This section explains the various methods of specifying and saving X–Y data objects. X–Y data objects can originate from analysis results, an external file, keyboard entry, or operations on previously saved X–Y data objects. The following topics are covered:

• “Reading X–Y data from output database history output,” Section 43.2.1

• “Reading X–Y data from output database field output,” Section 43.2.2

• “Reading X–Y data through the thickness of a shell,” Section 43.2.3

• “Reading X–Y data from an ASCII file,” Section 43.2.4

• “Entering X–Y data from the keyboard,” Section 43.2.5

• “Saving an X–Y data object,” Section 43.2.6

• “Copying a session X–Y data object to an output database file,” Section 43.2.7

• “Loading an X–Y data object to the current session,” Section 43.2.8

• “Editing individual data points in an X–Y data object,” Section 43.2.9

For information on specifying X–Y data objects by obtaining field output results along a path through your model, see Chapter 44, “Viewing results along a path”; for information on specifying X–Y data objects by operating on existing X–Y data, see “Operating on saved X–Y data objects,” Section 43.4.