- Table of contents
- Part:1 Getting Started with OxMetrics
- 1 Introduction and Overview
- 1.1 Supported platforms
- 1.1.1 Folder structure
- 1.2 What is new?
- 1.3 Availability
- 1.4 Citation
- 1.5 Help
- 1.6 Modular application structure
- 1.7 Ox language
- 1.8 Registration
- 1.9 Upgrades
- 1.10 Algebra
- 1.11 Batch
- 1.12 Data storage
- 1.13 Filenames and extensions
- 1.14 Sample periods
- 1.15 Status bar
- 1.16 Tool bars
- 1.17 Documentation conventions
OxMetrics book (pdf)
Installation (pdf)
Getting started
Reference
- Algebra Language
- Batch Language
- Data Management
- Graphics
- Statistics
- Text editing
Dialogs
- Aggregate dialog
- Algebra dialog
- Batch dialog
- Calculator dialog
- Delete dialog (database)
- Database description dialog
- Change sample dialog
- Variable description
- Rename variable
- New variable dialog
- Delete dialog (graphics)
- Edit Graph dialog
- Graphics dialog
- Graphics Text (Add Text) dialog
- Model dialog
- Find/Replace (text) dialog
- Text properties dialog
- Preferences dialog
- Options dialog
- Graphics setup dialog
Part:1 Getting Started with OxMetrics
Chapter 1 Introduction and Overview
The OxMetricstm system presents an interactive menu-driven graphics-oriented
system for econometric, statistic, and financial analysis.
Here we describe the core OxMetrics program, which acts
as the `front-end' to a series of integrated software applications.
These applications obtain their data from OxMetrics and return output and graphics
to it. OxMetrics is the component that allows you to load, edit, and save data;
transform that data using the calculator or algebra; create a wide
variety of graphs, which can be edited, amended and saved in various formats;
provide the data for other applications to analyze; receive their text output,
results, and graphics; and lets you edit, amend, and save any or all of these
as desired. As such, the OxMetrics front-end can be seen as
the desktop for econometric and statistical modelling.
OxMetrics databases can have a fixed frequency, or are `dated', which allows
for daily or timed observations. Aggregation facilities are provided, e.g. to
convert daily data into monthly.
OxMetrics is multilingual, in that names of database variables and
text in reports and graphics can be from a wide range of languages,
including Chinese and Japanese.
1.1 Supported platforms
The OxMetrics suite of programs
runs on the following platforms:
- Windows
Installation is to
\Program Files\OxMetrics9\
by default, but this can be changed in the installation program.
- macOS (OS X)
Installation is to /Applications/OxMetrics9/.
- Linux
Installation is to /usr/share/OxMetrics9/.
A separate installation document describes the supported platforms in more
detail, and shows how to install the software.
OxMetrics 9 operates independently from OxMetrics 8 and previous versions.
1.1.1 Folder structure
The OxMetrics folder structure is as follows:
OxMetrics9/
oxmetrics.exe OxMetrics executable
oxedit.exe OxEdit executable
algebra/ Algebra files
apps/ OxMetrics application runtime files
batch/ Batch files
data/ Data files
doc/ Help system
ox/ Root of Ox installation: Ox executable files
doc/ help files for Ox
include/ Ox header files for Ox code
lib/ Ox additional code library
packages/ Ox packages
samples/ Ox sample code
...
OxEdit_resources/ Additional resources for OxEdit
OxMetrics_resources/ Additional resources for OxMetrics
1.2 What is new?
This documentation refers to OxMetrics 9. OxMetrics 8 users will find
much that is familar.
There are a number of small fixes in this version, which are documented in the online help.
The most important new features are:
1.3 Availability
For availability contact
Timberlake Consultants:
www.timberlake-consultancy.com
or www.timberlake.co.uk.
Consult www.doornik.com or www.oxmetrics.info for
pointers to additional information relevant to the current and
future versions of OxMetrics. A demonstration version is also available
from these web sites.
The Help/Support menu lists some contact addresses for
OxMetrics, as well as web sources of information.
1.4 Citation
To facilitate replication and validation of empirical findings, the application
used to generate the results should be cited in all reports and publications
involving its application.
1.5 Help
In addition to this document, OxMetrics incorporates a cross-referenced help
system based on HTML files, These will open in your default browser.
