start a new graph while keeping the old ones visible with R
To start a new graph while keeping the old ones visible with RTo start a new graph while keeping the old ones visible, you can use the par() function in R to manage the graphical parameters. Here’s how you can handle multiple plots in the same plotting area:
Using par(mfrow=…) for Multiple Plots in One Window
The par(mfrow=…) function allows you to arrange multiple plots in a single plotting window. This is useful for comparing different plots side by side or in a grid.
Example:
x <- 1:10 y <- x^2 z <- x^3 # Set up a 2x2 plotting area par(mfrow = c(2, 2)) # Plot 1 plot(x, y, main = "Plot 1: x vs x^2") # Plot 2 plot(x, z, main = "Plot 2: x vs x^3") # Plot 3 hist(y, main = "Plot 3: Histogram of x^2") # Plot 4 boxplot(x, y, main = "Plot 4: Boxplot")
- par(mfrow = c(2, 2)): Divides the plotting window into a 2×2 grid.
Using par(mfcol=…) for Filling by Column
Similar to mfrow, mfcol fills plots column-wise instead of row-wise.
Example:
# Set up a 2x2 plotting area, filling by column par(mfcol = c(2, 2)) # Plot 1 plot(x, y, main = "Plot 1: x vs x^2") # Plot 2 plot(x, z, main = "Plot 2: x vs x^3") # Plot 3 hist(y, main = "Plot 3: Histogram of x^2") # Plot 4 boxplot(x, y, main = "Plot 4: Boxplot")
Adding New Plots to the Same Graph
If you want to add a new plot to an existing one without clearing the previous plot, use the add = TRUE argument in plotting functions or just overlay plots.
Example:
# Initial plot plot(x, y, main = "Overlay Plot", xlab = "X", ylab = "Y", col = "blue") # Add another plot on top points(x, z, col = "red")
- points(): Adds points to an existing plot.
Saving and Restoring Graphical Parameters
You might want to save the current graphical parameters and restore them later.
Example:
# Save current parameters old_par <- par() # Set up a new plotting area par(mfrow = c(1, 2)) # Create plots plot(x, y, main = "Plot 1") plot(x, z, main = "Plot 2") # Restore old parameters par(old_par)
- old_par <- par(): Saves the current graphical parameters.
- par(old_par): Restores the saved parameters.
Opening a New Graphics Device
To keep old plots while starting a new one, open a new graphics device using functions like windows(), quartz(), or x11() depending on your operating system.
Example:
# Open a new graphics window windows() # Use quartz() on macOS or x11() on Linux # Create a new plot in the new window plot(x, y, main = "New Plot in New Window")
- windows(), quartz(), x11(): Open new graphics devices.
Conclusion
These methods allow you to manage multiple plots effectively, whether you want to view them together in a single window or keep old plots visible while creating new ones. Experimenting with par() and different graphics devices will help you find the best approach for your needs.