This article will guide you through the steps when you open XMapTools (standalone versions) for the first time.
How to get started?
Before to start, make sure that you have the latest version of XMapTools installed. The installation/update procedure is described in separate articles for macOS and WIN. You must follow the additional steps described in this article before using XMapTools on macOS
- Open XMapTools. Note that starting XMapTools can take up to a minute
- When the program is ready, a dialog box opens; pick your working directory and press the button “Open”. Note that you can change the working directory later on, but you need to pick a directory when you start the program. A log file is automatically created in the selected working directory
- XMapTools opens. Note that the current working directory is also displayed in the top bar of the main window
- You are ready to go and you can start converting raw data or importing maps
- Working with EPMA data? Give a try to this tutorial.
Common questions
Why do I need to pick a working directory?
XMapTools is generating a lot of files during data processing and it is better to save these files togehter with the data they belong to.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have one folder for each project containing only the map and standard files needed by XMapTools. Raw data must be kept in a separate folder.
Why does it take so long to start XMapTools?
Well we need to load all the MATLAB libraries and this takes some time. Note that running XMapTools for the second time is faster if you haven’t restarted your computer. Take this time to think about your project and maybe simply have a cup of tea or coffee.
I am lost, how can I get some help?
This is something we would like to improve in the future but it requires a lot of efforts and it takes a lot of time. Remember that this is a beta version of XMapTools 4.
At the moment you can find article in this website and help files in the program. Do not hesitate to click on the help button available in each section to access a description of the main steps. If you think that something is missing or unclear, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
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