OxMetrics help is available from the Help menu or the
Help pane in the workspace. The Help pane lists the contents of all the
applications that have been installed within OxMetrics. Double clicking
on an entry will start your default browser with the Help contents.
Context-dependent help, where available, can be obtained either by pressing the F1 key, or from the Help menu. For example, when writing an Ox
program, put the caret on `println', and press F1.
OxMetrics will search the html index files for a reference to that word. If
there is only one, it will jump there immediately. Otherwise it will offer a
list of choices in a dialog.
1.6 Modular application structure
Several applications interact with OxMetrics. In that case, the OxMetrics
front-end is the `server', while the applications (G@RCH, PcGive, STAMP, etc.)
are the `clients'. The communication is implemented via a local socket.
While it is possible to write clients that interface directly
with the server (such as OxPack, and OxRun), it is much
easier to develop Ox packages which do this. This requires
the use of the Modelbase class, which provides the necessary
functionality. Examples of this are Arfima, PcGive, G@RCH, etc.
1.7 Ox language
Ox is a powerful object-oriented matrix programming
language with an extensive statistical library. Ox allows you to write
your own programs using high level matrix operations, and provides easy facilities
to read the same data files as OxMetrics can load. When the preprogrammed
options in other applications do not provide a required estimator
or test, and you have some basic programming skills, Ox could be used
instead. Ox also has preprogrammed classes (a class is a term in
object-oriented programming) to facilitate writing Monte Carlo experiments.
Ox tends to be faster than other popular matrix languages.
Please consult the separate Ox documentation for further information.
The OxRun dialog application allows running Ox programs
with OxMetrics as the destination of text and graphical output.
An interesting example which shows densities and QQ plots while a Monte Carlo
experiment is in progress is provided in ox\samples\simulation\simnor.ox.
The OxPack application provides an interactive
front-end to several Ox packages.
1.8 Registration
A licensing code is required for the OxMetrics software to work properly.
This code will have been supplied with your copy, and,
under normal circumstances, the licence that is entered during
installation is automatically used by the software.
Without code, OxMetrics will enter evaluation mode, allowing use for a short period.
Additional licences can be entered under the
Help/Registration menu option (a dialog
will automatically appear when OxMetrics is not registered).
In the subsequent dialog you can enter your code as well as
your name and affiliation.
Help/Registration can be also used to check the available
licences for using client applications.
1.9 Upgrades
Minor upgrades can be downloaded from
www.doornik.com/products.html.
1.10 Algebra
The Algebra language enables you to transform
database variables by writing mathematical formulae.
Algebra code can be written interactively in the Calculator,
or directly in the Algebra editor.
Such algebra code can be saved, reloaded, and edited.
The Calculator writes its operations as algebra code to the
Results window, from where it can be cut and pasted into the algebra editor.
Algebra can also be run directly from the results window, by highlighting
the block of algebra code, and then pressing Ctrl+A.
Algebra is a simple vector language, operating on the
variables in the database. The operation is applied to each observation in turn,
although it is possible to limit access to a subsample.
The syntax is described in Chapter ??.
1.11 Batch
OxMetrics is a menu-driven program for ease of use, but some operations can be
implemented by entering commands. These commands are parts of simple
`computer language' which allow some control of OxMetrics
through Batch operations. A Batch program may contain sections of Algebra code.
Batch files
allow you to load data, append results, implement algebra and save
current PcGive (or STAMP etc.) models. Later,
these can be run from the Model/Batch menu or by clicking on
the OxMetrics icon on the toolbar. Thus, when a complicated model has been created
interactively, it can be saved as a batch file for further editing, or easy
recall in a later session. This is also the most convenient way to create a
batch file.
Like Algebra, batch code can be run directly by highlighting the block
of text, and then pressing Ctrl+B.
Once saved to disk,
a batch file can also be run directly using File/Open,
or even by double clicking on the batch file in the Windows Explorer.
Batch files have the .fl extension, which originally stood for Fiml
Language.
The syntax is described in Chapter ??.
1.12 Data storage
The primary mode of data storage is a file with extension .oxdata.
This is a zip file that contains two files. If you rename data.oxdata
to data.oxdata.zip, you can see that it contains data.in7
and data.bn7.
