Working with the Matrix Editor

With the matrix editor, you can open and edit a matrix, array or array of records. You can also plot a matrix. Note that you can load or save a matrix or an array, but not an array of records.

Before you begin: Edit a matrix or array component parameter.

Note that you can also edit matrix and array from other dialog boxes, for example with function calls.

  1. Click Edit after the matrix box.
    The matrix editor appears.

    Tips: For parameters where it is possible, to add or remove rows or columns, use the Rows and Columns lists or the context menu of a cell.
  2. Modify a value with one of the following methods:
    • Edit directly a cell.
    • To use a text editor for a cell, right-click the cell and select Edit Text.
    • To copy the default value to the cell, right-click the cell and select Copy Default.
    • To insert a function call in a cell, right-click the cell and select Insert Function Call.

      A browser appears to let you insert a function call (for example, you can apply "sinus" on a value).

      For information about Insert Function Call see Inserting a Function Call.

      Important: The original value in the cell is not removed when using Insert Function Call, you must remove it manually.
    • To edit an existing function call in a cell, right-click the cell and select
      • Edit Function Call to edit the values of the function call.
      • Insert Function Call to nest function calls.

      For information about these commands, see Editing an Existing Function Call and Inserting a Function Call.

  3. To insert table cells copied from for example Microsoft Excel or Matlab, click Paste Matrix.

    If the number of the rows and columns of the cells to paste is not the same as the number of rows and column in the existing matrix, a warning appears.

  4. To import a matrix or an array, click Import.

    Matlab 4 files (.mat) or comma separated values files (.csv and .txt) are supported to import.

    A browser appears to let you select and load the file.
    Note: You have to supply a table name if the file contains several matrices or arrays.

    Depending on the size of the table imported, two outcomes are possible:

    • If the matrix or array contain less than 10 000 cells, all editing options are available.
    • If the matrix or array contain more than 10 000 cells, the editing options are by default not available, but you can import/export and plot the matrix or array. A message is displayed in the editor about this. In many cases this is sufficient. If you still want to edit the matrix or array, click the message. The matrix or array is now fully loaded and all editing options are available.
      Note: To import large matrices or arrays, the DataFiles package can also be used. For more about this package, see the documentation in that package.

  5. To export a matrix or an array, click Export.
    A browser appears to let you select the convenient folder and enter a file name.
    Note: You have to supply a table name if the file contains several matrices or arrays.
  6. To plot a matrix:
    1. Click Plot.
      A plot window appears.

      Tip: To zoom in, drag a rectangle in the plot. over the part to zoom in. To reset or zoom out, right-click in the plot window and select Rescale Diagram or Zoom out.
    2. Click Table to plot column from 2 to N versus first column.
      Note: Vectors are plotted against index number.
    3. Click Map Rows to plot rows of a 2D map.
      The plotter displays rows from 2 to N versus first row, except the first element.
    4. Click Map Columns to plot columns of a 2D map.
      The plotter displays columns from 2 to N versus the first column, except the first element of each column.
  7. Click OK to validate your modifications and close the matrix editor.