Grapher is a built-in Mac utility that can plot 2D and 3D equations, including standard, polar, parametric, and inequality graphs. It is useful for quick math checks, homework, presentations, or visualizing a formula.
Grapher is located in Applications > Utilities on macOS.
Does This Affect You?
Use Grapher when you need a graphing calculator on the Mac without installing separate graphing software.
Plot a Basic 2D Equation
- Open Grapher with Spotlight or from Applications > Utilities.
- In the template picker, choose the 2D tab.
- Select a simple template such as Classic and click Choose.
- Double-click the default equation.
- Type your equation, such as y = x^2 – 3, using ^ for exponents.
- Press Return to draw the graph.
- Scroll to zoom and drag the graph area to pan.
Plot a 3D Equation
- Open Grapher and choose the 3D tab.
- Pick a default 3D template.
- Replace the sample equation with one such as z = x^2 + y^2.
- Press Return to render it.
- Drag to rotate the 3D surface and scroll to zoom.
Grapher Tips
Add More Equations
Click the plus button in the equation list or press Command + Equal to add another equation to the same graph for comparison.
Save or Export
Use File > Save to keep an editable Grapher document, or File > Export to save an image or PDF for documents and slides.
Animate a Parameter
If an equation includes an extra variable such as a, use the Equation menu to animate that parameter and watch the graph change over a range.
Choose the Right Template
Use Polar, Parametric, or Inequality templates when the equation does not fit a standard y = f(x) shape.
Sources
- Apple Support: Grapher User Guide for Mac