the first 60 hours. They wish to quantify the
difference in survival rates between the two medicines.
// Import sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\SurvivedRats.dat";
impasc;
//Perform Kaplan-Meier Analysis
kaplanmeier irng:=(1,2,3) censor:=0 logrank:=1
rd:=<new name:="sf">

Analysis and Applications

259

12.2 Statistics
rt:=<new name:="km">;
//Get result from survival report tree
getresults tr:=mykm iw:="km";
if (mykm.comp.logrank.prob <= 0.05)
{
type "The two medicines have significantly different"
type "effects on survival at the 0.05 level ...";
type "Please see the survival plot.";
//Plot survival Function
page.active$="sf";
plotxy iy:=(?, 1:end) plot:=200 o:=[<new template:=survivalsf>];
}
else
{
type "The two medicines are not significantly different.";
}

Cox Proportional Hazard Regression

The phm_cox X-Function can be used to obtain the parameter estimates and other statistics
associated with the Cox Proportional hazards model for fixed covariates. It can then forecast
the change in the hazard rate along with several fixed covariates.
For example, we want to study on 66 patients with colorectal carcinoma to determine the
effective prognostic parameter and the best prognostic index (a prognostic parameter is a
parameter that determines whether a person has a certain illness). This script implements the
phm_cox X-Function to get the relevant statistics.
//import a sample data
newbook;
string fpath$ = "Samples\Statistics\ColorectalCarcinoma.dat";
fname$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
impasc option.hdr.LNames:=1
option.hdr.units:=0
option.hdr.CommsFrom:=2
option.hdr.CommsTo:=2;
//Perform Cox Regression
phm_Cox irng:=(col(1),col(2),col(3):end) censor:=0 rt:=<new name:="cox">;
//Get result from report tree

260

Analysis and Applications

12.3.1 Linear Fitting

page.active$="cox";
getresults tr:=cox;
type "Prognostic parameters determining colorectal carcinoma are:";
page.active$="ColorectalCarcinoma";
loop(ii, 1, 7)
{
// If probability is less than 0.05,
// we can say it is effective for survival time.
if (cox.paramestim.param$(ii).prob<=0.05)
type wks.col$(ii+2).comment$;
}

Weibull Fit
If it is known apriori that data are Weibull distributed, use the weibullfit X-Function to estimate
the weibull parameters.
//import a sample data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Statistics\Weibull Fit.dat ";
impasc;
//Perform Weibull Fit
weibullfit irng:=(col(a), col(b)) censor:=1;

12.3 Curve Fitting

The curve fitting features in Origin are some of the most popular and widely used. Many users
do not realize that the X-Functions performing the fitting calculations can be used just as easily
from script as they can from Origin's graphical user interfaces. The following sections address
curve fitting using LabTalk Script.

12.3.1 Linear Fitting

In LabTalk scripts, find a best fit straight line to a given data set using the fitLR X-function.
The following is an example of such linear fitting:
// Perform a linear fit on the first 10 data points (rows) in columns
// 1 and 2 of the active worksheet.
// Send the output (the best-fit line) to column 3 of the same worksheet.

Analysis and Applications

261

12.3 Curve Fitting

// fitLR assumes column 1 holds X values and column 2 holds Y values.
fitLR iy:=(1,2) N:=10 oy:=3;

For full documentation of the fitLR X-function, see the X-function Reference.
Polynomial fitting is a special case wherein the fitting function is mathematically non-linear, but
an analytical (non-iterative) solution is obtained. In LabTalk polynomial fitting can be controlled
with the fitpoly X-Function. The syntax is given by:
fitpoly iy:=(inputX,inputY) polyorder:=n coef:=columnNumber oy:=(outputX,outputY)
N:=numberOfPoints
As with all X-Functions, if the arguments are given in the exact order specified above, the input
and output variable names can be dropped, for example:
fitpoly (1,2) 4 3 (4,5) 100;

says fit a 4th order polynomial with 100 points to the X-Y data in columns 1 and 2 of the active
worksheet. Put the coefficients in column 3 and the X-Y pairs for the fit in columns 4 and 5 of
the active worksheet.
Additionally, more outputs are possible:
1.
2.
3.

Adjusted residual sum of squares (AdjRSq)

Coefficient of determination, R2 (RSqCOD)
Errors in polynomial coefficients (err)

12.3.2 Non-linear Fitting

Non-linear fitting in LabTalk is X-function based and proceeds in three steps, each calling (at
least) one X-function:
1.
2.
3.

[nlbegin] Begin the fitting process: define input data, type of fitting function, and input
parameters.
[nlfit] Perform the fit calculations
[nlend] Choose which parameters to output and in what format

Script Example
Here is a script example of the steps outlined above:
// Begin non-linear fitting, taking input data from Column 1 (X) and
// Column 2 (Y) of the active worksheet,
// specifying the fitting function as Gaussian,
// and creating the input parameter tree named ParamTree:
nlbegin iy:=(1,2) func:=gauss nltree:=ParamTree;
// Optional: let the peak center be fixed at X = 5
ParamTree.xc = 5;
// Assign the peak center an X-value of 5.
ParamTree.f_xc = 1;

// Fix the peak center (f_xc = 0 is unfixed).

// Perform the fit calculations:

nlfit;

262

Analysis and Applications

12.3.2 Non-linear Fitting

// Optional: report results to the Script Window.
type Baseline y0 is $(ParamTree.y0),;
type Peak Center is $(ParamTree.xc), and;
type Peak width (FWHM) is $(ParamTree.w);
// end the fitting session without a Report Sheet
nlend;

Notes on the Parameter Tree

The data tree that stores the fit parameters has many options besides the few mentioned in the
example above. The following script command allows you to see all of the tree nodes (names
and values) at one time, displaying them in the Script Window.
// To see the entire tree structure with values:
ParamTree.=;

Note: since the non-linear fitting procedure is iterative, parameter values for the fit that are not
fixed (by setting the fix option to zero in the parameter tree) can and will change from their
initial values. Initial parameters can be set manually, as illustrated in the example above by
accessing individual nodes of the parameter tree, or can be set automatically by Origin (see
the nlfn X-function in the table below).

Table of X-functions Supporting Non-Linear Fitting

In addition to the three given above, there are a few other X-functions that facilitate non-linear
fitting. The following table summarizes the X-functions used to control non-linear fitting:
Name

Brief Description

nlbegin

Start a LabTalk nlfit session on XY data from worksheet or graph

nlbeginm

Start a LabTalk nlfit session on matrix data from matrix object or graph

nlbeginz

Start a LabTalk nlfit session on XYZ data from worksheet or graph

nlfn

Set Automatic Parameter Initialization option

nlpara

Open the Parameter dialog for GUI editing of parameter values and bounds

Analysis and Applications

263

12.4 Signal Processing

nlfit

Perform iterations to fit the data

nlend

End the fitting session and optionally create a report

For a full description of each of these X-functions and its inputs and outputs, please see the Xfunction Reference.

Qualitative Differences from Linear Fitting

Unlike linear fitting, a non-linear fit involves solving equations to which there is no analytical
solution, thus requiring an iterative approach. But the idea---calling X-functions to perform the
analysis---is the same. Whereas a linear fit can be performed in just one line of script with just
one X-function call (see the Linear Fitting section), a non-linear fit requires calling at least three
X-functions.

12.4 Signal Processing

Origin provides a collection of X-functions for signal processing, ranging from smoothing noisy
data to Fourier Transform (FFT), Short-time FFT, Convolution and Correlation, FFT Filtering,
and Wavelet analysis.
These X-Functions are available under the Signal Processing category and can be listed by
typing the following command:
lx cat:="signal processing*";

Some functionality such as Short-time FFT and Wavelets are only available in OriginPro.
The following sections provide some short examples of calling the signal processing XFunctions from script.

12.4.1 Smoothing
Smoothing noisy data can be performed by using the smooth X-Function.
// Smooth the XY data in columns 1,2 of the worksheet
// using SavitzkyGolay method with a third order polynomial
range r=(1,2); // assume worksheet active with XY data
smooth iy:=r meth:=sg poly:=3;

To smooth all plots in a layer, you can loop over the plots as below:
// Count the number of data plots in the layer and save result in
//variable "count"
layer -c;
// Get the name of this Graph page
string gname$ = %H;

264

Analysis and Applications

12.4.2 FFT and Filtering

// Create a new book named smooth - actual name is stored in bkname$
newbook na:=Smoothed;
// Start with no columns
wks.ncols=0;
loop(ii,1,count) {
// Input Range refers to 'ii'th plot
range riy = [gname$]!$(ii);
// Output Range refers to two, new columns
range roy = [bkname$]!($(ii*2-1),$(ii*2));
// Savitsky-Golay smoothing using third order polynomial
smooth iy:=riy meth:=sg poly:=3 oy:=roy;
}

12.4.2 FFT and Filtering

The following example shows how to perform 1D FFT of data using the fft1 X-Function.
// Import a sample file
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Signal Processing\fftfilter1.dat";
impasc;
// Perform FFT and get output into a named tree
Tree myfft;
fft1 ix:=2 rd:=myfft rt:=<none>;
// You can list all trees using the command: list vt

Once you have results in a tree, you can do further analysis on the output such as:
// Copy desired tree vector nodes to datasets
// Locate the peak and mean frequency components
dataset tmp_x=myfft.fft.freq;
dataset tmp_y=myfft.fft.amp;
// Perform stats and output results
percentile = {0:10:100};
diststats iy:=(tmp_x, tmp_y) percent:=percentile;
type "The mean frequency is $(diststats.mean)";

The following example shows how to perform signal filtering using the fft_filters X-Function:
// Import some data with noise and create graph
newbook;
string filepath$ = "Samples\Signal Processing\";
string filename$ = "Signal with High Frequency Noise.dat";
fname$ = system.path.program$ + filepath$ + filename$;
impasc;
plotxy iy:=(1,2) plot:=line;

Analysis and Applications

265

12.5 Peaks and Baseline

// Perform low pass filtering
fft_filters filter:=lowpass cutoff:=1.5;

12.5 Peaks and Baseline

This section deals with Origin's X-Functions that perform peak and baseline calculations,
especially valuable for analyses pertaining to spectroscopy.

12.5.1 X-Functions For Peak Analysis

The following table lists the X-Functions available for peak analysis. You can obtain more
information on these functions from the X-Function Reference help file.
Name

266

Brief Description

pa

Perform peak analysis with a pre-saved Peak Analyzer theme file.

paMultiY

Perform batch processing of peak analysis on multiple Y datasets

pkFind

Pick peaks.

fitpeaks

Fit multiple peaks.

blauto

Create baseline anchor points.

interp1xy

Interpolate the baseline anchor points to create baseline.

subtract_ref

Subtract existing baseline dataset from source data.

smooth

Smooth the input prior to performing peak analysis.

integ1

Perform integration on the selected range or peak.

Analysis and Applications

12.5.2 Creating a Baseline

For peaks that do not require baseline treatment or other advanced options, you
can also use peak functions to perform nonlinear fitting. For more information
on non-linear fitting from script, please see the Curve Fitting section.
The following sections provide examples on peak analysis.

12.5.2 Creating a Baseline

This example imports a sample data file and creates baseline anchor points using the blauto
X-Function.
newbook;
filepath$ = "Samples\Spectroscopy\Peaks on Exponential Baseline.dat";
fname$ = system.path.program$ + filepath$;
impASC;
//Create 20 baseline anchor points
range rData = (1,2), rBase =(3, 4);
blauto iy:=rData number:=20 oy:=rBase;

Plot the data and anchor points in same graph:

// plot a line graph of the data
plotxy rData 200 o:=[<new>];
// plot baseline pts to same layer as scatter
plotxy rBase 201 color:=2 o:=1!;

12.5.3 Finding Peaks

This example uses the pkfind X-Function to find peaks in XY data:
// Import sample pulse data
newbook;
fname$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Spectroscopy\Sample Pulses.dat";
impASC;
// Find all positive peaks above a peak height value of 0.2
range rin=(1,2);
range routx = 3, routy=4;
pkfind iy:=rin dir:=p method:=max npts:=5 filter:=h value:=0.2
ocenter:=<none> ocenter_x:=routx ocenter_y:=routy;

Now graph the data as line plot and the peak x,y as scatter:
plotxy iy:=rin plot:=200;
// Set x output column as type X and plot the Y column
routx.type = 4;
plotxy iy:=routy plot:=201 color:=2 o:=1;

Analysis and Applications

267

12.6 Image Processing

12.5.4 Integrating and Fitting Peaks

X-Functions specific to the goals of directly integrating peaks, or fitting multiple peaks, do not
exist. Therefore, to perform peak fitting or integration, one must first use the Peak Analyzer
dialog to create and save a theme file. Once a theme file has been saved, the pa or paMultiY
X-Functions can be utilized to perform integration and peak fitting from script.

12.6 Image Processing

Origin offers enhanced image processing capabilities compared with earlier versions of Origin.
A few examples of basic image processing are shown below, along with LabTalk scripts for
performing the necessary tasks.
To view a list of all X-Functions available for image processing, please type the following
command:
lx cat:="image*";

Some of the X-Functions are only available in OriginPro.

12.6.1 Rotate and Make Image Compact

This example rotates, trims the margins, and applies an auto-level to make the image more
compact and clear. ,

//Create a new folder in the Project Explorer

pe_mkdir RotateTrim path:=aa$;
pe_cd aa$;
//Create a matrix and import an image into it
window -t m;
string fpath$ = "samples\Image Processing and Analysis\rice.bmp";

268

Analysis and Applications

12.6.1 Rotate and Make Image Compact

string fname$ = System.path.program$ + fpath$;
impimage;
window -r %h Original;
//Get the dimension of the original image
matrix -pg DIM nCol1 nRow1;
window -d;

//Duplicate the image

window -r %h Modified;
imgRotate angle:=42;
imgTrim t:=17;
matrix -pg DIM nCol2 nRow2; //Get the dimension of the modified image
imgAutoLevel;// Apply auto leveling to image
window -s T;

//Tile the windows horizontally

//Report
window -n n Report;
old = type.redirection;
type.redirection = 2;
type.notes$=Report;
type "Dimension of the original image: ";
type "
$(nCol1) * $(nRow1)\r\n";
// "754 * 668"
type "Dimension of the modified image: ";
// "688 * 601"
type "
$(nCol2) * $(nRow2)\r\n";
type.redirection = old;
}

Analysis and Applications

269

12.6 Image Processing

12.6.2 Edge Detection

Subtract background from Cells image then detect the edges.

//Create a new folder in the Project Explorer

pe_mkdir EdgeDetection path:=aa$;
pe_cd aa$;
//Create a matrix and import the cell image into it
window -t m;
string fpath$ = "samples\Image Processing and Analysis\cell.jpg";
string fname$ = System.path.program$ + fpath$;
impimage;
cell$ = %h;
//Create a matrix and import the background image into it
window -t m;
string fpath$ = "samples\Image Processing and Analysis\bgnd.jpg";
string fname$ = System.path.program$ + fpath$;

270

Analysis and Applications

12.6.3 Apply Rainbow Palette to Gray Image

cellbk$ = %h;
impimage;
//Subtract background and pre-processing
//x, y is the offset of Image2
imgSimpleMath img1:=cellbk$ img2:=cell$ func:=sub12 x:=7 y:=13 crop:=1;
//specify the lowest and highest intensity to be convert to binary 0 or 1.
imgBinary t1:=65 t2:=255;
// the dimensions of median filter is 18
imgMedian d:=18;
//Edge detection
// the threshold value 12 used to determine edge pixels,
// and shv(Sobel horizontal & vertical) Edge detection filter is applied.
imgEdge t:=12 f:=shv;
edge$ = %h;
//Add the edges back to the cell image
imgSimpleMath img1:=edge$ img2:=cell$ func:=add;
window -z;

12.6.3 Apply Rainbow Palette to Gray Image

This example shows how to convert a gray image to rainbow color.

pe_mkdir Conversion path:=aa$;

pe_cd aa$;
//Create a matrix and import a sample image
window -t m;

Analysis and Applications

271

12.6 Image Processing

path$ = System.path.program$;
fname$ = path$ + "samples\Image Processing and Analysis\myocyte8.tif";
impimage;
window -r %h Original;
window -d;

//Duplicate the image

window -r %h newimage;
imgC2gray;

//Convert to gray

//Apply palette
fname$ = System.path.program$ + "palettes\Rainbow.PAL";
imgpalette palfile:=fname$;
window -s T;

//Tile the windows horizontally

12.6.4 Converting Image to Data

When an image is imported into a matrix object, it is kept as type Image, indicated by the icon I
on the top right corner of the window. For certain mathematical operations such as 2D FFT the
type needs to be converted to Data, which would then be indicated by the icon D at the top
right corner.
This script example shows importing multiple images into a matrix book and converting them to
type data:
// Find files using wildcard
string path$=system.path.program$+"Samples\Image Processing and Analysis";
findFiles ext:="*tif*";
// Create a new matrix book and import all images as new sheets
newbook mat:=1;
impImage options.FirstMode:=0 options.Mode:=4;
// Loop over all sheets and convert image to byte data
doc -e LW {
img2m om:=<input> type:=1;
}

272

Analysis and Applications

13 User Interaction
There may be times when you would like to provide a specific type of input to your script that
would be difficult to automate. For instance, you wish to specify a particular data point on a
graph, or a certain cell in a worksheet as input to one or more functions called from script. To
do this, LabTalk supports ways of prompting the user for input while running a script.
In general, consecutive lines of a script are executed until such a user prompt is encountered.
Execution of the script then halts until the user has entered the desired information, and then
proceeds. The following sections demonstrate several examples of programming for this type
of user interaction, and have been broken down into three categories:
1.
2.
3.

