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Data Scaling

When Neurolucida Explorer opens a file, it is automatically scaled so that the data fills the screen. Neurolucida Explorer displays all of the data in correctly scaled proportion.

For instance, if you have a very large contour outline containing a single neuron, the data is scaled so that the outline fills the screen, and the neuron appears very small.

Each data file is scaled separately to optimally fill the screen; as a result, the scaling for each file may vary a great deal.

If you want to compare separate files, or print them at the same scale for publication, set the scaling to the same value.

ClosedSet Scaling Tool

Use the Set Scaling command or the Set Scaling icon to set the display factor to a specific, consistent size. For example, if you want to print two or more files at the same scale, you must set the scaling for each file to the same amount.

To set scaling:

  1. Select Tools>Set Scaling or click the Set Scaling icon . Neurolucida Explorer displays the Set Scaling dialog box with a sample line and the current length of that line in microns, according to the current scaling factor.
  2. In the text box, type a new scaling factor.
  3. Click Preview. Neurolucida Explorer scales the current image to the new factor.
  4. Click OK to accept the new scaling factor or type a new scaling factor and preview it again.
ClosedZoom Tools

Use the Zoom In and Zoom Out commands to magnify or reduce the current display.

To Zoom In:

  1. Select Tools>Zoom In or click the Zoom In icon.
  2. Drag a box around the area you want to magnify.
  3. Release the mouse button. Neurolucida Explorer magnifies the area.

To Zoom Out:

ClosedScale Bar

You can turn the Scale Bar on or off, modify the Scale Bar length, its color, or the size of its display, or move the Scale Bar to another position in the display.

To turn the Scale Bar on or off:

To modify the Scale Bar length, color, and display:

  2. Click the Show Scale Bar icon .
    3. Select Tools>Modify Scale Bar or click the Modify Scale Bar icon . Neurolucida Explorer displays the Set Scaling dialog box.
    • The Set Scaling dialog box displays a sample line and the current length of that line in microns, according to the current scaling factor.
  3. In the text box, type a new scaling factor.
  4. Click Set Color. Neurolucida Explorer displays the Color dialog box.
  5. Choose a color.
  6. Select Display scale bar size if you want to display the scale bar's size with the scale bar.
  7. Click Preview. Neurolucida Explorer scales the current image to the new figure.
  8. Click OK to accept the new scaling factor OR type a new scaling factor and preview it again.
ClosedMoving the Scale Bar

You can move the Scale Bar  within the display if it is obscuring an object or if you want to show an object's size with the scale next to it.

To move the Scale Bar:

 

The selection tool must be deselected in order to move the scale bar.

Neurolucida Explorer 11 | MBF Science Support Center | Downloads