The latter is a binary file containing the actual data, whereas the former holds the
information on the contents of the binary file.
The .bn7/.in7 pairing is still supported, but the oxdata format is more convenient, because
it always keeps both together (while taking less space).
Please be careful not to overwrite precious data sets. It
is always wise to make regular backups of important files: hard disks may
break down, accidental deletion occur or viruses could strike.
OxMetrics can read and write human-readable files and
Excel spreadsheet files.
OxMetrics can also read comma-separated (.csv) and Stata files.
1.13 Filenames and extensions
All file names have automatic default extensions which need not be
input.
Say the basic data
set is called m1ukq, then the data file might be m1ukq.oxdata,
the OxMetrics Results window storage file could be m1ukq.out, the
algebra storage file m1ukq.alg, and batch files m1ukq.fl.
Graphs can be saved in many formats, including
PDF (.pdf), Windows metafiles (.wmf), enhanced
metafiles (.emf), Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg). The OxMetrics graphics file (.gwg, for GiveWin graphics)
is always saved alongside the other format, and this is the file that is
reloaded by OxMetrics for further editing.
Note that by default Windows does not show the file extension in the
Explorer window --- only the icon shows what the file type is.
If you wish, you can switch the display of file extensions on in the Folder Options
entry in the Explorer.
1.14 Sample periods
For data samples, reference is by the absolute date in the form
Year(Period) to Year(Period), for example: 1965(1) to 1985(3).
Whenever a sample choice has to be made, OxMetrics will show the maximum
available and will not allow choices outside that range.
When the data is dated, for example consisting of daily data, the choice
is made by entering dates in ISO format of yyyy-mm-dd.
The year is always four digits, the month one or two digits (1=January) and the date
also one or two digits. For example:
1965-01-31 to 1985-9-5.
Time is written as hh:mm:ss.uuu where hour is two digits on the
24-hour clock (so 22:00 is 10 PM), mm is minutes, the seconds
and hundreds are optional. When combined with a date, the ISO
standard uses a T to glue the parts together: 1980-1-1T12:05:05.
There is no facility to handle time zones.
1.15 Status bar
The status bar is displayed at
the bottom of the OxMetrics window and consists of four areas:
- The left area shows current status messages.
- If a tool is running, this is indicated on a yellow background in
the second panel.
- The third panel shows the location of the current document.
The content is different for text, data and graphics.
- For text it is the position in the document of the caret.
For example: L 113 C 14 indicates that the
caret is at Line 113, Column 14. In binary/hexadecimal viewing mode this shows
the position of the caret in decimal (the first character of the document is at
byte 0). This field will also indicate if the document is read-only,
or when the editor is in overwrite mode.
- For data it is the position in the database of the caret.
If there is an active selection, it shows that instead.
- For graphics it is the X coordinate of the mouse cursor.
- The right area of the status
bar also depends on the document type:
1.16 Tool bars
Three tool bars are displayed across the top of OxMetrics, below the menu bar.
The tool bars can be customized from a right click on the bar.
Customization allows adding or removing icons, and choosing
small medium or large icon size (medium is the default).
The Find/Replace tool bar, by default on the second row, replicates most
commands of the Find/Replace dialog.
The two are actively linked, and
the Find/Replace bar is often a convenient way to quickly search for text or
execute search/replace actions.
The default layout consists of:
- Find text
-
Specify the text to search for. The drop down list box holds previously used search
texts. You can use a context menu (right click) to insert text from the
clipboard.
- Find down
-
Finds the next occurrence of the search text downwards from the current location of
the caret.
- Find up
-
Finds the next occurrence of the search text upwards from the current location of the
caret.
- Case sensitive
-
Toggle case sensitive searching on or off (if the button is down, the search is case
sensitive).
- Whole word
-
Toggle word matching on or off (if the button is down, the search will only find whole
words).
- Goto next instance
-
Finds the next instance of the currently selected text downwards from the current
location. The selected text will become the default for subsequent searches.
- Goto previous instance
-
Finds the previous instance of the currently selected text upwards from the current
location. The selected text will become the default for subsequent searches.
- Show Find dialog
-
Open the Find dialog.
- Show Replace dialog
-
Open the Find/Replace dialog.
- Find in Files
-
Open a dialog that allows searching for text strings in disk files.