Getting Numeric and String Input

Getting Points from a Graph
Bringing Up a Dialog

13.1 Getting Numeric and String Input

This section gives examples of prompting for three types of user input during script execution:
1.
2.
3.

Yes/No response
Single String
Multi-Type Input (GetN)

13.1.1 Get a Yes/No Response

The GetYesNo command can be used to get a Yes or No response from the user. The
command takes three arguments:
Syntax: getyesno stringMessageToUser numericVariableName windowTitle
For example, entering the following line in the Script Window will generate a pop-up window
titled Check Sign of X and ask the user the Yes/No question Should X be positive? with the
options Yes, No, and Cancel as clickable buttons. If Yes is selected, xpos will be assigned a
value of 1. If No is selected, xpos will be assigned the value 0. If Cancel is selected, xpos will
be assigned the value 0, #Command Error! will be printed, and script execution will stop.
getyesno "Should X be positive?" xpos "Check Sign of X"

If additional script processing is required in any event, this command should be called from
elsewhere and the numeric value can be tested. In the following example, getyesno is called
from its own section of code and the two string inputs are passed as arguments to the
section(note, a multi-section LabTalk script will not work if simply pasted to the script window;
save to file and run):
273

13.1 Getting Numeric and String Input

[Main]
// Here is the calling code
int iVal = -1;
run.section(,myGetYesNo,"Create a Graph of results?" "Graphing Option");
if( iVal > 0 )
{
type "Graph generated";

// Yes response

}
else
{
type "Graph NOT generated";

// No or Cancel response

}
// 'myGetYesNo' section
[myGetYesNo]
getyesno (%1) iVal (%2);

13.1.2 Get a String

GetString can be used for user entry of a single string.
%B = "";
GetString (Enter as Last, First) Last (Your Name);
// Cancel stops here unless using technique as in GetYesNo
if("%B"!="Last")
{
type User entered %B.;
}
else
{
type User clicked OK, but did not modify text;
}

13.1.3 Get Multiple Values

The GetN or GetNumber dialog prompts a user for a number, a string or a list entry (in previous
versions of Origin only numeric values were possible, hence the name). Starting with Origin
8.1, GetNumber will accept both string variables (i.e., string str1$) and string registers (i.e.,
%A) for string input. Previous versions support string registers only. GetN currently accepts up
to 7 variables in addition to the dialog title.
With the increased functionality of GetN since Origin 8.1, string variables can be used in the
command call. In this case, the strings must first be declared. It is always a good practice to
create variables by declaration rather than by assignment alone; for more see Scope of (String)
Variables. For example:
274

User Interaction

13.1.3 Get Multiple Values

// First, declare the variables to be used:
double nn = 3.2;
string measurement$="length", units$="inches", event$="Experiment #2";
// Use GetN dialog to collect user data:
getn
(Value) nn
(Measurement Type) measurement$
(Units) units$
(Event Name) event$
(Dialog Title);

brings up the following dialog, prompting the user for input:

The values entered in this dialog will be assigned to the declared variables. If the variables
have an initial value (before GetN is called), that value will show up in the input box, otherwise
the input box will appear blank. In either case, the initial value can be changed or kept.
To check the data entered, run the following line of script:
// Output the data:
type In %(event$), the %(measurement$) was $(nn) %(units$);

This next example script assumes a Graph is the active window and prompts for information
then draws a line and labels it. The call to GetN uses string registers and pre-defined lists as
inputs.
%A=Minimum;
iColor = 15;
dVal = 2.75;
iStyle = 2;
// Opens the GetN dialog ...
// The extra %-sign in front of %A interprets the string register
// literally, instead of treating it as a variable name.
getn (Label Quantile) %%A

User Interaction

275

13.1 Getting Numeric and String Input

(Color) iColor:@C
(Style) iStyle:@D
(Value) dVal
(Set Quantile);
draw -n %A -l -h dVal;

// Draws a horizontal, named line

%A.color = iColor;
%A.linetype = iStyle;

// Sets the line color

// Sets the line style

// Creates a text label named QLabel at the right end of the

// line
label -s -a x2 dVal -n QLabel %A;
%A.Connect(QLabel,1);

// Connects the two objects

Note : The script requires that %A should be a single word and that object QLabel does not
exist.
The following character sequences, beginning with the @ character, access pre-defined lists
for GetN arguments:
List

276

Description

@B

List of Object Background attributes

@C

Basic Color List

@D

Line Style List

@P

Pattern List

@S

Font Size List

@T

Font List

@W

Line Width List

@Z

Symbol Size List

User Interaction

13.2.1 Screen Reader

Note that the value returned when a list item is selected within the GetN dialog is the index of
the item in the list. For instance, if one of your GetN entries is:
(Font Size) fs:@S

and you select 18 from the drop-down list in the dialog, the variable fs will hold the value 8,
since 18 is the 8th item in the list.
Below is another example script that allows a user to change a Symbol Plot to a Line + Symbol
Plot or the reverse:
get %C -z iSymbolSize;

// Get current Symbol Size

get %C -cl iLineColor;

iUseLine = 0;

// Get current Line color

// Now open the dialog to the user

getn (Symbol Size) iSymbolSize
(Use Line) iUseLine:2s
(Line Color) iLineColor:@C
(Set Plot Style);
// If User asked for Line
if(iUseLine == 1)
{
set %C -l 1;
// Turn on the line
set %C -cl iLineColor; // Set the line color
}
// .. if not
else
set %C -l 0;

// Turn off line

set %C -z iSymbolSize;

// Set Symbol size

13.2 Getting Points from Graph

Any of the Tools in the Origin Tools Toolbar can be initiated from script, but three can be
linked to macros and programmed to do more.
To program tools, define the pointproc macro to execute appropriate code. The pointproc
macro runs when the user double-clicks or single-clicks and presses the Enter key.

13.2.1 Screen Reader

This script puts a label on a graph using the Screen Reader tool.
dotool 2;

// Start the Screen Reader Tool

dotool -d; // Allow a single click to act as double click

// Here we define our '''pointproc''' macro
def pointproc {

User Interaction

277

13.2 Getting Points from Graph

label -a x y -n MyLabel Hello;
dotool 0; // Reset the tool to Pointer
done = 1;

// Set the variable to allow infinite loop to end

}
// Script does not stop when using a tool,
// so further execution needs to be prevented.
// This infinite loop waits for the user to select the point
for( done = 0 ; done == 0; ) sec -p .1;
// A .1 second delay gives our loop something to do:
type Continuing script ...;
// Once the macro has run, our infinite loop is released

13.2.2 Data Reader

The Data Reader tool is similar to the Screen Reader, but the cursor locks on to actual data
points. If defined, a quittoolbox macro runs if user presses Esc key or clicks the Pointer Tool
to stop the Data Reader.
This example assumes a graph window is active and expects the user to select three points on
their graph.
@global = 1;
dataset dsx, dsy;

// Create two datasets to hold the X and Y values

dotool 3;
// Start the tool
// Define the macro that runs for each point selection
def pointproc {
dsx[count] = x;

// Get the X coordinate

dsy[count] = y;
count++;

// Get the Y coordinate

// Increment count

if(count == 4) dotool 0;

// Check to see if we have three points

else type -a Select next point;

}
// Define a macro that runs if user presses Esc key,
// or clicks the Pointer Tool:
def quittoolbox {
// Error : Not enough points
if(count < 4) ty -b You did not specify three datapoints;
else
{
draw -l {dsx[1],dsy[1],dsx[2],dsy[2]};
draw -l {dsx[2],dsy[2],dsx[3],dsy[3]};
draw -l {dsx[3],dsy[3],dsx[1],dsy[1]};
double ds12 = dsx[1]*dsy[2] - dsy[1]*dsx[2];
double ds13 = dsy[1]*dsx[3] - dsx[1]*dsy[3];
double ds23 = dsy[3]*dsx[2] - dsy[2]*dsx[3];
area = abs(.5*(ds12 + ds13 + ds23));

278

User Interaction

13.2.3 Data Selector

type -b Area is $(area);
}
}
count = 1;

// Initial point

type DoubleClick your first point (or SingleClick and press Enter);

The following example allows user to select arbitrary number of points until Esc key is pressed
or user clicks on the Pointer tool in the Tools toolbar.
@global = 1;
dataset dsx, dsy;
dotool 3;

// Create two datasets to hold the X and Y values

// Start the tool

// Define the macro that runs for each point selection

def pointproc {
count++;
dsx[count] = x;

// Increment count
// Get the X coordinate

dsy[count] = y;

// Get the Y coordinate

}
// Define a macro that runs if user presses Esc key,
// or clicks the Pointer Tool:
def quittoolbox {
count=;
for(int ii=1; ii<=count; ii++)
{
type $(ii), $(dsx[ii]), $(dsy[ii]);
}
}
count = 0; // Initial point
type "Click to select point, then press Enter";
type "Press Esc or click on Pointer tool to stop";

Pressing Enter key to select a point works more reliably than double-clicking on
the point.
You can also use the getpts command to gather data values from a graph.

13.2.3 Data Selector

The Data Selector tool is used to set a Range for a dataset. A range is defined by a beginning
row number (index) and an ending row. You can define multiple ranges in a dataset and Origin
analysis routines will use these ranges as input, excluding data outside these ranges.

User Interaction

279

13.2 Getting Points from Graph

Here is a script that lets the user select a range on a graph.

// Start the tool
dotool 4;
// Define macro that runs when user is done
def pointproc {
done = 1;
dotool 0;
}
// Wait in a loop for user to finish by pressing ...
// (1) Enter key or (2) double-clicking
for( done = 0 ; done == 0 ; )
{
sec -p .1;
}
// Additional script will run once user completes tool.
ty continuing ..;

When using the Regional Data Selector or the Regional Mask Tool you can hook into the
quittoolbox macro which triggers when a user presses Esc key:
// Start the Regional Data Selector tool with a graph active
dotool 17;
// Define macro that runs when user is done
def quittoolbox {
done = 1;
}
// Wait in a loop for user to finish by pressing ...
// (1) Esc key or (2) clicking Pointer tool:
for( done = 0 ; done == 0 ; )
{
sec -p .1;
}
// Additional script will run once user completes tool.
ty continuing ..;

And we can use an X-Function to find and use these ranges:

// Get the ranges into datasets
dataset dsB, dsE;
mks ob:=dsB oe:=dsE;
// For each range
for(idx = 1 ; idx <= dsB.GetSize() ; idx++ )
{
// Get the integral under the curve for that range
integ %C -b dsB[idx] -e dsE[idx];
type Area of %C from $(dsB[idx]) to $(dsE[idx]) is $(integ.area);
}

List of Tools in Origin Tools Toolbar. Those in bold are useful in programming.
280

User Interaction

13.2.3 Data Selector

Tool
Number

Description

Pointer - The Pointer is the default condition for the mouse and makes the
mouse act as a selector.

ZoomIn - A rectangular selection on a graph will rescale the axes to the

rectangle. (Graph only)

Screen Reader - Reads the location of a point on a page.

Data Reader - Reads the location of a data point on a graph. (Graph

only)

Data Selector - Sets a pair of Data Markers indicating a data range.

(Graph only)

Draw Data - Allows user the draw data points on a graph. (Graph only)

Text - Allows text annotation to be added to a page.

Arrow - Allows arrow annotation to be added to a page.

Curved Line - Allows curved line annotation to be added to a page.

Line - Allows line annotation to be added to a page.

10

Rectangle - Allows rectangle annotation to be added to a page.

11

Circle - Allows circle annotation to be added to a page.

12

Closed Polygon - Allows closed polygon annotation to be added to a

page.

13

Open Polygon - Allows open polygon annotation to be added to a page.

User Interaction

281

13.3 Bringing Up a Dialog

14

Closed Region - Allows closed region annotation to be added to a page.

15

Open Region - Allows open region annotation to be added to a page.

16

ZoomOut - Zooms out (one level) when clicking anywhere in a graph.

(Graph only)

17

Regional Data Selector - Allows selection of a data range. (Graph only)

18

Regional Mask Tool - Allows masking a points in a data range. (Graph

only)

13.3 Bringing Up a Dialog

X-Functions whose names begin with dlg may be called in your scripts to facilitate dialogbased interaction.
Name

Brief Description

dlgChkList

Prompt to select from a list

dlgFile

Prompt with an Open File dialog

dlgPath

Prompt with an Open Path dialog

dlgRowColGoto

Go to specified row and column

dlgSave

Prompt with a Save As dialog

dlgTheme

Select a theme from a dialog

Possibly the most common such operation is to select a file from a directory. The following line
of script brings up a dialog that pre-selects the PDF file extension (group), and starts at the
given path location (init):

282

User Interaction

13.2.3 Data Selector

dlgfile group:=*.pdf init:="C:\MyData\MyPdfFiles";
type %(fname$); // Outputs the selected file path to Script Window

The complete filename of the file selected in the dialog, including path, is stored in the variable
fname$. If init is left out of the X-Function call or cannot be found, the dialog will start in the
User Files folder.
The dlgsave X-Function works for saving a file using a dialog.
dlgsave ext:=*.ogs;
type %(fname$);

// Outputs the saved file path to Script Window

User Interaction

283

14 Working with Excel

Origin can use Excel Workbooks directly within the Origin Workspace. The Excel Workbooks
can be stored within the project or linked to an external Excel file. An external Excel Workbook
which was opened in Origin can be converted to internal, and a an Excel Workbook created
within Origin can be saved to an external Excel file.
To create a new Excel Workbook within Origin ..
window -tx;

The titlebar will include the text [Internal] to indicate the Excel Workbook will be saved in the
Origin Project file.
To open an external Excel file ..
document -append D:\Test1.xls;

The titlebar will include the file path and name to indicate the Excel file is saved external to the
Origin Project file.
You can save an internal Excel Workbook as an external file at which point it becomes a linked
external file ..
// The Excel window must be active. win -o can temporarily make it active
window -o Book5 {
// You must include the file path and the .xls extension
save -i D:\Test2.xls;
}

You can re-save an external Excel Workbook to a new location creating a new file and link ..
// Assume the Excel Workbook is active
// %X holds the path of an opened Origin Project file
save -i %XNewBook.xls;

285

15 Automation and Batch Processing

This chapter demonstrates using LabTalk script to automate analysis in Origin by creating
Analysis Templates, and using these templates to perform batch processing of your data.

