UserLAnd
Linux apps on Android

How to run gnuplot on Android

Install the gnuplot app from Google Play. It runs the Linux desktop edition of gnuplot on Android, so you can plot functions and data interactively or from scripts and export publication-quality images.

Get it on Google Playgnuplot

Step by step

  1. Install the app from Google Play

    Search Google Play for gnuplot by UserLAnd Technologies, or use the button on this page. It is a one-time purchase.

  2. Open it and let it set up

    The first launch downloads and sets up the Linux files the app needs. Stay on Wi-Fi; this only happens once.

  3. Draw a plot

    At the gnuplot prompt, try splot sin(x)*cos(y) for a 3D surface, or plot 'data.txt' with lines for a file in your home folder.

  4. Use touch as a mouse

    Tap with one finger to click, two-finger tap to right-click, pinch to zoom, slide two fingers to scroll, and hold and slide to pan. Tap the screen and choose the keyboard icon to type.

What you get

  • 2D, 3D, contour and parametric plots, histograms and box plots
  • Output to the screen or to PNG, SVG, EPS, JPEG, LaTeX and more
  • Interactive or scripted use, with loops, functions and macros
  • Non-linear, multi-dimensional weighted data fitting

What you need

  • An Android phone or tablet with Google Play
  • Free storage for the Linux files (a tablet or a phone with a large screen is most comfortable)
  • Internet for the first-time setup
  • Optional: a Bluetooth or USB keyboard and mouse

Working with your files

Your Linux home folder (/home/userland) links to Android’s Documents, Pictures and other folders, so you open and save files there directly.

Prefer free? Run it inside UserLAnd

UserLAnd is free, and you can install gnuplot in it yourself: in UserLAnd, set up Debian, choose Graphical, open a terminal and run sudo apt install gnuplot. gnuplot does all of that for you in one tap, and buying it supports UserLAnd development.

How UserLAnd works →

Frequently asked questions

Can I save plots as images?

Yes. Set a terminal such as set terminal pngcairo and an output file, and the image lands in your folders where other Android apps can open it.

Can I run gnuplot on Android for free?

Yes. Install Debian in the free UserLAnd app and run sudo apt install gnuplot in its terminal. gnuplot saves you those setup steps.

About this app

This app adapts the Linux desktop edition of gnuplot for Android. It is not made by the gnuplot team.

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