Using Data Skip to Approximate and Render a Large Dataset

Question: I am running out of memory rendering my fine-mesh data. How do I read-in a smaller, decimated version of my ordered dataset into my layout? More details: If you are working on a computer with limited resources, some processes can surpass the available computer memory. If you are unable to add more RAM, this can cause Tecplot to slow or, at worst, crash. Try this solution if some actions […]

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Fix Contour Labels Location

Problem: When exporting a picture, the location of the contour labels changes: Solution: By default the image is rendered off-screen and implies a re-draw of the plot. There are two possible solutions:   1) Prevent the re-positioning of the labels when a redraw occurs: In the Contour Details dialog, in the Labels tab, toggle Generate automatic labels (with each withdraw) off.   2) Prevent the redrawing by using the on-screen […]

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Creating a GIF from a Sequence of PNGs

Question: When I use FFMPEG1 to convert a bunch of pngs to a GIF, it produces an ugly GIF (see the example script below and Figure 1). How do you use FFMPEG to convert a series of .png images to a high quality GIF in Windows? Example script (creates an ugly GIF):  ffmpeg.exe -r 20 -i HighQual_%6d.png -s:v 2152×1914 -f GIF ffmpeg_HighQual.gif     Solution: Both FFmpeg and ImageMagick convert2 can create […]

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Viewing Raster Metafiles With Framer

Background: Framer is an unsupported utility program that was included with discontinued versions of Tecplot 360. It allows you to view files stored in Raster Metafile format and runs independently of Tecplot 360. Raster Metafile is a NASA-defined standard format for storing bit images and may contain one or more images. The last version of Tecplot 360 that included framer.exe was Tecplot 360 2013. As Raster Metafiles (.rm) have become […]

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Unique Iso-surfaces in Multiple Zones with Equal Variables

Problem: How do I create iso-surfaces, exclusive to each zone, for the same iso-surface variable? As seen in Figure 1, Tecplot 360 will create iso-surfaces in both volume zones for the Mach variable because both zones contain this variable. What can be done if one iso-surface is to be seen in one zone, but not the other zone? Solution: Essentially, this procedure duplicates and renames a variable to each zone […]

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Converting Raster Metafiles to AVI File Format

Problem: How do I convert raster metafiles to AVI movie file format? The last version of Tecplot 360 that included the rmtoavi.exe was Tecplot 360 2013. Additionally, framer.exe (Framer, the program used to view .rm files) is no longer distributed. As raster metafiles (.rm) have become less common, we no longer include this .rm file conversion in our product. However, we foresee rmtoavi being helpful to users with archives of […]

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Fixing Incorrectly Spaced Dashed Lines in EPS Format Export

Problem: When I export an image of my dashed XY plot as a .EPS file, the dash spacing is altered and irregular. Detailed Example Case: When I export the plot to eps file and open it, the patterns of the dashed and dash-dotted lines are inaccurate. The pattern interval is not uniform and sometimes the dot in the dash-dotted line vanishes. These are highlighted in red: Plot before exporting (correct […]

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Animation Export Size and Format Limitations

Problem: Windows Media Player (WMP) and PowerPoint cannot handle large .mp4 export files (image widths greater than 3000 pixels). Details: MP4 video animation export in Tecplot 360 (as of 2018.2.1) will display properly on Linux (using VLC), MacOS (QuickTime Player), and Windows (Windows Media Player, PowerPoint, and Web Viewer) with one exception: Windows Media Player and PowerPoint cannot handle MP4 image widths greater than 3000 pixels.   Solution: Exporting large WMV […]

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Use FFmpeg to create videos from PNGs

Problem: I want to create a movie file from a series of images that I export from Tecplot. Solution:  Tecplot 360 2018 R2.1 introduced the ability to export animations to a series of images. FFmpeg, which is bundled with Tecplot 360, has commands to convert a set of images into a video format. Here is an example command: ffmpeg.exe -framerate 40 -i image%9d.png -s:v 1024×910 -c:v libx264 -profile:v high -crf […]

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Tecplot 360 Will Not Open OneDrive Files

Problem: OneDrive has introduced a new capability called “Files On-Demand” which allows files to be downloaded on-demand. These files are not recognized by the Tecplot file dialog. If you are opening files from a OneDrive folder and receiving an error from the File Dialog, try one of the following workarounds. Solution: Upgrade to Tecplot 360 2017 R3 build 3.1 or later » Turn off Files On-Demand Right-click on the OneDrive […]

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