15.1 Analysis Templates

Analysis Templates are pre-configured workbooks which can contain multiple sheets including
data sheets, report sheets from analysis operations, and optional custom report sheets for
presenting results. The analysis operations can be set to recalculate on data change, thus
allowing repeat use of the analysis template for batch processing or manual processing of
multiple data files.
The following script example opens a built-in Analysis Template, Dose Response
Analysis.ogw, and imports a data file into the data sheet. The results are automatically updated
based on the new data.
string fPath$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Curve Fitting\";
string fname$ = fPath$ + "Dose Response Analysis.ogw";
// Append the analysis template to current project
doc -a %(fname$);
string bn$ = %H;
win -o bn$ {
// Import no inhibitor data
fname$ = fPath$ + "Dose Response - No Inhibitor.dat";
impASC options.Names.FNameToSht:=0
options.Names.FNameToBk:=0
options.Names.FNameToBkComm:=0
orng:=[bn$]"Dose Response - No Inhibitor";
// Import inhibitor data
fname$ = fPath$ + "Dose Response - Inhibitor.dat";
impASC options.Names.FNameToSht:=0
options.Names.FNameToBk:=0
options.Names.FNameToBkComm:=0
orng:=[bn$]"Dose Response - Inhibitor";
// Active the result worksheet
page.active$ = result;
}

To learn how to create Analysis Templates, please refer to the Origin tutorial: Creating and
Using Analysis Templates.
287

15.2 Using Set Column Values to Create an Analysis Template

15.2 Using Set Column Values to Create an Analysis

Template
Many analysis tools in Origin provide a Recalculate option, allowing for results to update when
source data is modified, such as when importing new data to replace existing data. A workbook
containing such operations can be saved as an Analysis Template for repeated use with
Batch Processing.
The Set Column Values feature can also be used to create such Analysis Templates when
custom script is needed for your analysis.
In order to create Analysis Templates using the Set Column Values feature, the following steps
are recommended:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.

Set up your data sheet, such as importing a representative data file.

Add an extra column to the data sheet, or to a new sheet in the same workbook.
Open the Set Column Values dialog from this newly added column.
Enter the desired analysis script in the Before Formula Scripts panel. Note that your script
can call X-Functions to perform multiple operations on the data.
In you script, make sure to reference at least one column or cell of your data sheet that will
get replaced with new data. You can do this by defining a range variable that points to a
data column and then use that range variable in your script for computing your custom
analysis output.
Set the Recalculate drop-down in the dialog to either Manual or Auto, and press OK.
Use the File: Save Workbook as Analysis Template... menu item to save the Analysis
Template.

For an example on setting up such a template using script, please refer to the Origin tutorial:
Creating Analysis Templates using Set Column Value.

15.3 Batch Processing

One may often encounter the need to perform batch processing of multiple sets of data files or
datasets in Origin, repeating the same analysis procedure on each set of data. This can be
achieved in three different ways, and the following sections provide information and examples
of each.

15.3.1 Processing Each Dataset in a Loop

One way to achieve batch processing is to loop over multiple files or datasets, and within the
loop process each dataset by calling appropriate X-Functions and other script commands to
perform the necessary data processing.

288

Automation and Batch Processing

15.3.2 Using Analysis Template in a Loop

The following example shows how to import 10 files and perform a curve fit operation and print
out the fitting results:
// Find all files using wild card
string path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Batch Processing";
findFiles ext:="T*.csv";
// Start a new book with no sheets
newbook sheet:=0;
// Loop over all files
for(int iFile = 1; iFile <= fname.GetNumTokens(CRLF); iFile++)
{
// Get file name
string file$ = fname.GetToken(iFile, CRLF)$;
// Import file into a new sheet
newsheet;
impasc file$;
// Perform gaussian fitting to col 2 of the current data
nlbegin iy:=2 func:=gaussamp nltree:=myfitresult;
// Just fit and end with no report
nlfit;
nlend;
// Print out file name and results
type "File Name: %(file$)";
type "
Peak Center= $(myfitresult.xc)";
type "
type "

Peak Height= $(myfitresult.A)";

Peak Width= $(myfitresult.w)";

15.3.2 Using Analysis Template in a Loop

Custom templates for analysis can be created in Origin by performing the necessary data
processing from the GUI on a representative dataset and then saving the workbook, or the
entire project, as an Analysis Template. The following example shows how to make use of an
existing analysis template to perform curve fitting on 10 files:
// Find all files using wild card
string fpath$ = "Samples\Batch Processing\";
string path$ = system.path.program$ + fpath$;
findFiles ext:="T*.csv";
// Set path of Analysis Template
string templ$ = path$ + "Peak Analysis.OGW";
// Loop over all files
for(int iFile = 1; iFile <= fname.GetNumTokens(CRLF); iFile++)

Automation and Batch Processing

289

15.3 Batch Processing

{
// Open an instance of the analysis template
doc -a %(templ$);
// Import current file into first sheet
page.active = 1;
impasc fname.GetToken(iFile, CRLF)$
}
// Issue a command to update all pending operations
// in case the operations were set to manual recalculate in the template
run -p au;

15.3.3 Using Batch Processing X-Functions

Origin provides script-accessible X-Functions to perform batch processing, where there is no
need to loop over files or datasets. One simply creates a list of desired data to be processed
and calls the relevant X-Function. The X-Function then either uses a template or a theme to
process all of the specified data. Some of these X-Functions can also create an optional
summary report that contains results from each file/dataset that were marked for reporting by
the user, in their custom analysis template.
The table below lists X-Functions available for batch analysis:

Name

Brief Description

batchProcess

Perform batch processing of multiple files or datasets using Analysis

Template, with optional summary report sheet

paMultiY

Perform peak analysis of multiple Y datasets using Peak Analyzer theme

The following script shows how to use the batchProcess X-Function to perform curve fitting of
data from 10 files using an analysis template, with a summary report created at the end of the
process.
// Find all files using wild card
string path$ = system.path.program$ + "Samples\Batch Processing\";
findFiles ext:="T*.csv";
// Set path of Analysis Template
string templ$ = path$ + "Peak Analysis.OGW";
// Call the Batch Processing X-Function

290

Automation and Batch Processing

15.3.3 Using Batch Processing X-Functions

// Keep only the final summary sheet, delete intermediate books
batchProcess batch:=1 name:=templ$ data:=0 fill:="Raw Data"
append:="Summary" remove:=1 method:=impASC;

Batch processing using X-Functions can also be performed by calling Origin from an external
console; for more see Running Scripts From Console.

Automation and Batch Processing

291

16 Reference Tables

Data Formatting
o Date and Time Format Specifiers
o LabTalk Keywords
o Column Label Row Characters
Graph Elements
o Colors
o Line Styles
o Symbol Shapes
o Text Label Options
Variables
o Last Used System Variables
o System Variables

16.1 Column Label Row Characters

Worksheet label rows are accessed using the following characters as row indices:
Property

Description

Comments.

Dn

User-defined parameter, where n is the parameter index

Even Sampling Interval. This was R before SR3

Long name.

Pn

Column parameter , where n is the parameter index

Sparkline

Units

293

16.2 Date and Time Format Specifiers

For example:
// Returns the Long Name of Col(A), active worksheet
Col(A)[L]$=

Column label rows contain metadata, or information about the data contained in the column.
Please see the Accessing Metadata section for detailed notes on their use.

16.2 Date and Time Format Specifiers

Date and time format specifiers for custom date and time output strings.
Specifier

294

Description

Day number, no leading zero

dd

Day number, with leading zero

ddd

3-character day name

dddd

Full day name

Month number, no leading zero

MM

Month number, leading zero

MMM

3-character month name

MMMM

Full month name

yy

2-character year (Input < 45 interpreted as 20yy)

yyyy

4-character year

Hour, no leading zero (12 hour time)

hh

Hour, with leading zero (12 hour time)

Reference Tables

16.3.1 Keywords in String

H

Hour, no leading zero (24 hour time)

HH

Hour, leading zero (24 hour time)

Minute, no leading zero

mm

Minute, with leading zero

Second, no leading zero

ss

Second, with leading zero

Fractional seconds (each # is one decimal place, up to 6)

Displays A or P (for AM and PM)

tt

Displays AM or PM

16.3 LabTalk Keywords

16.3.1 Keywords in String
The following keywords are defined for string processing in LabTalk:
LabTalk
Keyword

C
Token

ASCII
Code

Description

TAB

\t

The tab character

CR

\r

13

Carriage Return

LF

\n

10

Line feed (also, new line)

CRLF

\r \n

9, 13

CR followed by LF, typically used as line separator

in DOS/Windows

Reference Tables

295

16.4 Last Used System Variables

QUOTE

\"

34

Double-quote

16.3.2 Examples
This example shows how to use quotes inside a string in LabTalk
str$="expression=%(quote)col(1)=col(2)+1%(quote)";
str$=;// should print "expression="col(1)=col(2)+1""
int i = str.Find('"');
i=;//-->12
// same as '"' when used as a string function argument:
i=str.Find(quote, i+1);
i=;//-->28
i=str.Count('"');
i=;//-->2
i=str.Count(quote);
i=;//--> also 2

Similar issues exist for new lines,

str$="line1%(CRLF)line2%(CRLF)line3";
type str$;
type "str has $(str.GetNumTokens(CRLF)) lines";

16.4 Last Used System Variables

Origin helps you keep track of the last used value of many objects in the project---such as the
last LabTalk command issued, the last X-Function called, or the last Worksheet referenced--by automatically storing their values in string variables, and updating them appropriately as
actions are carried out within the project.
To distinguish these variables from other types of string variables, a double-underscore is
added to the beginning of the variable name (i.e., __REPORT$). Issue the list vs command to
see those active in your current project.
Like all string variables, their names should be followed by a dollar-sign, $, when accessing
them. As system variables, you should not attempt to assign a value to them (that is, treat them
as READ ONLY).
The following table lists the most common variable names of this automatically-generated
variety, their content type, an example of use, and a brief description of their content. Keep in
mind that these variables hold most recent values and are, therefore, constantly updated.

296

Reference Tables

16.3.2 Examples
Name

Content

Example

Description

__FINDDEP$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]FindYfromX!

Most recent Find Y

from X table

__FINDINDEP$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]FindXfromY!

Most recent Find X

from Y table

__FITCURVE$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]FitNLCurve!

Most recent fitted

data

__HEADER$

String

"ExponentialBaseline.dat"

Last ASCII import

file header string

__LASTLTCMD$

Command

%A=%A of %W %N

Last LabTalk
command issued

__LASTMATRIX$

MatrixBook
name

MBook1

Last active matrix

book

__LASTWKS$

Workbook
name

Book1

Last workbook
referenced

__NLDATA$

Column or
dataset name

[Book1]Sheet1!2

Non-Linear Fitter
input data range

__PAINTEGPEAK$

Worksheet
name

[Book2]Integration_Result1!

Peak Analyzer's
peak-integration
sheet

__PAINTEGCURVE$

Worksheet
name

[Book2]Integrated_Curve_Data1!

Peak Analyzer's
integrated curve
data sheet

__PABASELINE$

Worksheet
name

[Book1]Sheet1!

Peak Analyzer's
baseline data sheet

__PASUBTRACTED$

Worksheet
name

[Book1]Sheet2!

Peak Analyzer's
subtracted curve
data sheet

Reference Tables

297

16.5 List of Colors

__PAPEAKCENTER$

Worksheet
name

[Book1]Sheet3!

Peak Analyzer's
peak-center data
sheet

__PEAK$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]PeakProperties!

Most recent peak

properties data

__REPORT$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]FitNL!

Last report sheet

generated

__RESIDUAL$

Worksheet
Name

[Sample]FitNLCurve!

Most recent
residuals from
fitting

__SUBHEADER$

String

"Channel Amplitude"

Last ASCII import

file subheader
string

__XF$

X-Function
Name

impASC

Last X-Function
called

These strings are useful for further analysis. For example, the following script assigns the
location of the most recently generated fit curve to a range variable, which is then integrated to
find the area under the fit curve:
// Access Column 2 of the Worksheet storing the fit data
range rd = %(__FITCURVE$)2;
// Integrate under the fit curve
integ rd;
// Display the area under the curve
integ.area=;

16.5 List of Colors

You can get the color index from color name by the Color function.
#

298

Sample

Color

Black

13

Reference Tables

Sample

Color

Dark Cyan

16.3.2 Examples
2

Red

14

Royal

Green

15

Orange

Blue

16

Violet

Cyan

17

Pink

Magenta

18

White

Yellow

19

LT Gray

Dark Yellow

20

Gray

Navy

21

LT Yellow

10

Purple

22

LT Cyan

11

Wine

23

LT Magenta

12

Olive

24

Dark Gray

16.6 List of Line Styles

The list below shows a list of line properties, i.e., connections, line types and arrow heads. In
LabTalk the line connection may be used for data plots accessed by Get -l and Set -l
commands. Line types may be used for either data plots accessed by Get -d and Set -d
commands, or visual objects accessed through <object>.lineType object property. Arrow
heads may be used for visual objects through <object>.arrowBeginShape or
<object>.arrowEndShape object property.

Reference Tables

299

16.6 List of Line Styles

#

0.

300

Connections

No Line

Line Types

0.

Solid

1.

Straight

1.

Dash

2.

2 Point Segment

2.

Dot

3.

3 Point Segment

3.

Dash Dot

4.

4 Point Segment

4.

Dash Dot Dot

5.

5 Point Segment

5.

Short Dash

6.

6 Point Segment

6.

Short Dot

7.

7 Point Segment

7.

|Short Dash Dot

8.

B-Spline

9.

Spline

0.

10.

10 Point Segment

1.

11.

Step Horizontal

2.

12.

Step Vertical

3.

13.

Step H Center

4.

14.

Step V Center

5.

Reference Tables

Arrow Heads

16.3.2 Examples
15.

6.

Bezier

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

16.7 List of Symbol Shapes

The list below shows a list of plot symbols in the scatter graph, Line+Symbol graph, etc. In
LabTalk, these symbols can be accessed or set by Get -k command or Set -k command,
respectively.
Shapes

Interiors

0.

No Symbol

0.

Solid

1.

Square

1.

Open

2.

Circle

2.

Dot Center

3.

Up Triangle

3.

Hollow

Reference Tables

301

16.7 List of Symbol Shapes

4.

Down Triangle

4.

5.

Diamond

5.

6.

302

Cross(+)

6.

+ Center

x Center

- Center

7.

Cross(x)

7.

|Center

8.

Star(*)

8.

Half Up

9.

H Bar(-)

9.

Half Right

10.

V Bar(|)

10.

Half Down

11.

Half Left

11.

Numbers(1, 2, 3,...)

12.

ALPHABETS(A, B, C,...)

13.

alphabets(a, b, c,...)

14.

Right Arrow(

15.

Left Triangle

16.

Right Triangle

17.

Hexagon

18.

Star

Reference Tables

16.8.1 Numeric System Variables

19.

Pentagon

20.

Sphere

56.

data markers(special)

58.

Vertical lines that mark the X

position of the data point(special)

16.8 System Variables

16.8.1 Numeric System Variables
The following variables are reserved for internal use by Origin. Please do not use them as
common variables in your script. However, you can read the values to obtain the information or
change the values in the recommended way stated below.

X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z1, Z2, Z3

These variables can be used to access axis ranges of the active graph layer or the visible
range of the active worksheet or matrix.
When a graph window is active, these variables contain the from, to and increment values for
X, Y, and Z axis scales in the active layer. Changing these values can rescale the layer. For
example, entering the following script in the Command Window will set the X axis' scale range
from -3 to 12 incrementing by 3 and make the Y axis scale begin at 0.3:
X1 = -3;

X2 = 12;

X3 = 3; Y1 = 0.3

When a worksheet or a matrix is active, these variables indicate the columns and rows are
visible in the workspace. X1 and X2 contain the index numbers of the first and last columns in
view; while Y1 and Y2 contain the index numbers of the first and last rows in view. Thus, to
specify the cell displayed in the upper-left corner of the worksheet or matrix, you just need to
assign the column and row index of desired cell to X1 and Y1.

MKS1, MKS2
When data markers are displayed in the graph window, MKS1 and MKS2 are set to the index
numbers of the data points that correspond to the data markers. When there are no data
markers on the graph, both variables are equal to -1.
Reference Tables

303

16.8 System Variables

ECHO
This variable prints scripts or error messages to the Script window.
To enable echo, type echo = Number in the Script window. Number can be one of the
following):
Number

Action

Display commands that generate an error

Display scripts that have been sent to the queue for delayed execution

Display scripts that involve commands

Display scripts that involve assignments

16

Display macros

Note: These values are bits that can be combined to produce cumulative effects. For example,
echo = 12 displays both the command and the assignment scripts. Echo = 7, which is a
combination of echo = 1, echo = 2, and echo = 4, is useful during menu command selection.

To disable echo, type echo = 0 in the Script window.