1.17 Documentation conventions
Code, instructions that need to be type, and file names are displayed
in Typewriter font.
Commands on menus, toolbar buttons, and dialog items (buttons, checkboxes
etc.) are shown in the text in a Sans Serif font.
Equations are numbered as (chapter.number); for example, (8.1) refers to
equation 8.1, which is the first equation in Chapter 8.
Multiple graphs are numbered from left to right and top to bottom, so b is
the top-right graph of four, and c the bottom left.
Text topics
Column Editing
A column selection can be made with the mouse:
- select with the right-mouse button,
- keep the ALT key down and select with the left-mouse button,
or with the keyboard:
- keep the ALT key down and select with the arrow keys.
A column selection can be dragged and dropped:
- within the same window it will be treated as a column selection
- other windows do not know it is a column selection, and it will be treated as a normal selection.
Use the Paste as Column command to insert text from the clipboard as a column.
Use the Sort command to sort using a column selection.
It is possible to restrict a find/replace operation to a column selection.
Text margin
The left margin indicates where the cursor is:
- yellow: normal editable text
- red: read only
- green: is output or input window of running module.
Double clicking on the margin toggles line numbering.
In binary and hexadecimal mode, the position of the first character is
shown in hexadecimal. Right clicking in the margin sets or clears
a marker.
Text Markers
A marker allows for fast
navigation through a document. A marker is shown as a small blue rectangle in the
margin of the line.
To set a marker:
- mouse: right click in the margin of the line
- menu: use View/Set Marker
- find: The Find dialog can set markers at all lines
containing the search text.
To clear a marker:
- mouse: right click in the margin of the line
if that line has a marker
- menu: use View/Clear Marker
- menu: use View/Clear All Markers
To go to a marker:
- menu: use Search/Goto Next Marker or Search/Goto Previous Marker
Markers are not remembered between sessions.
Text view modes
OxMetrics has three viewing modes:
- Text mode
This
is the default viewing mode for a text file. This mode allows editing of the
text.
- Binary Mode
This
is the viewing mode, most useful for binary file. OxMetrics checks whether a file
is binary when loading it. If so, the viewing mode defaults to this binary
mode. The position indicator on the status bar will show the position of the
caret in decimal (the first character of the document is at byte 0).
In
binary mode, there are no text lines. The screen lines are determined by the
window width. Instead of lines in the margin, the position of the first
character is shown in hexadecimal.
- Hexadecimal Mode
This
is the alternative binary viewing mode. The display consists of two columns,
with the text on the right, and the hexadecimal values on the left. The
position indicator on the status bar will show the position of the caret in
decimal (the first character of the document is at byte 0).
Dialogs
Aggregate dialog
Creates a new database which holds the aggregated data of the current database.
- New name
- The name of the new database.
- New frequency
- The new (lower) frequency. The new database will have a fixed frequency
if the frequency is monthly or lower.
- Aggregation method
-
- End-period - the last observation in each period.
- Mid-period - the observation closest to the middle of each period.
If there are equidistant before and after observations, the observation
before the middle is used.
weekly: | day that is closest to Wednesday |
monthly: | day between 12th and 18th that is closest to Wednesday |
quarterly: | day between 12th and 18th that is closest to Wednesday in middle month |
4-weekly: | day closest to centre of each 4-week period |
biannual: | day closest to Apr 1/Oct 1 |
annual: | day closest to July 1 |
- Average - the average for the period;
for weekly to monthly this is adjusted for the length-of-month.
- Sum - the sum for the period;
for weekly to monthly this is adjusted for the length-of-month.
- Peak - the minimum value in each period.
- Through - the maximum value in each period.
Algebra dialog
Algebra is case-sensitive: CONS and cons refer to different variables.
Invalid names may be used in Algebra when enclosed in double quotes.
More information on Algebra syntax and other ways to execute Algebra
code can be found here.
When you create a new variable through an assignment operation,
it is immediately added to the database, and initialized to missing
values. If necessary the database name will be truncated to 64 characters
The database in focus can be switched from the drop-down box on the toolbar.
- Edit field
-
The algebra dialog presents a standard edit window, where Algebra
commands can be typed, or cut & pasted etc. from another edit window.
This window behaves similarly to the Results window (e.g. double-clicking
in the margin will toggle line numbering on and off).
