Simple Igor plot

Why use Igor...as opposed to Excel?

Igor is a data analysis software package designed for scientist. Although Excel does a great job plotting most data, it does a poor job of preparing data/graph/plots to be used in manuscripts, posters, or powerpoint presentations. Excel also treats data as individual data values where as Igor treats data as arrays (or "wave"). For example, when you collect an X-Y data set of 1000 data points (very common in science) it is more logical to work with the x-array and y-array, as in plotting X vs Y. There is often no reason to see a table with 1000 numbers in it.

Igor does have a relatively steep learning curve, but these basic into activities will serve you well in mastering Igor.