X, Y, Z, I, J, E, T, Count
The variables X, Y, and Z contain the current X, Y, and Z coordinates of the Screen Reader,
Data Reader, or Data Selector tools.
Each time you double-click the cursor or press ENTER when one of these tools is selected,
Origin executes the PointProc macro. The following script defines PointProc such that doubleclicking on the page sets X1 and Y1 equal to X and Y:
doToolbox 2; //Select the Screen Reader.
Def PointProc {X1 = x; Y1 = y; doToolbox 0};

The variable I is used to store the index number to a dataset. In most cases, this is also the
row number of a worksheet.
Similarly, the variables J, E, T, and Count are used by different Origin routines.
It can be the number of selected files in the Open Multiple Files dialog box, or the number of
times the PointProc macro has been executed since the Screen Reader tool or the Data
Reader tool has been selected.
304

Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

SELC1, SELC2, SELR1, SELR2

These variables contain the column and row numbers that delineate the current worksheet
selection range.
If no range is selected, the values are set back to 0.
Note: These system variables are being phased out. Instead, use the wks.c1 and wks.c2 object
properties to read the first and last selected columns. Use the wks.r1 and wks.r2 object properties
to read the first and last selected rows.

V1V9
Variable names v1, v2, ..., v9 should not be used in your scripts.

16.8.2 @ System Variables

SYSTEM CONTROL
Variable

Brief
Description

Description

@NOX variables print or suppress different types of messages

that Origin posts to project windows. Possible values of X
correspond to the different message types: D = debugging, I =
information, E = error, R = results, W = warning.

Values:

@NOX

Message output
control

0 = turn off message output

2 = message output to current

command prompt, will open Script
Window if neither prompt is open

3 = message output to Code Builder

(only works if CB is open)

4 = message output to compiler

6 = message output to Script Window,

will open Script window if closed
(default)

1 = message output to current open

command prompt, Command Window
or Script Window (one must be open)

5 = message output to Script Window

(if open)

Reference Tables

305

16.8 System Variables

Example:
@NOI=0; // Turns off information message output.

@O

printer page
orientation

@O sets or gets the current printer driver's page

orientation. Use page.dimupdate() method of the page
object to update the printer setup.
Values:

@OCE

Origin C
compilation
status

1 = portrait
2 = landscape

@OCE is 0 until Origin C finished compilation and can start

making call to an X-function etc. See the example in
file.ogs:
if(@OCE > 0)
set_ascii_import_page_info(%B%A);

@PB

gray-scale
printing

@PB controls how the gray-scale is printed.

Values:

1 = enable gray-scaling on a black and white printer.

0 = prints all non-white colors as black when a black
and white printer is selected.

@RNW indicates the scheme for renaming duplicate

windows when appending projects.
Values:
@RNW

@PPV

duplicated
window name
when appending
projects

Prefer project
variables

0 = renames duplicate windows with "A1, A2, A3..."

2(default in 8.0) = duplicate names are appended

with A, B, C, (example TestA, TestB, TestC...)

3 = duplicate names are PREpended with A, B, C

(example ATest, BTest, CTest...)

@PPV controls the preference regarding the project

variables.
Values:

306

1 = duplicate names are appended with 1, 2, 3...

(example Test1, Test2, Test3...)

0 = allow both session variables and local variables

to use existing project variable's names so project's
variables are not used if session or local variables

Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

have the same name.

1 = make declaration of session variable with project

variable name to be illegal, and upon loading of new
project, session variables with name conflict will be
disabled until project is closed or project variable
with same name is deleted.

2 = Same as above except it applies to local

variables only.

3 = these are bits so they can be combined. In this

case, both session and all local variables will not be
allowed to use project variable names and if new
project is loaded will disable existing session or local
variables of the same name.

@V

Origin version

Origin Software version

@VTH

Quick Help on
launching Origin

@VTH conrols the Quick Help window being open on

launching Origin

@VTP

Project Explorer
on launching
Origin

@VTP conrols the Project Explorer being open on

launching Origin

@VTR

Result Log on
launching Origin

@VTR conrols the Result Log being open on launching

Origin

@VTS

Status Bar on
launching Origin

@VTS conrols the Status Bar being open on launching

Origin

DATA
Variable

Brief
Description

Description

This indicates the angular unit to be used.

Values:
@A

Angular unit

0(default) = radian
1 = degree
2 = gradian.

Reference Tables

307

16.8 System Variables

@AU

Status of
autoupdating

@AU indicates if autoupdating for column formula must be

on idle, or not.
Values:

@DZ

@EF

Display the
trailing zeros in
worksheet

Interpret
Engineering
notation

1(default)=autoupdate must be on idle;

0=on some Labtalk command.

@DZ indicates if Origin displays the trailing zeros in

worksheet cell, when Default Decimal Digits is not
selected in the Display drop-down list in the Column
Properties dialog box.
Values:

0(default) = displays the trailing zeros if not set to

the default decimal digits.

1 = remove trailing zero for set decimal digits

2 = remove trailing zero for set significant digits
3 = both above

@EF indicates if an entered engineering notation (e.g., 1k)

in a non-engineering format column is treated as a text, or
as a number.
Values:

0(default) = treated as text.

1 = treated as numeric.

Determines how long strings are assigned to worksheet cells.

(8.1)
@IMPT

@S

@SD

308

Treatment of
long strings

Values:

0 = insert as a note
1 = truncate
2 (default)= assign full string

Lower significant
digits

@S represents the lower significant digits

Significant digits

@SD control the number of significant digits displayed

when mathematical operations are performed in the Script
window. The default value of @SD is 14, and can be set to
any integer between 1 and 15.
Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

@SU

Upper significant
digits

@SU represents the upper significant digits

@ZZ controls the return value when zero is raised to the
zero power (0^0).
Values:

@ZZ

Result of 0^0

0(default) = returns a missing value.

1 = returns 1
Note: In 0^x, when x>0, it returns 0; when x<0, it returns a
missing value, no matter @ZZ is set to 0 or 1.

GRAPH
Variable

Brief Description

Description

@AR controls whether the drawn arrows/lines are

attached to the layer/scale, or not.
Values:
@AR

Attachment of line to
layer

0 = do not attach
1(default) = attach to the layer/scale
Note: Lines created by the Draw command there will
always be attached to layer/scale, regardless of the
values of @AR.
@AM controls the Analysis Markers on the graph.
Values:

@AM

Analysis Markers

@CATS

The order of tick

labels of categorical
graph

0 = No marker
50 = Tiny marker
100 = Small marker
150 = Medium marker
200 = Large marker
Note: It should be followed by clr.
@CATS Specify the method to set the order of tick
labels of categorical graph.
Values:

0(default) = Do not sort the labels and do not

Reference Tables

309

16.8 System Variables

support empty strings.

1 = Sort the labels, but do not support empty

strings.

2 = Do not sort the tick labels, but allow empty

strings.

3 = Sort the labels and allow empty strings.

@ILC initializes the settings and sets them to clip data

to frame
Values:
@ILC

Clip data to frame

1 = clip data to frame(axes)

2 = clip axes break region
3 = clip to both
See also @ILD.
@ILD initialize the settings and set them to show data
on top of axes and grids
Values:

@ILD

@MDS

@U

310

Draw grids and axes

after data

Control size of the

data points during
moving

Font alignment with

baseline

1 = draw grids after data,

2 = draw axes after data.
These are bits so they can be combined. See also
@ILC.
@MDS controls the size of the data points during
moving.
Values:

-1(default) = translates into size 12 if less then

10 data points, size 6 otherwise.

Positive = its value will be used as symbol size

regardless of number of points.

@U controls whether fonts in a text label align with the

baseline. @U is the same as the
System.Print.Fontbaseline property.
Values:

0(default) = aligns the fonts in a text label with

the baseline.

1 = disable this option.

Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

@UP

Include Buttons/UIM
Objects when Printing

@UP controls printing of Buttons/UIM Objects.

Values:

0(default) = Do not print Buttons/UIM objects

1 = Print Buttons/UIM Objects

Other System Control

Variable

@B

Brief Description

Description

show LabTalk debugging

info

when it is set to 1, Origin will show the hidden

debugging script lines that start with #!, like
int nn = wks.ncols;
#!nn=;
if(nn < 10) wks.ncols = 10;

@BA

Batch processing mode

@BD

Values:
@BE

LabTalk error message

level

0 = will not print any error

1 (default) = will print internally found
errors

@BG, @BGH

@BC,@BCS,..

Origin C debug

Values:
@BL

@BM

LabTalk error checking

level (Origin 8)

graph buffer enhanced

metafile bits

2 = will stop LabTalk execution if any

error found.

1 (default) = will allow some errors (read

value) to continue.

0 = will allow ANY error to continue

This variable is not related to LabTalk, will

move to a different section
Reference Tables

311

16.8 System Variables

MISC.
Variable

Usage

@D

Current date and time in numeric values (Julian days). Use the $(@D,Dn)
notation to display the nth date and time format from the Date Format dropdown list in the Worksheet Column Format dialog box (numbered from
zero).
For example, type $(@D,D10); returns the date format as MM/DD/YY
HH:MM:SS in the Script window. (Note: The "D" in Dn must be uppercase.)
Origin supports the associated Julian day values for the range 1/1/0100 to
12/31/9999. Use the $(@D,Tn) notation to display the nth time format from
the Time Format drop-down list in the Worksheet Column Format dialog
box (numbered from zero). For example, type $(@D,T5) returns the time
format as HH:mm PM (such as 07:23 PM) in the Script window.
Two additional time formats are supported:
$(@D,t5) - 07:23 pm
$(@D,t5*) - 7:23 pm

@G

Set @G = 0 to display the page color within the entire graph window
(including beyond the page) in page view mode.
Set @G = 1 to display the area outside the page as gray.

@GN

Set @GN = 0 to use the traditional LabTalk GetNumber dialog.

Set @GN = 1 to use the Origin C's GetNBox instead of the traditional
LabTalk GetNumber dialog.
Note: This variable is introduced in Origin 8.1 SR1.

@L

The current menu level.

Values:

1 = full menus
2 = short menus.

Controls graph layer icon double-click behavior (from V 7.5 SR0).

Values:
@LID

0 (default):
Double-click opens the Plot Setup dialog
CTRL + double-click opens the Plot Details dialog

312

Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

ALT + double-click opens the Layer n dialog

1:
Double-click opens the Layer n dialog,
CTRL + double-click opens the Plot Details dialog
ALT + double-click opens the Plot Setup dialog

Controls behavior of the Graph:Add Plot to Layer menu command (from V 7.5
SR3).

Values:

@LIP

0:
Opens the Plot Setup dialog box. Only Plot Type is selected.

1(default):
Adds selected datasets to the layer.

@LP

The maximum number of points used in the GDI call to draw line plots, 3D XYY
plots, and some other plot types. Some video drivers cannot handle large numbers
passed as arguments in the GDI call, so Origin breaks the drawing up into several
sections that are each @LP points large.

The @LP value is saved between Origin sessions in the MaxPolyLinePoints

keyword in the [Display] section of the ORIGIN.INI file.
Allows you to control the line width when adding a plot to a layer, independent of
the style holder setting.
@LW

Values:

@MB

@MBC

(8.5.0)

0 = Use the style holder setting to determine the line width.

Any none-zero value = The line width, in points.

When opening a project that contains a Text & Numeric column with mixed
text and numeric values that was saved in Origin 4.1, a dialog box will open
asking if the project was saved in the 32 or 16 bit version. The 32 bit version
incorrectly saved mixed Text & Numeric data.
If you specify 32 bit in the dialog box, Origin fixes the Save problem by
resaving the project in Origin 6.1 and then reopening the project. @MB = 0
opens the dialog box (default), @MB = 16 always assumes the project was
saved in Origin 4.1 16 bit and thus opens the file with no changes, @MB =
32 always assumes the project was saved in Origin 4.1 32 bit and thus
resaves the project to correct the problem.
Set matrix missing value color in the thumbnails. This is a Direct RGB
composite value and computed by:

Reference Tables

313

16.8 System Variables

RGB composite = R + (256 * G) + (65536 * B)

Where the R, G, and B component values range from 0 to 255. For example:
@mbc = 65280; // Set color to green, 256*255=65280.

Note: The current @MBC color is applied at the time of matrix creation and
the resulting matrix image view cannot be changed.
Mask color. Follows the colors in the color palette:

@MC

1 = black
2 = red
3 = green
4 = blue
...
Use mark -u to update all windows.
Enable or disable mask. Use mark -u to update all windows.

@MM

Values:

0 = enable (masked points are not included in analysis).

1 = disable (masked points are included in analysis).

@MP

Show or hide masked data points in graph. 0 = show. 1 = hide. Use mark -u to
update all windows.

@NSV

For backwards compatibility, enable setting the count variable when

fdlog.multiopen() is used. 1 = enable, 0 = disable.

These three variables controls the progress bar which is shown when ASCII Export
is issued. They are available since Origin 8.1 SR1.

@NPER specifies the minimum number of rows that will trigger the progress
bar. The default value is 2000.
@NPES controls the status bar update frequency. Options:
@NPER
@NPES
@NPEB

@NPI

314

0=disable
1 = SI_EVERY
2 = SI_SLOWEST
3 (default) = SI_SLOW
@NPEB determines the number of steps in progress bar. The default value
is 40.
Set the maximum number of page information saved in workbook. When a file is

Reference Tables

16.8.2 @ System Variables

(8.5.0)

imported, the file information will be added to the page.info node and you can see
this node in the Workbook Organizer. When @NPI=0 (Default value), Origin will
keep adding information to the tree node as files are imported.

You can set @NPI to 1 or a small integer when importing multiple files to
improve the import performance.

@OC

Controls whether or not you can call Origin C functions from LabTalk. 1 = you can
call Origin C functions (default), 0 = you cannot call Origin C functions.

@P

Page numbers in worksheet printing. @PC for current page number column-wise
and @PR for current page number row-wise.

@RLC
@RLR

Limits the maximum number of Columns and Rows (including Header) that will
auto-size to display full cell content when multiple Columns/Rows are selected and
you double-click on the Column/Row separator. Origin 8.1SR3 defaults to @RLC =
40 and @RLR = 60.

@SF

Scaling factor to control the legend symbol size.

@TM

Indicates whether or not the timer is running. 1 = timer is running, 0 = timer is not
running.

Determines how ternary data are normalized.

Values:
@TS

@UPC

(8.5.0)

@UV

(8.1SR2)

0 = auto determination of what the sum should be (1 or 100) based on

the data.

1 = the sum must be 1.

2 = the sum must be 100.

Controls printing of Graphic Objects with Events set to something other than
None or Button Up.
Default value = 0. Set to 1 to allow printing/export.
This variable is used to control vectorization behavior of string argument as
dataset in Origin C function, which is called by using LabTalk. By default,
@UV = 1, which enables vectorization. To disable vectorization behavior, it
needs to set @UV = 0.
For example:
Suppose there is an Origin C function
double testUV(double dd)
{

Reference Tables

315

16.8 System Variables

return dd;
}

And run this script to see the behavior of vectorization:

newbook;
col(a)=data(1, 30);
col(b)=col(a)/2;
sec -p 1;
@UV=0;
col(b)=testUV(col(a));
function testUV
sec -p 1;

// Only the first value will pass into

@UV=1; // Vectorization
col(b)=testUV(col(a)); // Value in column A will pass into function
testUV one by one

@VDF

If you set @VDF = 1, when you open a project file (.OPJ), Origin will report
the Origin version in which the file was saved.

@VFO

This variable can get the Origin version that the project was saved.
Note: For those projects that were saved in Origin 6 or earlier version, the
value of this variable will be 0.

@W

Font size scaling for display in Window view mode (which normally ignores
font scaling). @W is the same as the system.winviewfsize property.

@WD

@WEF

316

Controls Origin's behavior when you close the winName worksheet with the
win -c command and then use this win -t command option to open a
winName worksheet (where winName is the same with both command
options).
Values:

1 = Origin deletes the datasets that remain from the win -c command
and then opens the winName window.

0 = A #Command Error! prints to the Script window. Origin does not

delete the datasets that remain from the win -c command. Additionally,
Origin does not open the winName window.

Controls showing Edit Formatting... on a Worksheet context menu. Defaults

to not showing (@WEF = 0) as of 8.1SR2.