- Run
-
Executes the algebra code, and exits the dialog when the run is
successful. If an error occurs during processing, the run will be
aborted and an error message displayed at the top of the dialog.
- Done
-
Closes the dialog.
- Load
-
Loads a file with algebra code from disk.
- Save As
-
Saves the contents of the algebra edit window to disk.
- Recall
-
Recalls the algebra code from the previous run of the dialog.
- Functions
-
Displays the functions available in Algebra. The selected function
will be used in Write Algebra Code.
- Database
-
Shows the database content. Selected variables will be used in
Write Algebra Code.
Next to the list of contents are four buttons: to delete variables,
to move variables up, to move down, and to rename a variable.
- Sub-sample evaluation
-
If this box is checked when writing algebra code, an additional
dialog pops up to select a sub-sample over which the algebra
code is to be run.
- Write Algebra Code
-
This can be used to paste the code for the selected function
and variable(s) to the edit window. The code may still require
some further adjustments.
Batch dialog
OxMetrics supports a batch language for easy repetition or communication
of operations. Commands relating to data input output, batch, etc.
are handled by OxMetrics. Some modules also support the batch language,
extending the OxMetrics commands with their own. An example is PcGive.
If a model has been estimated in PcGive, the code will automatically
be recorded in the batch window. OxMetrics does not know the PcGive
commands, so check the PcGive help system for the PcGive commands.
More information on Batch syntax and other ways to execute Batch
code can be found here.
- Edit field
-
The batch dialog presents a standard edit window, where batch
commands can be typed, or cut & pasted etc. from another edit window.
By default, this window will contain the batch code for the most recently
estimated model.
- Run
-
Executes the batch code, and exits the dialog when the run is
successful. If an error occurs during processing, the run will be
aborted and an error message displayed at the top of the dialog.
- Done
-
Closes the dialog.
- Load
-
Loads a file with batch code from disk.
- Save As
-
Saves the contents of the batch edit window to disk.
- Recall
-
Recalls the batch code from the previous run of the dialog.
- Load history
-
Loads the entire history of batch code for estimated models
into the edit window. This can then be edited down to just
select a particular model, saved to disk, or copied to the clipboard.
- Batch Commands
-
This is a list with all batch commands which are recognized by
OxMetrics. Double clicking on a command will paste
it to the editor.
Calculator dialog
The calculator enables easy manipulation of the variables in the
database, and is a convenient way to write Algebra expressions.
The aim is to build a valid algebra expression in the expression
window (without the assignment and the terminating semi-colon).
All successful transformations are logged in the Results window.
The box at the top of the dialog shows the current expression.
Data transformation using the calculator can be written directly
in the expression field at the top. Then pressing the = button
asks for a destination name and runs the algebra code. The code
is written to the results window.
The fields below the expression window can help to save typing:
- select a variable (or several variables);
- press a function button (log, diff, etc.) to paste code;
- modify the code if necessary;
- press = to evaluate;
- provide a destination name.
Suppose that you have highlighted the variable CONS and pressed the
log button.
Then the expression will read log(CONS). On pressing =, the logarithm
of CONS will be computed. The new variable must be named, with
LCONS the suggestion in GiveWin. Accept this, and LCONS will be
added to the database. If LCONS already exists, you have to
confirm overwriting the existing variable.
Multiple operations can be conducted, such as A*2*log(CONS)-3*log(INC).
More information on Algebra syntax and other ways to execute Algebra
code can be found here.
- Edit field
-
The caclculator presents a standard edit field, where Algebra commands
can be typed, or created using the calculator facilities.
- Database
-
Shows the database content. Selected variables will be used in
the generated code.
Below the list of contents are four buttons: to delete variables,
to move variables up, to move down, and to rename a variable.
- Functions
-
Displays the functions available in Algebra. If a variable is
highlighted (e.g. CONS), and you press a function button (e.g. log),
the expression log(CONS) will be inserted in the edit field.
- log
To take the (natural) logarithm of a variable.
Can be applied to multiple variables at once.
- lag
To take the nth lag of a variable, the
default is first lag (negative number
gives a lead). OxMetrics appends the lag length as extra
characters in a name, preceded by an underscore.
E.g. CONS_1 is CONS 1 period lagged. The first observation of CONS_1
will be the missing values.
