This article will guide you through the steps to open XMapTools (standalone versions) for the first time.
Table of Contents
How do I get started?
Before you 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. Before using XMapTools on MacOS, you must perform the additional steps described in this article.
- Open XMapTools. Note that XMapTools may take up to a minute to start.
- When the program is ready, a dialogue box opens; select your working directory and press the ‘Open’ button. Note that you can change the working directory later on, but you must select 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 now ready to go and you can start converting raw data or importing maps.
- Working with EPMA data? Try to this tutorial.
- Working with LA-ICPMS data? Read this paper.
Common questions
Why do I have to choose a working directory?
XMapTools creates a lot of files during data processing and it is better to store these files together with the data they belong to.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have a folder for each project that contains only the map and standard files needed by XMapTools. Raw data should be stored in a separate folder.
Why does it take so long to start XMapTools?
Well, we have to load all the MATLAB libraries and this takes some time. Note that the second time you run XMapTools, it will be faster if you haven’t restarted your computer. Use this time to think about your project and perhaps just a cup of tea or coffee.
I am lost, where can I get some help?
You can find articles on this website and help files in the program. We also have tutorial videos. Do not hesitate to click on the help button available in each section to access a description of the main steps. If you feel that something is missing or unclear, or if you find an error, do not hesitate to contact us by email or via the developer repository on Github.
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