Reference Tables

16.8.3 Automatically Assigned System Variables

16.8.3 Automatically Assigned System Variables

Origin automatically creates string variables with project-level scope when certain events
occur. Their purpose is to help you keep track of the last-used value of a given object type,
such as the last Worksheet used, or the last LabTalk script command that you issued.
If you issue the list vs command you can see the ones that are active in your current project.
You can identify them because they are proceeded by a double underscore, as in
__LASTWKS or __LastLTcmd.
A list of all such variables is found in the Last Used System Variables.

16.9 Text Label Options

LabTalk supports applying existing page and dataset information to your text labels, using
syntax such as:
objectName.text$ = %([workbookName]worksheetName!columnName,@option, variableName)
in which variable options are listed in Substitution Notation
or using
objectName.text$ = %(nColType, @option)
or, in an X-Function, use an option such as:
legendupdate mode:=custom custom:=@option
The @ text-label options can be applied to any text label on a graph, such as a graph legend,
as in:
legend.text$ = %(2Y, @LC);

which tells Origin: for the 2nd dataplot in the current layer, use the comment field (of the Y
column plotted) as the legend entry.
Besides legend other text object names on a graph include yl (left-side y-axis), xb (bottom xaxis), so that
yl.text$ = %(?Y,@WL);

// Make the workbook long name = Y-label text

xb.text$ = %(1X,@LU);

// Make the units of the X dataset the X-label

The %(?Y) is a special syntax that allows the text label to default to a pre-specified data plot
index (which can be set in Plot Details: Legends/Titles: Data Plot Index for Auto Axis
Titles), instead of an index (1, 2, ... n) that you supply.
Every text label on a graph has a text object name. To get that name, select the text label by
clicking on it with your mouse, right click, and select Programming Control .... The Object
Name field contains the name, whose text$ attribute can be changed as above.
To use the X-Function method:
legendupdate mode:=custom custom:=@R;

which tells Origin: for all legend entries, report the location (in Origin Range Notation) of the
data being plotted.
Reference Tables

317

16.9 Text Label Options

The table below presents the available options, using syntax mentioned above:
Option

318

Return Value

@C

Column short name.

@D

Dataset name.

@LA

Long Name, if available, else Short Name

@LC

Comment

@LD<n>

User Parameter. @LD is the same as @LD1, but in order to use @LD2, you will need
at least two user defined parameters.

@LG

Long Name, if available, else Short Name and Units

@LH

Header (entire header) (NOT CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED!)

@LL

Long Name

@LM

Comments (first line), if present, or Long Name, if present, else Short Name.

@LN

Equivalent to @LM + @LU

@LP<n>

Parameter; @LP is the same as @LP1. In order to use @LP2, @LP3, you will need
those Parameter rows shown in the worksheet.

@LQ<n>

The legend will show the User Parameter + [@LU]

@LS

Short Name

@LU

Units, not including Long Name, and without brackets [] or parentheses( )

@R

Full range string.

@U

Equivalent to @LG (previous notation)

Reference Tables

16.8.3 Automatically Assigned System Variables

@W

Book Short Name

@WL

Book Long Name

@WS

Sheet name

Note that when showing units on the legend, the English and Japanese versions use
parentheses ( ) while the German version uses square-brackets [ ] surrounding units.

Reference Tables

319

17 Function Reference
This section provides reference lists of functions, X-Functions and Origin C Functions that are
supported in LabTalk scripting:
Functions
X-Functions

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

Below is a tabular listing of functions supported by the LabTalk scripting language, broken
down by category.
An Alphabetical Listing of All LabTalk-Supported Functions is also available (CHM and Wiki
only!).
Key to Function Arguments
The datatypes of the arguments in the function tables are given by the following naming
convention:
Name

Datatype

ds

dataset

m or n

integer

str$

string

vector

An argument with any other name is a numeric of type double.

Multiple arguments of type double will be given different names, as in
Histogram(ds, inc, min, max), or numbered, as in Cov(ds1, ds2, ave1, ave2).
Multiple arguments of a datatype other than double will be numbered, as in Corr(ds1, ds2).

321

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

17.1.1 Statistical Functions

General Statistics
Name

322

Brief Description

Ave(ds, n)

Breaks dataset into groups of size n, finds the average for each group,
and returns a range containing these values.

Count(v [,n])

Counts elements in a vector v; n is an integer parameter specifying

different options.

Cov(ds1, ds2, ave1,

ave2)

Returns the covariance between two datasets, where ave1 and ave2
are the respective means of datasets ds1 and ds2.

Diff(ds)

Returns a dataset that contains the difference between adjacent

elements in dataset.

Histogram(ds, inc,
min, max)

Generates data bins from dataset in the specified range from min to
max.

Max(v)

This function returns the maximum value from a set of values.

Mean(v)

Returns the average of a vector.

Median(v [,n])

This function is used to return median of vector v, with parameter n

specifying the type of interpolation.

Min(v)

This function is used to return the minimum value from a vector v.

Percentile(ds1, ds2)

Returns a range comprised of the percentile values for ds1 at each

percent value specified in ds2.

QCD2(n)

Returns Quality Control D2 Factor

QCD3(n)

Returns Quality Control D3 Factor

QCD4(n)

Returns Quality Control D4 Factor

Function Reference

17.1.1 Statistical Functions

Ss(ds [,ref])

Returns the sum of the squares of dataset ds. The optional ref defaults
to the mean of ds as the reference value.

StdDev(v)

Calculates the standard deviation based on a sample.

StdDevP(v)

Return the standard deviation based on the entire population given as

arguments.

Sum(ds)

Returns a range whose i th element is the sum of the first i elements

of the dataset dataset.

Total(v)

Returns the sum of a vector.

Cumulative Distribution Functions

Name

Brief Description

Betacdf(x,a,b)

Computes beta cumulative distribution function at x, with

parameters a and b.

Erf(x)

The error function (or normal error integral).

InvF(value, m, n)

The inverse F distribution function with m and n degrees of

freedom.

Ncchi2cdf(x,f,lambda)

Computes the probability associated with the lower tail of the noncentral 2 distribution.

Poisscdf(n,rlamda)

Computes the lower tail probabilities in given value k, associated

with a Poisson distribution using the corresponding parameters in .

Binocdf(m,n,p)

Computes the lower tail, upper tail and point probabilities in given
value k, associated with a Binomial distribution using the
corresponding parameters in n, p.

Fcdf(f,df1,df2)

Computes F cumulative distribution function at x, with parameters a

and b, and lower tail.

Function Reference

323

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

Invprob(x)

The Inverse Probability Density function.

Ncfcdf(f,df1,df2,lambda)

Computes the probability associated with the lower tail of the noncentral or variance-ratio distribution.

Srangecdf(q,v,n)

Computes the probability associated with the lower tail of the

distribution of the Studentized range statistic.

Bivarnormcdf(x,y,rho)

Computes the lower tail probability for the bivariate Normal

distribution.

Gamcdf(g,a,b)

Computes the lower tail probability for the gamma distribution with
real degrees of freedom, with parameters and .

Invt(value, n)

The inverse t distribution function with n degrees of freedom.

Nctcdf(t,df,delta)

Computes the lower tail probability for the non-central Student's tdistribution.

Tcdf(t,df)

Computes the cumulative distribution function of Student's tdistribution.

Chi2cdf(x,df)

Computes the lower tail probability for the 2 distribution with real
degrees of freedom.

Hygecdf(m1, m2, n1,

n2)

Computes the lower tail probabilities in a given value, associated

with a hypergeometric distribution using the corresponding
parameters.

Inverse Cumulative Distribution Functions

Name

324

Brief Description

Chi2inv(p,df)

Computes the inverse of the 2 cdf for the corresponding probabilities in X

with parameters specified by .

Ftable(x, m, n)

The F distribution function with m and n degrees of freedom.

Function Reference

17.1.1 Statistical Functions

Finv(p,df1,df2)

Computes the inverse of F cdf at x, with parameters 1 and 2 .

Gaminv(p,a,b)

Computes the inverse of Gamma cdf at gp , with parameters a and b.

IncF(x, m, n)

The incomplete F-table function.

Inverf(x)

Computes inverse error function fnction at x.

Norminv(p)

Computes the deviate,xp, associated with the given lower tail probabilip,p,
of the standardized normal distribution.

Srangeinv(p,v,n)

Computes the deviate, xp, associated with the lower tail probability of the
distribution of the Studentized range statistic.

Ttable(x, n)

The Student's t distribution with n degrees of freedom.

Tinv(p,df)

Computes the deviate associated with the lower tail probability of Student's
t-distribution with real degrees of freedom.

Wblinv(p,a,b)

Computes the inverse Weibull cumulative distribution function for the given
probability using the parameters a and b.

Betainv(p,a,b)

Returns the inverse of the cumulative distribution function for a specified

beta distribution.

Probability Density Functions

Name

Brief Description

Betapdf(x,a,b)

Returns the probability density function of the beta distribution with

parameters a and b.

Wblpdf(x,a,b)

Returns the probability density function of the Weibull distribution with

parameters a and b.

Function Reference

325

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

17.1.2 Mathematical Functions

Basic Mathematics
Name

326

Brief Description

Abs(x)

Returns the absolute value of x

Acos(x)

Returns the inverse of the corresponding trigonometric function.

Angle(x, y)

Returns the angle in radians measured between the positive X axis and
the line joining the origin (0,0) with the point given by (x, y).

Asin(x)

Returns the inverse of the corresponding trigonometric function.

Atan(x)

Returns the inverse of the corresponding trigonometric function.

Asinh(x)

Returns the inverse hyperbolic sine.

Acosh(x)

Return the inverse hyperbolic cosin.

Atanh(x)

Return the inverse hyperbolic tangent.

Cos(x)

Return value of cosine for each value of the given x.

Cosh(x)

Returns the hyperbolic form of cos(x) .

Degrees(angle)

Converts the radians into degrees.

Exp(x)

Returns the exponential value of x.

Int(x)

Return the truncated integer of x.

Ln(x)

Return the natural logarithm value of x.

Log(x)

Return the base 10 logarithm value of x.

Function Reference

17.1.2 Mathematical Functions

Mod(n, m)

Return the integer modulus (the remainder from division) of integer x

divided by integer y.

Nint(x)

Return value of the nint(x) function is identical to round(x, 0).

Prec(x, n)

Returns the input value x to n significant figures.

Rmod(x, y)

Returns the real modulus (the remainder from division) of double x

divided by double y.

Round(x, n)

Returns the value (or dataset) x to n decimal places.

Sin(x)

Return value of sine for each value of the given x.

Sinh(x)

Return the hyperbolic form of sin(x).

Sqrt(x)

Return the square root of x.

Tan(x)

Returns value of tangent for each value of the given x.

Tanh(x)

Return the hyperbolic form of and tan(x).

Radians(angle)

Returns radians given input angle in degrees.

Distance(x1, y1, x2,

y2)

Returns the distance with two points.

Distance3D(x1, y1,
z1, x2, y2, z2)

Returns the distance with two points in 3D.

Angleint1(x1, y1, x2,

y2 [, n, m])

Returns the angle between a line with endpoints (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
and the X axis. Returns degrees if n=1 or radians if n=0, default is
radians. Constrains the returned angle value to the first (+x,+y) and
fourth (+x,-y) quadrant if m=0. If m=1, returns values from 02pi
radians or 0360 degrees.

Angleint2(x1, y1, x2,

y2, x3, y3, x4, y4 [,
n, m])

Returns the angle between two lines with endpoints (x1, y1) and (x2,
y2) for one line and (x3, y3) and (x4, y4) for the other. Returns
degrees if n=1 or radians if n=0, default is radians. Constrains the
returned angle value to the first (+x,+y) and fourth (+x,-y) quadrant if

Function Reference

327

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

m=0. If m=1, returns values from 02pi radians or 0360 degrees.

Multi-parameter Functions
Multi-parameter functions are used as built-in functions for Origin's nonlinear fitter. You can
view the equation, a sample curve, and the function details for each multi-parameter function
by opening the NLFit (Analysis:Fitting:Nonlinear Curve Fit). Then select the function of interest
from the Function selection page.
For additional documentation on all the multi-parameter functions available from Origin's
nonlinear curve fit, see this PDF on the OriginLab website. This document includes the
mathematical description, a sample curve, a discussion of the parameters, and the LabTalk
function syntax for each multi-parameter function.
Name

328

Brief Description

Boltzmann(x, A1, A2, x0, dx)

Boltzmann Function

Dhyperbl(x, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5)

Double Rectangular Hyperbola Function

ExpAssoc(x, y0, A1, t1, A2, t2)

Exponential Associate Function

ExpDecay2(x, y0, x0, A1, t1, A2, t2)

Exponential Decay 2 with Offset Function

ExpGrow2(x, y0, x0, A1, t1, A2, t2)

Exponential Growth 2 with Offset Function

Gauss(x, y0, xc, w, A)

Gaussian Function

Hyperbl(x, P1, P2)

Hyperbola Function

Logistic(x, A1, A2, x0, p)

Logistic Dose Response Function

Lorentz(x, y0, xc, w, A)

Lorentzian Function

Poly(x, a0, a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8, a9)

Polynomial Function

Pulse(x, y0, x0, A, t1, P, t2)

Pulse Function

Function Reference

17.1.2 Mathematical Functions

Random Number Generators

Two functions in this category, rnd() and ran() and grnd(), return a value. All the other
functions in this category return a range.
Name

Brief Description

grnd()

Returns a value from a normally (Gaussian) distributed

sample,with zero mean and unit standard deviation.

normal(npts, seed)

Returns a range with npts number of values.

Poisson(n, mean [, seed])

Returns n random integers having a Poisson distribution with

mean mean. Optional seed provides a seed for the number
generator.

rnd() and ran()

Return a value between 0 and 1 from a uniformly distributed

sample.

uniform(npts, seed)

Returns a range with npts number of values.

Bessel, Beta, and Gamma Functions

Bessel Functions
Name

Brief Description

Jn(x, n)

Bessel function of order n

Yn(x, n)

Bessel Function of Second Kind

J1(x)

First Order Bessel Function

Y1(x)

First order Bessel function of second kind has the following form: Y1(x)

J0(x)

Zero Order Bessel Function

Y0(x)

Zero Order Bessel Function of Second Kind

Function Reference

329

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

Beta Functions
Name

Brief Description

beta(a, b)

Beta Function with parameters a and b

incbeta(x, a, b)

Incomplete Beta Function with parameters x, a, b

Gamma Functions
Name

Brief Description

incomplete_gamma(a, x)

Incomplete gamma functions

gammaln(x)

Natural Log of the Gamma Function

Incgamma

Approximations of NAG Functions

Name

330

Brief Description

bessel_i_nu(x,n)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

first kind I/4 (x)

bessel_i_nu_scaled(x,n)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

first kind

bessel_i0(x)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

first kind, I0(x).

bessel_i0_scaled(x)

Evaluates an approximation to e - | x | I0(x)

bessel_i1(x)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

first kind,I1(x).

bessel_i1_scaled(x)

Evaluates an approximation to e - | x | I1(x)

Function Reference

17.1.3 Origin Worksheet and Dataset Functions

bessel_j0(x)

Evaluates the Bessel function of the first kind,J0(x)

bessel_j1(x)

Evaluates an approximation to the Bessel function of the first kind

J1(x)

bessel_k_nu(x,n)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

second kind K / 4(x)

bessel_k_nu_scaled(x,n)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

second kind e - xK / 4(x)

bessel_k0(x)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

second kind,

bessel_k0_scaled(x)

Evaluates an approximation to

Bessel_k1(x)

Evaluates an approximation to the modified Bessel function of the

second kind,

bessel_k1_scaled(x)

Evaluates an approximation to

Gamma(x)

Evaluates

17.1.3 Origin Worksheet and Dataset Functions

Worksheet Functions
Name

Brief Description

Cell(n,m)

Gets or sets values in the active worksheet or matrix. Indicate the row number n
and column number m in parentheses.

Col(ds)

Refers to the dataset in a worksheet column, to a cell in the column, or to the

column headers.

Wcol(ds)

Can be used either on the left side or on the right side of an assignment.

Function Reference

331

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

Dataset Information Functions

Name

Brief Description

Errof(ds)

Returns the dataset (error column) containing the error values of dataset.

Findmasks(ds)

Returns a dataset that contains the indexes of the masked data points.

hasx(ds)

Returns 1 if dataset is plotted against an X dataset in the active layer. If

not, this function returns 0.

