Keep the source data intact
Work from a copy when preparing data and retain the original instrument output. Keep any corrections distinguishable from the measured values.
Prepare the plotting input
- Identify the independent and measured variables.
- Record units and use clear column and sample names.
- Inspect missing values and nonnumeric header rows.
- Import the file and confirm the column mapping.
- Compare the first plotted curve with the expected experiment.
Choose the next task
Create a general plot when you first need to inspect the data. Choose a technique-specific analysis only after confirming the columns and required experimental inputs.