In this subchapter, we present some useful programs for making scientific figures in Earth sciences.  We make a distinction between software for 1) creating data graphs, 2) creating maps, and 3) creating schematic figures and figure editing. The necessary program depends on what type of figure you want to make.

Often, you will use more than one type of software to produce your final figure. You can visualise your data into graphs by using Excel or a programming language for example, and then finalise your figure using a vector graphics editor. This will result in more attractive figures and will save you from fine-tuning figures using a programming language, which can quite time-consuming.