IsMasked(n, ds)

Returns the number of masked points in dataset if index = 0.

List(val, ds)

Returns the index number in dataset ds where value val first occurs.

Xindex(x, ds)

Returns the index number of the cell in the X dataset associated with
dataset, where the cell value is closest to x.

Xof(ds)

Returns a string containing the X values of dataset.

Xvalue(n, ds)

Returns the corresponding X value for dataset at row number i in the active
worksheet.

Dataset Manipulation Functions

Name

332

Brief Description

asc(str$)

Returns the ASCII value of the uppercase character in

parentheses.

corr(ds1, ds2, k [,n])

Returns the correlation between two datasets using a lag size k

and an optional number of points n.

peaks(ds, width, minht)

Returns a dataset containing indices of peaks found using width

and minHt as a criteria.

sort(ds)

Returns a dataset that contains dataset, sorted in ascending

Function Reference

17.1.3 Origin Worksheet and Dataset Functions

order.

treplace(ds, val1, val2 [,

cnd)]

Returns a dataset. Each value in dataset is compared to value1

according to the condition cnd.

Dataset Generation Functions

Name

Brief Description

Data(x1, x2, inc)

Create a dataset with values ranging from x1x2 with an increment,

inc.

{v1, v2, ...vn},

{v1:vn},
{v1:vstep:vn}

Create a dataset of either discrete values, a range from v1vn with

an implied increment equal to 1, or a range from v1vn with an
increment equal to vstep.

Fit(Xds,n)

Create a dataset based on a fit of the data in Xdataset. If more than

one fit curve was produced in the last fitting session, n indicates the
index of the dataset to use (default = 1).

Table(ds1, ds2, ds3)

String and Character Functions

Note: All of the following functions are available only since Origin 8 SR6!

Name

Brief Description

Char(n)

Return the character specified by the code number.

Code(str$)

Return a numeric code for the first character in input

string.

Compare(str1$, str2$ [, n])

Compare str1 with str2, identical will return 1.

Function Reference

333

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

334

Exact(str1$, str2$)

Return TRUE if both strings are an exact match (case and

length).

Find(str1$, str2$ [, n])

Finds a string (str2) within another string (str1) starting

from the specific positoin (StartPos), and returns the
starting position of str2 in str1.

Format(data, str$)

Convert double to string with LabTalk formatting option.

Left(str$, n)

Returns the leftmost n characters from the string.

Len(str$)

Returns the number of characters of a string (str).

Lower(str$)

Converts the string to lowercase.

MatchBegin(str1$, str2$ [, n, m])

Finds a string pattern (str2) within another string str1

starting from the specified positoin StartPos, and returns
the starting position of str2 in str1.

MatchEnd(str1$, str2$ [, n, m)]

Finds a string pattern (str2) within another string str1

from the specified positoin StartPos, and returns the
ending position of str2 in str1.

Mid(str$, n1, n2)

Returns a specific number of characters (n2) from the

string (str), starting at the specific position (n1).

Replace(str1$, n1, n2, str2$)

Replace n2 characters in string1 starting at n1th position

with string2.

Right(str$, n)

Returns the rightmost n characters from the string.

Search(str1$, str2$ [, n])

Finds a string (str2) within another string (str1) starting

from the specific positoin (StartPos), and returns the
starting position of str2 in str1.

Substitute(str1$, str2$, str3$

[,n])

Substitute string3 with string2 when found in string1.

Trim(str$, n)

Removes spaces from string.

Function Reference

17.1.3 Origin Worksheet and Dataset Functions

Upper(str$)

Converts the string to uppercase.

Date and Time Functions

Name

Brief Description

WeekDay(d, n)

Returns the day of the week according to calculate a date. By

default, the day is ranging from 0 (Sunday) to 6 (Saturday).

WeekNum(d, n)

Return a number that indicates the calendar week number of the

year.

Year(d)

Return the year as an integer in the range 0100-9999.

Month(d)

Return the month as an integer from 1 (January) to 12

(December).

MonthName(d, n)

Returns the Month name for specified month by index of 1 to 12, or

as a Date value.

YearName(d, n)

Returns the year in string form with input of year or date, with
option n.

Day(d, n)

Returns the day number of a given date.

Hour(d), Hour(t)

Returns the hour as an integer, ranging from 0 (12:00 A.M.) to 23

(11:00 P.M.).

Minute(d), Minute(t)

Returns the minutes as an integer, ranging from 0 to 59.

Second(d), Second(t)

Returns the seconds as a real value in the range 0 (zero) to

59.9999...

Now()

Returns the current date-time as a date(Julian days) value.

Today()

Returns the current date as a date(Julian days) value.

Function Reference

335

17.1 LabTalk-Supported Functions

Quarter(date)

Returns current quarter of time.

Date(MM/dd/yy
HH:mm,[format])

Returns the Julian-day value which Origin uses internally to

represent dates.

Time(n1, n2, n3)

Returns the Julian-day value which Origin uses internally to

represent time.

Utility Functions
Name

336

Brief Description

BitAND(n, m)

Returns bitwise AND operation of two intergers.

BitOR(n, m)

Returns bitwise OR operation of two intergers.

BitXOR(n, m)

Returns bitwise XOR operation of two intergers.

colnum(colNameOrDs)

Returns the column position number of the column specified by

colName.

color(name)

Returns a number corresponding to the index in the color list of the

color specified by the name or by the RGB value.

color(name, 0)

Similar to color(name) which returns a number corresponding to the

zero-based index in the color list.

color(R, G, B)

Returns a integer color value. This value stores additional info in the
highest byte. R, G, and B correspond to Red, Green, and Blue in RGB
color scheme, and each component value ranges from 0 to 255.

exist(name)

Returns a single value indicating what 'object type' the given name is
associated with string value.

font(name)

Returns a number corresponding to the font list index of the font

specified by name.

hex(str$)

Returns the base 10 equivalent to the hexadecimal value

Function Reference

17.1.4 Notes on Use

represented by the given string.

ISNA(dd)

Determines whether the number is a NANUM.

NA()

Returns NANUM.

nlf_name(ds, p1, p2,

..., pn)

Returns Y values using the user-defined fitting function name, using

the dataset ds as X values, and the parameters p1-pn.

17.1.4 Notes on Use

Each function returns either a single value or a range of values (a dataset), depending on the
type of function and the arguments supplied. Unless otherwise specified, all functions will
return a range if the first argument passed to the function is a range, and all functions will
return a value if a value is passed.

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

Below are several X-Functions , arranged by category, that are used frequently in LabTalk
script.
This is not a complete list of X-Functions in Origin, but only those supported by
LabTalk! For a complete listing of all X-Functions, arranged by category and
alphabetical, see the X-Function Reference.

17.2.1 Data Exploration

Name

Brief Description

addtool_curve_deriv

Place a rectangle on the plot to perform differentiation

addtool_curve_fft

Add a rectangle onto the plot to perform FFT

addtool_curve_integ

Attach a rectangle on the plot to perform integration

Function Reference

337

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

addtool_curve_interp

Place a rectangle on the plot to perform interpolation

addtool_curve_stats

Place a rectangle onto the plot to calculate basic statistics

addtool_quickfit

Place a rectangle onto the plot to do fitting

addtool_region_stats

Region Statistics:Place a rectangle or circle onto the plot to calculate

basic statistics

dlgRowColGoto

Go to specified row and column

imageprofile

Open the Image Profile dialog.

vinc

Calculate the average increment in a vector

vinc_check

Calculate the average increment in a vector

17.2.2 Data Manipulation

Name

338

Brief Description

addsheet

Set up data format and fitting function for Assays Template

assays

Assays Template Configuration:Set up data format and fitting function for

Assays Template

copydata

Copy numeric data

cxt

Shift the x values of the active curve with different mode

levelcrossing

Get x coordinate crossing the given level

m2v

Convert a matrix to a vector

map2c

Combine an amplitude matrix and a phase matrix to a complex matrix.

Function Reference

17.2.2 Data Manipulation

mc2ap

Convert complex numbers in a matrix to amplitudes and phases.

mc2ri

Convert complex numbers in a matrix into their real parts and imaginary parts.

mcopy

Copy a matrix

mks

Get data markers in data plot

mo2s

Convert a matrix layer with multiple matrix objects to a matrix page with
multiple matrix layers.

mri2c

Combine real numbers in two matrices into a complex matrix.

ms2o

Merge (move) multiple matrix sheets into one single matrix sheet with multiple
matrixobjects.

newbook

Create a new workbook or matrix book

newsheet

Create new worksheet.

rank

Decide whether data points are within specified ranges

reducedup

Reduce Duplicate X Data

reduce_ex

Average data points to reduce data size and make even spaced X

reducerows

Reduce every N points of data with basic statistics

reducexy

Reduce XY data by sub-group statistics according to X's distribution

subtract_line

Subtract the active plot from a straight line formed with two points picked on
the graph page

subtract_ref

Subtract on one dataset with another

trimright

Remove missing values from the right end of Y columns

Function Reference

339

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

v2m

Convert a vector to matrix

vap2c

Combine amplitude vector and phase vector to form a complex vector.

vc2ap

Convert a complex vector into a vector for the amplitudes and a vector for the
phases.

vc2ri

Convert complex numbers in a vector into their real parts and imaginary parts.

vfind

Find all vector elements whose values are equal to a specified value

vri2c

Construct a complex vector from the real parts and imaginary parts of the
complex numbers

vshift

Shift a vector

xy_resample

Mesh within a given polygon to resample data.

xyz_resample

Resample XYZ data by meshing and gridding

Gridding
Name

340

Brief Description

m2w

Convert the Matrix data into a Worksheet

r2m

Convert a range of worksheet data directly into a matrix

w2m

Convert the worksheet data directly into a matrix, whose coordinates can be
specified by first column/row and row labels in the worksheet.

wexpand2m

Convert Worksheet to Matrix by expand for columns or rows

XYZ2Mat

Convert XYZ worksheet data into matrix

xyz_regular

Regular Gridding

Function Reference

17.2.2 Data Manipulation

xyz_renka

Renka-Cline Gridding Method

xyz_renka_nag

NAG Renka-Cline Gridding Method

xyz_shep

Modified Shepard Gridding Method

xyz_shep_nag

NAG Modified Shepard Gridding Method

xyz_sparse

Sparse Gridding

xyz_tps

Thin Plane Spline interpolation

Matrix
Name

Brief Description

mCrop

Crop matrix to a rectangle area

mdim

Set the dimensions and values of XY coordinates for the active matrix

mexpand

Expand for every cell in the active matrix according to the column and row factors

mflip

Flip the matrix horizontally or vertically

mproperty

Set properties of the active matrix

mreplace

Replace cells in the active matrix with specified datamreplace

mrotate90

Rotates the matrix 90/180 degreesmrotate90

msetvalue

Assign each cell in the active matrix from the user definited formula

mshrink

Shrink matrix according shrinkage factors

mtranspose

Transpose the active matrix

Function Reference

341

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

Plotting
Name

Brief Description

plotbylabel

Plot a multiple-layers graph by grouping on column labels

plotgroup

Plot by page group, layer group, and data group

plotmatrix

Plot scatter matrix of the dataset

plotmyaxes

Customize Multi-Axes plot

plotstack

Plot stacked graph

plotxy

Plot XY data with specific properties

plot_ms

plot_vm

Plot from a range of cells in worksheet as a virtual matrix

Worksheet
Name

342

Brief Description

colcopy

Copy columns with format & headers

colint

Set Sampling Interval (Implicit X) for selected Y columns

colmask

Mask a range of columns based on some condition

colmove

Move selected columns

colshowx

Show X column (extract Sampling Interval) for the selected Y

column(s)

colslideshow

Slide Show of Dependent Graphs:Slide show all the graphs which

Function Reference

17.2.2 Data Manipulation

depend on the columns

colswap

Swap the position of two selected columns

filltext

Fill the cell in the specified range with random letters

getresults

Get the result tree

insertArrow

Insert arrow

insertGraph

Insert a graph into a worksheet cell

insertImg

Insert images from files

insertNotes

Embed a Notes page into a worksheet cell

insertSparklines

Insert sparklines into worksheet cells

insertVar

Insert Variables into cells

merge_book

Merge the workbooks to a new workbook.

sparklines

Add thumbnail size plots of each Y column above the data

updateEmbedGraphs

Update the embedded Graphs in the worksheet.

updateSparklines

Add thumbnail size plots of each Y column above the data

w2xyz

Convert formatted data into XYZ form

wautofill

Worksheet selection auto fill

wautosize

Resize the worksheet by the column maximal string length.

wcellcolor

Set cell(s) color to fill color or set the selected character font color to
Font color.

Function Reference

343

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

wcellformat

Format the selected cells

wcellmask

Set cell(s) mask in specified range

wcellsel

Select cell(s) with specified condition

wclear

Worksheet Clear

wcolwidth

Update the width of columns in worksheet

wcopy

Create a copy of the specified worksheet

wdeldup

Remove Duplicated Rows:Remove rows in a worksheet based on

duplications in one column

wdelrows

Delete specified worksheet rows

wkeepdup

Hold Duplicated Rows:Hold rows in a worksheet based on duplications

in one column

wks_update_link_table

Update the contents in the worksheet to the linked table on graph

wmergexy

Copy XY data from one worksheet to another and merge mismatching

X by inserting empty rows when needed

wmove_sheet

344

wmvsn

Reset short names for all columns in worksheet

wpivot

Pivot Table:Create a pivot table to visualize data summarization

wproperties

Get or set the worksheet property through a tree from script

wrcopy

Worksheet Range Copy with options to copy labels

wreplace

Find and replace cell value in a worksheet

Function Reference

17.2.3 Database Access

wrow2label

Set Label Value

wrowheight

Set row(s) height

wsort

Sort an entire worksheet or selected columns

wsplit_book

Split specific workbooks into multiple workbooks with single sheet

wtranspose

Transpose the active worksheet

wunstackcol

UnStack grouped data into multiple columns

wxt

Worksheet Extraction

17.2.3 Database Access

Name

Brief Description

dbEdit

Create/Edit/Remove/Load Query

dbImport

Import data from database through the query

dbInfo

Show database connection information

dbPreview

Import to certain top rows for previewing the data from the query

17.2.4 Fitting
Name

Brief Description

findBase

Find Baseline region in XY data

fitcmpdata

Compare two datasets to the same fit model

Function Reference

345

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

fitcmpmodel

Compare two fit models to the same dataset

fitLR

Simple Linear Regression for LabTalk usage

fitpoly

Polynomial fit for LabTalk usage

getnlr

Get NLFit tree from a fitting report sheet

nlbegin

Start a LabTalk nlfit session

nlbeginm

Start a LabTalk nlfit session on matrix data

nlbeginr

Start a LabTalk nlfit session

nlbeginz

Start a LabTalk nlfit session on xyz data

nlend

Terminate an nlfit session

nlfit

Iterate the nl fit session

nlfn

Set Automatic Parameter Initialization option

nlgui

Control NLFIT output quantities and destination.

nlpara

Open the Fitting Parameter dialog.

quickfit

17.2.5 Graph Manipulation

Name

add_graph_to_graph

346

Brief Description

Paste a graph from existing graphs as an EMF object onto a layout

window

Function Reference

17.2.5 Graph Manipulation

add_table_to_graph

Add a linked table to graph

add_wks_to_graph

Paste a worksheet from existing worksheets onto a layout window

add_xyscale_obj

Add a new XY Scale object to the layer

axis_scrollbar

Add a scrollbar object to graph to allow easy zooming and panning

axis_scroller

Add a pair of inverted triangles to the bottom X-Axis that allows easy
rescaling

g2w

Move graphs into worksheet

gxy2w

For a given X value, find all Y values from all curves and add them as a
row to a worksheet

layadd

Create a new layer on the active graph

layalign

Align some destination layers according to the source layer.

layarrange

Arrange the layers on the graph.

laycolor

Fill layer background color

laycopyscale

Copy scale from one layer to another layer

layextract

Extract specified layers to separate graph windows

laylink

Link several layers to a layer.

laymanage

Manage the organization of layers in the active graph

laysetfont

laysetpos

Set position of one or more graph layers.

laysetratio

Set ratio of layer width to layer height.

