KNOWLEDGEBASE - ARTICLE #1290

When I copy a graph (or layout) from Prism 5, and paste into another program, what is its resolution?

Prism 5 Windows copies graphs and layouts to the clipboard in WMF and EMF format. By default, it copies both, but you can change a preference (File tab of Prism preferences) to only copy one or the other. Both these formats use vectors and fonts, so have effectively infinite resolution.  Prism 5 also copies a 100 DPI bitmap. It also copies a Prism object. If the other program can paste that object, then you can double-click and edit the Prism project from within that other program.

Prism 5 Mac copies graphs and layouts to the clipboard in three formats. One is essentially a PDF file. It uses vectors and fonts, so has effectively infinite resolution. Newer Mac programs can paste this kind of PDF object. In some cases, for example PowerPoint 2008, this will only happen if you choose Edit...Paste Special. Prism 5 Mac also copies two kinds of bitmaps (Tiff, and raster PICT), which older programs paste. This bitmap is at 150 dots per inch. You can increase the effective resolution, by making the graph very large in Prism, then copy and paste, and then drag the resulting image to a smaller size in the other program. You can also use Prism's Export button to export as a image file, with your choice of resolutions and formats.

Use Edit ..Paste Special in the other program (Windows or Mac) and you'll be given a choice about which format to paste.

Explore the Knowledgebase

Analyze, graph and present your scientific work easily with GraphPad Prism. No coding required.