You are advised against creating lagged variables in this way,
since lags can be created when a model is formulated in PcGive.
This function can be applied to multiple variables at once.
- diff
Takes the nth difference of a variable.
The dlog function takes the first difference of the (natural) logarithm.
This function can be applied to multiple variables at once.
- dlog
The diff function takes the nth difference of a variable.
The dlog function takes the first difference of the (natural) logarithm.
This function can be applied to multiple variables at once.
- dummy
To create a dummy. A dummy (or intervention) is a variable which
consists of 0 and 1s.
- All functions:
Displays the full list of algebra functions.
- Keyboard
-
- =
Prompts for a destination name and executes the algebra code.
- ^ * / + -
For respectively: power, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.
These (and remaining buttons for 0,1,..) are pasted into the edit field.
- C
This clears the edit window of the calculator.
- Sub-sample evaluation
If this box is checked when pressing the evaluation button (or enter),
an additional dialog pops up to select a sub-sample over which the algebra
code is to be run.
Delete dialog (database)
The top of the dialog shows the selected variable (or range of variables)
and observations (or observation range). Note that any deletion can
be undone again.
- Delete entire variable(s)
to delete the selected variable(s), i.e. entire columns.
- Delete selected observations for all variables (entire rows)
to delete the selected rows entirely.
- Delete all observations for which this variable has missing values
to delete entire rows for which the currently selected variable
has a missing value.
- Delete all observations for which this variable is non-zero or missing
to only keep entire rows for which the currently selected variable
has a valid non-zero value.
- Remove selected observations, and shift remaining observations up
to only remove observations from the selected variables (not entire
rows, so the sample is unchanged). Vacated observations are set to missing values.
- Clear observations with specified value
to set the values in the selected block to the new value as specified.
Deleting observations (entire rows) works as follows.
If the database has a fixed frequency, the remaining
observations will be moved to fill the gap, and the sample reduced
by the number of deleted observations. For a dated database, the
remaining observations will not change their dates.
Database description dialog
This is a standard text editor window, where documentation can be
typed, cut & pasted etc. to record details about the database in
question.
The description is only preserved in OxMetrics data files
(.in7/.bn7).
Below that is the database summary (the same as can be printed to the
Results window from the View menu). Remember that the dialog can be
resized to view the full information.
This dialog can also be activated by double-clicking on the top left cell.
Change sample dialog
- Frequency and start date
-
Either specify the fixed data frequency and the sample start
(starting year, period) to define the sample characteristics.
Or make the database dated by selecting
dated and the numbers of days per week. This will create
the apporpriate calendar dates (ignoring holidays).
Changing the frequency and start date does not
change the number of observations in the database: the end
year (period) is automatically adjusted.
- Sample Size
-
The database sample period can be extended at the start and/or end
by adding any desired number of observations in this dialog. It is also
possible to delete observations to reduce the database.
The data for the extended period(s) are set to missing value.
Variable description/Rename variable/New variable dialog
Double clicking on the name of a variable in the database produces
the dialog for editing the current description.
The variable can be renamed in this field.
- Variable Description
-
The description is only preserved in OxMetrics data files
(.in7/.bn7).
A description which applies to the database as a whole is available
in the database description
- Variable Type
-
The type of variable is relevant to create a
dated database.
- Default for a normal numeric variable.
- Date for a variable that contains dates and/or times.
- Choice for a variable that has text labels associated
to specific values. Excell files wich do not exactly fit the
required data format may have such variables.
This only properly preserved with correct numerical values
in OxMetrics data files (.in7/.bn7).
Delete dialog (graphics)
Select an area in the left column, and a graphics object on the
right-hand side. Then press the Delete button to delete, and
Done to close the dialog.
Any deletion can be undone again.
Note that text, legends, axes and individual symbols (lines, rectangles,
etc.) can be selected with the mouse, and then deleted by pressing the
delete key.
Edit Graph dialog
Almost anything can be changed in a graph through the Edit Graph
dialog or by the context menu from a right-click on the graph.
Alternatively, double-click to select and edit the
selected object.
More detailed information of the various aspects can be found
here.
- Graph layout
- This section holds the settings that apply to the entire graph.
This includes the area layout, whether to use boxes, which PostScript
mode to use, etc.