Function Reference

347

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

laysetscale

Set axes scales for graph layers.

laysetunit

Set unit for graph layers.

layswap

Swap the positions of two graph layers.

laytoggle

Toggle the left axis and bottom axis on and off.

layzoom

Center zooms on layer

legendupdate

Update or reconstruct legend on the graph page/layer

merge_graph

Merge selected graph windows into one graph

newinset

Create a new graph page with insets

newlayer

Add a new layer to graph

newpanel

Create a new graph with panels

palApply

Apply Palette to &Color Map:Apply palette to the specified graph with an

existing palette file

pickpts

Pick XY data points from a graph

speedmode

Set speed mode properties

17.2.6 Image
Adjustments
Name

348

Brief Description

imgAutoLevel

Apply auto leveling to image

imgBalance

Balance the color of image

Function Reference

17.2.6 Image
imgBrightness

Adjust the brightness of Image

imgColorlevel

Apply user-defined color leveling to image

imgColorReplace

Replace color within pre-defined color range

imgContrast

Adjust contrast of image

imgFuncLUT

Apply lookup table function to image

imgGamma

Apply gamma correction to image

imgHistcontrast

Adjust the contrast of image, using histogram to calculate the median.

imgHisteq

Apply histogram equalization

imgHue

Adjust hue of image

imgInvert

Invert image color

imgLevel

Adjust the levels of image

imgSaturation

Adjust Saturation of image

Analysis
Name

imgHistogram

Brief Description

Image histogram

Function Reference

349

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

Arithmetic Transform
Name

Brief Description

imgBlend

Blend two images into a combined image

imgMathfun

Perform math function on image pixel values with a factor

imgMorph

Apply morphological filter to numeric Matrix or grayscale/binary image

imgPixlog

Perform logic operation on pixels

imgReplaceBg

Replace background color

imgSimpleMath

Simple Math operation between two Images

imgSubtractBg

Subtract image background

Conversion
Name

350

Brief Description

img2m

Convert a grayscale image to a numeric data matrix

imgAutoBinary

Auto convert to binary

imgBinary

Convert to binary

imgC2gray

Convert to a grayscale image

imgDynamicBinary

Convert to binary using dynamic threshold

imgInfo

Print out the given image's basic parameters in script window

imgPalette

Apply palette to image

Function Reference

17.2.6 Image
imgRGBmerge

Merge RGB channels to recombine a color image

imgRGBsplit

Split color image into R,G, B channels

imgThreshold

Convert part of an image to black and white using threshold

m2img

Convert a numeric matrix to a grayscale image

Geometric Transform
Name

Brief Description

imgCrop

Crop image to a rectangle area

imgFlip

Flip the image horizontally or vertically

imgResize

Resize image

imgRotate

Rotates an image by a specified degree

imgShear

Shear the image horizontally or vertically

imgTrim

Trim image with auto threshold settings

Spatial Filters
Name

Brief Description

imgAverage

Apply average filter to image

imgClear

Clear the image

imgEdge

Detecting edges

Function Reference

351

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

imgGaussian

Apply Gaussian filter

imgMedian

Apply median filter

imgNoise

Add random noise to image

imgSharpen

Increase or decrease image sharpness

imgUnsharpmask

Apply unsharp mask

imgUserfilter

Apply user defined filter

17.2.7 Import and Export

Name

352

Brief Description

batchProcess

Batch processing with Analysis Template to generate summary report

expASC

Export worksheet data as ASCII file

expGraph

Export graph(s) to graphics file(s)

expImage

Export the active Image into a graphics file

expMatASC

Export matrix data as ASCII file

expNITDM

Export workbook data as National Instruments TDM and TDMS files

expPDFw

Export worksheet as multipage PDF file

expWAV

Export data as Microsoft PCM wave file

expWks

Export the active sheet as raster or vector image file

img2GIF

Export the active Image into a gif file

Function Reference

17.2.7 Import and Export

impASC

Import ASCII file/files

impBin2d

Import binary 2d array file

impCDF

Import CDF file. It supports the file version lower than 3.0

impCSV

Import csv file

impDT

Import Data Translation Version 1.0 files

impEDF

Import EDF file

impEP

Import EarthProbe (EPA) file. Now only EPA file is supported for EarthProbe
data.

impExcel

Import Microsoft Excel 97-2007 files

impFamos

Import Famos Version 2 files

impFile

Import file with pre-defined filter.

impHDF5

Import HDF5 file. It supports the file version lower than 1.8.2

impHEKA

Import HEKA (dat) files

impIgorPro

Import WaveMetrics IgorPro (pxp, ibw) files

impImage

Import a graphics file

impinfo

Read information related to import files.

impJCAMP

Import JCAMP-DX Version 6 files

impJNB

Import SigmaPlot (JNB) file. It supports version lower than SigmaPlot 8.0.

impKG

Import KaleidaGraph file

Function Reference

353

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

354

impMatlab

Import Matlab files

impMDF

Import ETAS INCA MDF (DAT, MDF) files. It supports INCA 5.4 (file version
3.0).

impMNTB

Import Minitab file (MTW) or project (MPJ). It supports the version prior to
Minitab 13.

impNetCDF

Import netCDF file. It supports the file version lower than 3.1.

impNIDIAdem

Import National Instruments DIAdem 10.0 dat files

impNITDM

Import National Instruments TDM and TDMS files(TDMS does not support
data/time format)

impODQ

Import *.ODQ files.

imppClamp

Import pCLAMP file. It supports pClamp 9 (ABF 1.8 file format) and pClamp 10
(ABF 2.0 file format).

impSIE

Import nCode Somat SIE 0.92 file

impSPC

Import Thermo File

impSPE

Import Princeton Instruments (SPE) file. It supports the version prior to 2.5.

impWav

Import waveform audio file

insertImg2g

Insert Images From Files:Insert graphic file(s) into Graph Window

iwfilter

Make an X-Function import filter

plotpClamp

Plot pClamp data

reimport

Re-import current file

Function Reference

17.2.8 Mathematics

17.2.8 Mathematics
Name

Brief Description

avecurves

Average or concatenate multiple curves

averagexy

Average or concatenate multiple curves

bspline

Perform cubic B-Spline interpolation and extrapolation

csetvalue

Setting column value

differentiate

Calculate derivative of the input data

filter2

Apply customized filter to a Matrix

integ1

Perform integration on input data

integ2

Calculate the volume beneath the matrix surface from zero panel.

interp1

Perform 1D interpolation or extrapolation on a group of XY data to find Y at given

X values using 3 alternative methods.

interp1q

Perform linear interpolation and extrapolation

interp1trace

Perform trace/periodic interpolation on the data

interp1xy

Perform 1D interpolation/extrapolation on a group of XY data to generate a set of

interpolated data with uniformly-spaced X values using 3 alternative methods.

interp3

Perform 3D interpolation

interpxyz

Perform trace interpolation on the XYZ data

marea

Calculate the area of the matrix surface

mathtool

Perform simple arithmetic on data

Function Reference

355

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

medianflt2

Apply median filter to a matrix

minterp2

2D Interpolate/Extrapolate on the matrix

minverse

Generate (pseudo) inverse of a matrix

normalize

Normalize the input data

polyarea

Calculate the area of an enclosed plot region

reflection

Reflect a range of data to certain interval

rnormalize

Normalize Columns:Normalize the input range column by column

specialflt2

Apply predefined special filter to a matrix

spline

Perform spline interpolation and extrapolation

vcmath1

Perform simple arithmetic on one complex number

vcmath2

Perform simple arithmetic on two complex numbers

vmathtool

Perform simple arithmetic on input data

vnormalize

Normalize the input vector

white_noise

Add white (Gaussian) noise to data

xyzarea

Calculate the area of the XYZ surface

17.2.9 Signal Processing

Name

cohere

356

Brief Description

Perform coherence

Function Reference

17.2.9 Signal Processing

conv

Compute the convolution of two signals

corr1

Compute 1D correlation of two signals

corr2

2D correlation.

deconv

Compute the deconvolution

envelope

Get envelope of the data

fft_filter2

Perform 2D FFT filtering

fft_filters

Perform FFT Filtering

hilbert

Perform Hilbert transform or calculate analytic signal

msmooth

Smooth the matrix by expanding and shrinking

smooth

Perform smoothing to irregular and noisy data.

FFT
Name

Brief Description

fft1

Fast Fourier transform on input vector (discrete Fourier transforms)

fft2

Two-dimensional fast Fourier transform

ifft1

Perform inverse Fourier transform

ifft2

Inverse two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform

stft

Perform Short Time Fourier Transform

unwrap

Transfer phase angles into smoother phase

Function Reference

357

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

Wavelet
Name

Brief Description

cw_evaluate

Evaluation of continuous wavelet functions

cwt

Computes the real, one-dimensional, continuous wavelet transform coefficients

dwt

1D discrete wavelet transform

dwt2

Decompose matrix data with wavelet transform

idwt

Inverted 1D Wavelet Transform from its approximation coefficients and detail

coefficients.

idwt2

Reconstruct 2D signal from coefficients matrix

mdwt

Multilevel 1-D wavelet decomposition

wtdenoise

Remove noise using wavelet transform

wtsmooth

Smooth signal by cutting off detailed coefficients

17.2.10 Spectroscopy
Name

358

Brief Description

blauto

Create baseline automatically

fitpeaks

Pick multiple peaks from a curve to fit Guassian or Lorentzian peak functions

pa

Open Peak Analyzer

paMultiY

Peak Analysis batch processing using Analysis Theme to generate summary report

Function Reference

17.2.11 Statistics
pkFind

Pick peaks on the curve.

17.2.11 Statistics
Descriptive Statistics
Name

Brief Description

colstats

Perform statistics on columns

corrcoef

Calculate correlation coefficients of the selected data

discfreqs

Calculate Frequency for discrete/categorical data

freqcounts

Calculate frequency counts

kstest

One sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality

lillietest

Lilliefors normality test

mmoments

Calculate moments on selected data

moments

Calculate moments on selected data

mquantiles

Calculate quantiles on selected data

mstats

Calculate descriptive statistics on selected data

quantiles

Calculate quantiles on selected data

rowquantiles

Calculate quantiles on row(s)

rowstats

Descriptive statistics on row(s)

stats

Calculate descriptive statistics on selected data

Function Reference

359

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

swtest

Shapiro-Wilk test for normality:Shapiro-Wilk Normality test

Hypothesis Testing
Name

Brief Description

rowttest2

Perform a two-sample t-test on rows

ttest1

One-Sample t-test

ttest2

Two-Sample t-test

ttestpair

Pair-Sample t test

vartest1

Chi-squared variance test

vartest2

Perform a F-test.

Nonparametric Tests
Name

360

Brief Description

friedman

Perform a Friedman ANOVA

kstest2

Perform a two-sample KS-test on the input data.

kwanova

Perform Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA

mediantest

Perform median test

mwtest

Preform Mann-Whitney test

sign2

Perform paired sample sign test

Function Reference

17.2.12 Utility
signrank1

Perform a one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test

signrank2

Preform paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank test

Survival Analysis
Name

Brief Description

kaplanmeier

Perform a Kaplan-Meier (product-limit) analysis

phm_Cox

Perform a Cox Proportional Hazards Model analysis

weibullfit

Perform a Weibull fit on survival data

17.2.12 Utility
Name

Brief Description

customMenu

Open Custom Menu Editor Dialog.

get_plot_sel

Get plot selections in data plot

get_wks_sel

Get selections in worksheet

themeApply2g

Apply a theme to a graph or some graphs.

themeApply2w

Apply a theme to a worksheet or some worksheets.

themeEdit

Edit the specific theme file using Theme Editing tool.

xop

X-Function to run the operation framework based classes.

Function Reference

361

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

File
Name

Brief Description

cmpfile

Compare two binary files and print out comparison results

dlgFile

Prompt user to select a file with an Open file dialog.

dlgPath

Prompt user o select a path with an Open Path dialog.

dlgSave

Prompt user with an Save as dialog.

filelog

Create a .txt file that contains notes or records of the user's work through a
string

findFiles

Searches for a file or files.

findFolders

Searches for a folder or folders.

imgFile

Prompt user to select an image with an Open file dialog.

template_saveas

Save a graph/workbook/matrix window to a template

web2file

Copy a web page to a local file

System
Name

362

Brief Description

cd

Change or show working directory

cdset

Assigns a specified index to the current working directory, or lists all

assigned indices and associated paths.

debug_log

Used to create a debug log file. Turn on only if you have a problem to
report to OriginLab.

Function Reference

17.2.12 Utility
dir

list script (ogs) and x-functions (oxf) in current working directory.

dlgChkList

group_server

Set up the Group Folder location for both group leader and members

groupmgr

Group Leader's tool to manage Group Folder files

instOPX

Install an Origin XML Package

language

Change Origin Display Language

lc

Lists x-function categories, or all x-functions in a specified category.

lic

Update Module License:Add module license file into Origin

lx

Lists x-functions (by name, keyword, location etc)

mkdir

Create a new folder in the current working directory

op_change

Get and set tree stored in operation object

pb

Open the Project Browser

pe_cd

Change project explorer directory

pe_dir

Lists current project explorer folders and workbooks

pe_load

Load an Origin project into an existing folder in the current project

pe_mkdir

Create new folder

pe_move

Move specified page of folder to specified folder

pe_path

Find Project Explorer path

Function Reference

363

17.2 LabTalk-Supported X-Functions

364

pe_rename

Rename..

pe_rmdir

Delete a subfolder under the active folder in PE

pe_save

Save a folder from the current project to an Origin project file

pef_pptslide

Export all graphs in folder to PowerPoint Slides

pef_slideshow

Slide Show (full screen view) of all graphs in folder

pemp_pptslide

Export selected graphs to PowerPoint Slides

pemp_slideshow

Slide Show (full screen view) of selected graphs

pep_addshortcuts

Create shortcuts for selected windows in Favorites folder

pesp_gotofolder

Go to the original folder where this page locates

updateUFF

Transfer user files in Origin75 to Origin8

ux

Update x-function list in specified location

Function Reference

Index
$
$( ) Substitution .................................57, 64
$(num) ...................................................159
%
% variables ............................................120
%( ) Substitution ......................................57
%( ) substitution notation .........................53
%(string$) ......................................159, 166
%A - %Z...................................................57
%n, Argument..........................................67
@
@ option ..................................................62
@ Substitution .........................................60
@ System Variable................................305
@ text-label option.................................317
@ text-label options.................................63
@ variable ...............................................62
A
Access column by index ..........................88
Access Origin Object by Range ..............47
access worksheet cell..............................58
Accessing Dataset.................................105
Active Column .......................................171
active dataset ........................................120
active graph layer ..................................192
active layer ..............................................77
Active Matrix Sheet................................178
Active Matrixbook ..................................178
Active Window .......................................127
active window title..................................120
active worksheet......................................48
Active Worksheet.............................77, 171
Add Layer ..............................................196
Addition....................................................26
after fit script ..........................................141
Align Layer.............................................197
analysis template...................................146
Analysis Template .........................287, 289
and operator ............................................34
And operator ............................................26
Append project ......................................220

Append text............................................116
area........................................................249
Argument Order .....................................235
Argument, Command Line.....................143
Argument, Command Statment ...............21
Argument, Macro .....................................37
Argument, Script File .............................131
Argument, Subsitution .............................67
Argument, X-Function............................237
Arithmetic ...............................................161
arithmetic operator...................................26
arithmetic statement ................................22
Arrange Layer ........................................196
ASCII..............................................205, 214
assignment ................................................4
assignment operator ................................28
assignment statement..............................20
Assignment, X-Function Argument........124
Average..................................................254
Average Curves .....................................247
Axis Property .........................................193
axis range ..............................................303
B
baseline..................................................267
batch processing............................146, 288
Batch Processing...........................146, 288
Before Formula Scripts ..........................134
block.........................................................24
block of cells ............................................49
braces ......................................................24
break ........................................................35
built-in function.........................................39
C
calculation between columns...................59
Calculation Using Interpolation ................32
Calculus .........................................248, 249
call a fitting function .................................43
Calling Origin C Function from LabTalk.245
cd command ..........................................134
Cell Function ..........................................107
Classic Script Window ...............................3
365

Code Builder ..................................129, 152

Code Builder, script access ...................152
colon-equal ............................................124
color index..............................................298
color list..................................................298
column attribute .......................................85
column dataset name ..............................58
Column Header......................................222
Column Label.........................................223
Column Label Row ........................222, 293
Column Method........................................85
Column parameter .................................293
columns..................................................231
Columns, Loop over...............................231
Columns, Loop Over ................................88
COM Server ...........................................142
command history ...................................128
Command Line Argument......................143
command statement ................................21
Command Window ..........................54, 128
command-line ........................................143
comment ..................................................24
Comment, Column Label .......................293
Compile Origin C....................................243
complex number ......................................10
Composite Range ....................................56
concatenate string .................................164
conditional operator .................................30
console...................................................143
constant ...................................................27
Constant.....................................................9
continue ...................................................35
control characters ....................................58
convert a numeric date value.................169
Convert Number to String ......................159
Convert String to Number ......................166
Converting Image to Data......................272
Copy Column .........................................173
copy matrix.............................................179
Copy Matrix....................................173, 179
Copy Range ...........................................173
copy worksheet ......................................173
correlation coefficient.............................256
Count .....................................................304
Cox Proportional hazards model ...........260
Create Baseline .....................................267
366

Create Dataset ...................................... 104

Create Graph ........................................ 187
Create Layer ......................................... 189
create matrix book ................................ 177
Create Script File .................................. 129
create workbook.................................... 171
current baseline dataset........................ 120
current project name ............................. 120
current working directory....................... 134
curve fitting............................................ 261
Custom Date Format............................... 89
custom menu......................................... 148
Custom Routine ........................................ 3
D
D notation.............................................. 169
Data Import ........................................... 205
data marker ........................................... 303
data plot ................................................ 194
Data Reader.......................................... 278
Data Selector ........................................ 279
Data Type.................................................. 9
Database............................................... 208
Dataset............................................ 10, 103
dataset function....................................... 42
Dataset in Current Fitting Session ........ 120
Dataset Substitution.......................... 48, 59
Date....................................................... 167
date and time data ................................ 167
Date Format .......................................... 294
Date format notation ............................. 169
Date Format, Customization ................... 89
date-time string ..................................... 169
Debug Script ......................................... 152
debugging ............................................. 151
Decimal Places ..................................... 160
Decision structure ................................... 33
Declare Range ........................................ 46
Define Range .......................................... 53
del ........................................................... 55
Delayed Execution .................................. 23
delete ...................................................... 55
Delete Matrix Book................................ 179
Delete Range Variable............................ 55
Delete Variable ....................................... 16
Delete Workbook .................................. 173
Delete Worksheet ................................. 174

derivative ...............................................248
Descriptive Statistics .............................254
dialog .....................................................282
Differentiation ........................................248
Division ....................................................26
doc -e...............................................33, 229
Document ..............................................219
Double .......................................................9
Double-Y Graph.....................................189
DPI.........................................................215
Draw Line...............................................201
Dynamic Range Assignment ...................52
E
echo .......................................................304
Echo.......................................................154
Ed Object ...............................................152
Edge Detection ......................................270
Edit Command...........................................5
Embed debugging statement ................155
EPS........................................................214
error code ..............................................242
error message .......................................304
Escape Sequence .................................198
evaluating an expression.........................25
Excel book .............................................221
Exception ...............................................242
exit ...........................................................35
Exponentiate............................................26
Export Graph .........................................215
Export Matrix .........................................216
Export Worksheet ..................................213
External application ...............................142
Extract Worksheet Data.........................175
Extracting String Number ......................165
F
Fast Fourier Transform..........................265
FFT ........................................................265
filter ........................................................207
filtering ...................................................265
find peak ................................................267
Finding X given Y ..................................251
Finding Y given X ..................................250
Fit Line ...................................................261
Fit Non-Linear ........................................262
Fit Polynomial ........................................261

fitting function...........................................43
Flow of Control.........................................32
for.............................................................33
format a number ....................................160
frequency counts ...................................255
Friedman Test........................................258
function ..................................................321
Function .........................................162, 337
function statement ...................................22
Function Tutorial ......................................45
Function, Built-in ......................................39
Function, LabTalk ..................................321
Function, User Define ..............................39
G
Get dataset size.....................................104
Get Input ................................................273
Get Point ................................................277
GetN.......................................................274
GetNumber dialog..................................274
GetString................................................274
GetYesNo command .............................273
Global scope ............................................17
Global variables .......................................17
GObject..................................................110
graph..............................................187, 192
Graph .....................................................231
Graph Export .........................................215
Graph Groups ........................................190
graph layer .....................................187, 192
Graph Layer ...........................................189
graph legend..........................................193
Graph Legend........................................199
graph property .......................................192
graph template.......................................187
graph window.........................................187
Graph, 3D ..............................................190
graphic object ..........................................14
Graphic Object.......................................137
Graphic objects......................................198
Graphic Objects .....................................232
Graphic Objects, Looping over ..............232
Graphic Windows, Looping over............231
gridding ..................................................191
H
Hello World ................................................3
367

Hypothesis Test .....................................256

I
If 33
if-else .......................................................33
image .....................................................215
Image Import..........................................209
Image Processing ..................................268
Import.........................................................6
Import Data ............................................205
Import Data Theme................................207
Import Image..........................................209
Import Wizard.........................................140
increment and decrement operators........28
Input, X-Function ...................................237
Integer........................................................9
integrating peak .....................................268
Integration ..............................................249
Intellisense .............................................128
interactively ................................................4
Interpolated Curves ...............................252
interpreter.................................................25
Introduction ................................................1
J
JPEG......................................................214
K
Kaplan-Meier Estimator .........................259
Keyword for Range ................................238
Keyword in String...................................295
Keyword Substitution ...............................58
Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test .....................258
Krusal-Wallis ANOVA ............................258
L
label .......................................................198
Label ......................................................293
Label Option...........................................317
Label Row Character .............................293
Label Row Characters .............................59
LabTalk Interpreter ..................................25
LabTalk Keyword ...................................295
LabTalk Object.........................................67
Last Used System Variable ...................296
latest worksheet selection......................120
layer ................................ 89, 195, 196, 233
Layer Alignment .....................................197
368

Layer Arrangement ............................... 196

Layer method .......................................... 93
Layer Object............................................ 89
Layer propertie ........................................ 90
layer, active ............................................. 77
Layer, Add layer .................................... 196
Layer, Adding ........................................ 195
Layer, Linking........................................ 197
Layer, Looping over .............................. 233
Layer, Move .......................................... 196
Layer, Swap .......................................... 197
legend ................................................... 199
Legend Substitution ................................ 63
length of script......................................... 24
LHS ......................................................... 20
Line Style .............................................. 299
linear fit.................................................. 261
Link Layers............................................ 197
list............................................................ 54
List Command ........................................... 5
List Range Variable................................. 54
List Variables....................................... 5, 16
Load Origin C ........................................ 243
Load Origin Project ............................... 145
Load Window ........................................ 220
Local variables ........................................ 18
logical and relational operators ............... 29
Long name ............................................ 293
Long Name............................................ 222
loop ......................................................... 32
Loop Over Columns ................................ 88
loop over multiple files .......................... 288
Loop Over Objects ................................ 228
Loose Dataset ................................. 51, 103
Loose Dataset, X-Function ................... 109
M
Macro Property ....................................... 38
Macro Statement..................................... 21
Manage Layer ....................................... 195
Manage Project ..................................... 219
Manipulate Range ................................... 52
Mask...................................................... 282
Mask Cell .............................................. 108
mathematical operations......................... 31
matrix .................................................... 216
matrix book, create ............................... 177

Matrix Export .........................................216

Matrix Interpolation ................................254
Matrix method ..........................................99
Matrix property.........................................95
matrix sheet ...........................................180
matrix, copy ...........................................179
metadata................................................294
Metadata................................................222
Method.....................................................68
Move Column ........................................173
Move layer .............................................196
Multiplication ............................................26
N
nlf 43
nlf FitFuncName ......................................43
nlf funcname ............................................43
nlf function ...............................................43
Non-linear Fitting ...................................262
Nonparametric Test ...............................257
non-printing characters............................58
number of layers ......................................78
number of matrix sheets ..........................78
number of worksheets .............................78
numeric data type ......................................9
O
Object Method .........................................68
Object Property........................................67
Object, Column........................................85
Object, Column or Matrix.......................103
Object, Dataset ......................................103
OCB file .................................................246
OGS file .................................................129
One-Sample T-Test ...............................256
Open a File ............................................153
open a project........................................219
Open the Code Builder ..........................153
Open X-Function Dialog ........................242
option .......................................................21
option switch ..........................................240
Option switche .......................................236
Option Switche ........................................50
Or operator ..............................................26
Origin C functions ..................................243
Origin C, Pass Variable .........................244
Origin Object............................................70

Origin Project ...................................70, 219

origin project, append ............................220
origin project, open/save........................219
Output X-Function..................................237
P
Page Method ...........................................77
Page Object .............................................71
Page Property..........................................71
Parameter rows .....................................222
parameter, column.................................293
Pass Arguments in Script ......................131
Pass Arguments to Function ...................41
Pass Arguments to Macro .......................37
Pass Variable, Origin C .........................244
Pass Variables by Reference ................132
Pass Variables by Value........................132
path ........................................................134
PATH of the current project ...................120
PDF........................................................214
peak analysis .........................................266
placeholder ............................................131
Placing Label .........................................199
plot .................................................187, 231
Plot Graph..............................................187
plot style.................................................194
Polynomial fit .........................................262
program path .........................................120
project level loose dataset .......................10
Project Management..............................219
Project scope ...........................................17
Project variables ......................................17
ProjectEvents.ogs..................................139
property....................................................67
Q
Quick Output..............................................4
R
range........................................................12
Range as column.....................................88
Range Data Manipulation ........................52
Range Keyword .....................................238
Range Notation....................................6, 46
Range to UID ...........................................55
range variable ..........................................69
Range, Block of Cells ..............................49
Range, Column........................................48
369

Range, Column Subrange .......................49

Range, Get plot X ....................................50
Range, Get plot Y ....................................50
Range, Graph Data..................................50
Range, Matrix Data ..................................49
Range, Origin Object ...............................47
Range, Page and Sheet ..........................48
Range, Worksheet Data ..........................47
Range, X-Function Argument ..................53
recalculate..............................................242
recognition order ......................................25
Reduce Worksheet Data........................175
refresh window.......................................221
Regional Data Selector ..........................280
Regional Mask Tool ...............................280
Regression.....................................261, 262
rename matrix book ...............................178
Rename matrix sheet.............................178
Rename Window .....................................78
rename workbook ..................................171
Rename worksheet................................172
repeat.......................................................32
ReportData.............................................238
resolution ...............................................215
RHS .........................................................20
Rotate image..........................................268
Row-by-Row Calculations........................31
rows .......................................................232
Rows, Looping over ...............................232
Run an OGS File ...................................130
Run ProjectEvents Script.......................139
Run Script ..............................................127
Run Script from Command Window ......128
Run Script from Console........................143
Run Script from Custom Menus.............148
Run Script from External Application .....142
Run Script from File ...............................129
Run Script from Graphic Object.............137
Run Script from Import Wizard ..............140
Run Script from Nonlinear Fitter ............141
Run Script from Script Panel .................137
Run Script from Set Values Dialog ........134
Run Script from Toolbar Buttons ...........149
Run Script from Worksheet Script Dialog
...........................................................136
Run Script On a Timer ...........................147
370

S
Sampling Interval .......................... 222, 293
Save Script File ..................................... 129
Save Window ........................................ 220
Scalar Calculations ................................. 31
Scientific Notation ................................. 161
scope..................................................... 119
scope of a function.................................. 43
scope of a variable.................................. 16
Scope of String Regester...................... 119
scope, forcing global ............................... 18
scope, global ........................................... 17
scope, local ............................................. 18
scope, project.......................................... 17
scope, session ........................................ 17
Screen Reader ...................................... 277
script........................ 19, 129, 137, 143, 147
Script ..................................................... 142
script access to Code Builder ............... 152
Script After Fitting ................................. 141
script files, creating/saving.................... 129
Script Panel........................................... 137
Script Section ........................................ 130
Script Window ....................................... 128
Script, Before Formula .......................... 134
script, debugging................................... 151
script, execution .................................... 127
Script, Fitting ......................................... 262
Script, for specified window .................. 127
script, from a custom menu................... 148
script, from a script panel...................... 137
script, from a toolbar button .................. 149
script, from external console ................. 143
script, from non-linear fitter ................... 141
script, import wizard/filter ...................... 140
script, in set values dialog..................... 134
script, in worksheet script dialog ........... 136
script, interactive execution........... 151, 157
Script, Project events ............................ 139
script, run .............................................. 127
section..................................................... 35
Section .................................................. 130
Select Range on Graph .......................... 50
selection range...................................... 305
semicolon .......................................... 19, 23
separate statements ............................... 23

Session variables ....................................17

Set .........................................................194
Set Column Value..................................288
Set dataset size .....................................104
Set Decimal Places ...............................160
set matrix value .....................................180
Set Path .................................................134
Set Significant Digits..............................160
Set Values Dialog ..................................134
Signal Processing..................................264
Signed Rank Test ..................................258
Significant Digits ....................................160
smoothing ..............................................248
Smoothing..............................................264
Sort Worksheet......................................176
Sparkline................................................293
spectroscopy .........................................266
speed mode ...........................................193
Start a New Project................................219
statement .................................................19
Statement Type .......................................20
string array.............................................166
String Comparison.................................121
string concatenation ................................27
String Concatenation .............................164
string expression ...............................20, 58
String Expression Substitution ................58
String Keyword ......................................295
String Method ........................................163
String Processing ..................................163
String Register .........................11, 119, 163
String Register, String Variable .............121
String Register, System Variable ..........120
String Registers .....................................164
string variable ........................................127
String variable..........................................11
String Variable .......................................162
String Variable, String Register .............121
StringArray...............................................11
subrange..................................................49
Substitution Notation ...............................57
substitution notations.................................4
substitution, keyword ...............................58
substitution, worksheet column/cell.........58
Substring................................................163
Substring notation..................................122

Subtraction...............................................26
summary report......................................290
Swap Layers ..........................................197
switch .................................21, 34, 143, 240
Symbol Shape .......................................301
Syntax ......................................................19
system variable......................................120
System Variable.............................120, 296
System Variable, String Regester .........120
T
T notation ...............................................169
Temporary Dataset ................................103
temporary loose dataset ..........................10
ternary operator .......................................30
theme .............................................207, 241
Time .......................................................167
Time Format ..........................................294
Time format notation..............................169
timer .......................................................147
token ......................................................123
toolbar ....................................................149
Tree........................................................225
tree data type...........................................12
Trim margin............................................268
T-test......................................................256
tutorial ......................................................45
Two-Sample T-Test ...............................257
U
UID.....................................................55, 68
UID, Range ..............................................55
Units...............................................222, 293
universal identifier..............................55, 68
Unstack Data .........................................177
Update Origin C .....................................246
User Files Folder ...........................129, 145
User Files Folder Path ...........................120
user-defined function ...............................39
User-Defined parameters ......................222
V
variable ................................................4, 15
Variable......................................................9
Variable Name Conflict ............................15
Variable Naming Rule..............................15
variable, global.........................................17
variable, local...........................................18
371

variable, project........................................17
variable, session ......................................17
Vector Calculation....................................31
Virtual Matrix ..................................185, 191
Visual object...........................................109
W
wcol() .......................................................53
Weibull Fit ..............................................261
wildcard..................................................176
window name ...........................................78
window, active........................................127
workbook, create ...................................171
worksheet...............................................174
Worksheet Export ..................................213
worksheet info substitution ......................60
Worksheet label rows ............................293
Worksheet Method...................................82
worksheet object ......................................78
Worksheet Property .................................79
Worksheet Script dialog.........................136

372

worksheet, column and cell substitution . 58

worksheet, copy .................................... 173
worksheet, extract data......................... 175
worksheet, sort...................................... 176
Worksheets, Looping over .................... 231
X
X-Function............................. 124, 235, 337
X-Function Argument ............................ 237
X-Function Argument Order.................. 235
X-Function Argument, Range ................. 53
X-Function Exception............................ 242
X-Function Input.................................... 237
X-Function Output ................................. 237
X-Function Variables............................. 237
X-Function, Loose Dataset ................... 109
X-Function, open dialog ........................ 242
X-Function, option switch...................... 240
XY Range................................................ 55
XYZ Range.............................................. 55