- Area 1
- The remaining entries on the left-hand side are the areas
in the graph. Select an area to edit properties specific to that area.
This includes colours and line styles for each series that is plotted,
the style of axes, legends, histograms, error bars, etc.
If there is more than one area, some properties can be copied from
the current area to all the other areas.
- Properties
- On the left is the full list of properties that can be modified.
Graphics dialog
This dialog is used to specify the variables to be use in the
selected type of graph. After creating a graph, a wide range of
options are available to change most aspects.
- Database
-
On the right is the list of all the variables in the database,
any selection of which can be marked for graphing by moving them
to the Selection list.
Note that the active database is listed in the title (as well as
the active area if the plot is to be added to an area). The database
can be changed from the drop-down box on the toolbar, or simply
by activating another database.
- <<
-
Moves selected database variables to the Selection list.
- >>
-
Removes selected variables from the Selection listbox.
- Selection
-
Lists the variables which have been selected for graphing.
- Actual series
-
plots the actual values of the selection in one graph and closes the dialog.
- Actual series (seperately)
-
plots the actual values of the selection in separate graphs and closes the dialog.
- Scatter plot (YX)
-
creates a scatter plot of the selection and closes the dialog. The last
variable in the selection is the X variable, and if n variables have been
selected, n-1 cross-plots will be made.
- All plot types
-
Moves to the Graphics Wizard to select a type from a wide range of graph
types.
The Graphics dialog for all plot types has three fields:
- Plot category
-
- Actual series
Transformed time series, for logscale, first differences, growth rates and different scales
- Multiple series
- Scatter plots
- Distribution
for estimated densities and histograms, freqquency plots, boxplots, etc.
QQ plots, etc.
- Time-series properties
for (partial) autocorrelations, periodogram, spectrum, etc.
- Two series by a third
for error bars/bands, high-low graphs, etc.
- 3-D (XYZ) plots
for surface and contour plots
- Sub category
-
provides a visual way to select a sub category.
- All sub categories and properties
-
provides access to all properties for the selected category.
Graphics Text (Add Text) dialog
Text can be typed anywhere in a graphics window. Typing any
keyboard character brings up this dialog where the desired text
can be entered. Text can be also added from the Edit menu using Add Text.
Text entered immediately above the graph will have the title
property, which means that it is moved with the area when the
area is moved.
Mathematical and other formatting can be incorporated through
LaTeX style commands.
Previously typed text can be revised by double clicking on it, an then
selecting it in the properties editor; moved by grabbing with the
mouse or deleted by clicking then pressing the Del key.
The following text properties can be changed after double clicking:
actual text, type (floating, title, axis label), size, rotation,
and location.
Model dialog
The modelling dialog gives access to all the modelling features
of the OxMetrics applications. Which applications are available depends on
your installation. For example, it may only include STAMP and PcGive,
or also PcGets and G@rch.
- Model app
-
Determines whether the category and model choices are listed for all
applications together, or only for the selected module.
- Category
-
Lists the available model categories, including models for time-series
data, for cross-section data, for panel data, etc.
- Model class
-
Lists the available models for the current category.
- running icon
-
This icon moves when the module is running. To interrupt in that case,
click on it (a dialog will ask for confirmation; the subsequent
response may not be immediate).
- Formulate
-
to start model formulation. This will normally follow through to
estimation.
- Estimate
-
To re-estimate the model.
- Test
-
To access the test menu for the active module.
- Progress
-
To access the progress dialog.
- Options
-
To access the options dialog for the active module.
Find/Replace (text) dialog
Allows text to be found or replaced in the current document,
current selection or all open documents.
C style means that escape characters in the find or replace text
are recognized, e.g. \n for a new line and \t for a tab.
Text properties dialog
Allows the removal of tab characters, change of end-of-line mode,
and the multilingual format.
Preferences dialog
For persistent options that affect the way OxMetrics
operates.
Options dialog
For persistent options that affect the way OxMetrics operates.
Graphics setup dialog
This dialog determines the default settings for OxMetrics graphs.
These settings are persistent, and will also affect the way
graphs from Ox code disappear. Ox code can make modifications
to the persistent settings using SetDraw (which is why DrawAdjust is
preferred: that applies to the current graph only).
The settings can be reset to the initial default, or saved as a batch
file that can be run later.