Grapher no longer exports graphs directly to PDF in Tahoe 26.0

Issue Summary: Grapher no longer exports graphs directly to PDF using the Export option in the File menu.


Details: Previously, I was able to export Grapher graphs to PDF without issue. However, when selecting Export from the File menu in the current version of Tahoe macOS, the option to export as a PDF is no longer functional. The only available workaround is to use the Print to PDF feature.


Notes: I recognize that Grapher is an older, unsupported application. However, this behavior may not be limited to Grapher, which raises concern that it could reflect a broader issue with PDF export functionality. I would appreciate if Apple could investigate this matter.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Grapher under Tahoe 26.0

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.0

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 3:44 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 28, 2025 8:31 AM

In Grapher, after selecting the equation and using Edit menu > Copy As > PDF to put that equation on the clipboard as PDF data, one can use the following AppleScript to capture that PDF data and write to a PDF document. Here, I have used the Desktop folder and the arbitrary file name "clip.pdf":


One copies the following AppleScript code into Apple's Script Editor (or LateNighSoftware's Script Debugger), compiles, and runs it.

use framework "Foundation"
use framework "PDFKit"
use AppleScript version "2.7"
use scripting additions

property ca : current application

set outfile to (ca's NSString's stringWithString:"~/Desktop/clip.pdf")'s stringByExpandingTildeInPath()

set pb to ca's NSPasteboard's generalPasteboard()
set pdfData to pb's dataForType:(ca's NSPasteboardTypePDF)

if not (pdfData = missing value) = true then
	try
		set pdf to ca's PDFDocument's alloc()'s initWithData:pdfData
		pdf's writeToFile:outfile
	on error
		display dialog "Problem with obtaining PDF Data from clipboard"
	end try
else
	display dialog "No PDF Data on the clipboard"
end if
return


14 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 28, 2025 8:31 AM in response to VikingOSX

In Grapher, after selecting the equation and using Edit menu > Copy As > PDF to put that equation on the clipboard as PDF data, one can use the following AppleScript to capture that PDF data and write to a PDF document. Here, I have used the Desktop folder and the arbitrary file name "clip.pdf":


One copies the following AppleScript code into Apple's Script Editor (or LateNighSoftware's Script Debugger), compiles, and runs it.

use framework "Foundation"
use framework "PDFKit"
use AppleScript version "2.7"
use scripting additions

property ca : current application

set outfile to (ca's NSString's stringWithString:"~/Desktop/clip.pdf")'s stringByExpandingTildeInPath()

set pb to ca's NSPasteboard's generalPasteboard()
set pdfData to pb's dataForType:(ca's NSPasteboardTypePDF)

if not (pdfData = missing value) = true then
	try
		set pdf to ca's PDFDocument's alloc()'s initWithData:pdfData
		pdf's writeToFile:outfile
	on error
		display dialog "Problem with obtaining PDF Data from clipboard"
	end try
else
	display dialog "No PDF Data on the clipboard"
end if
return


Sep 28, 2025 6:30 AM in response to totallyeng.org.es

When you have the equation in Grapher, do not use the Export panel, but rather see Edit menu > Copy As > PDF. Then open Apple's Preview and select File menu > New from Clipboard. Your PDF equation image will appear in Preview, where you then choose File menu > Save… and your panel will show Untitled.pdf with the appropriate boxes checked. Give it a proper name and select the save folder location, then click Save. No .pdf.gcx nonsense from the Export panel.


Here is what I see in Preview for a DiffyQ (differential equation example):


Sep 17, 2025 4:17 PM in response to dialabrain

Thanks, evidently I’ve never had a need for it. Probably because I have access to and typically use more extensively developed scientific graphing applications.


since it apparently still runs under Tahoe, I will point it out to my kids as an alternative to their graphing calculators (which it still surprises me they can use on high school tests, as well as standardized tests like the SAT and ACT…in my day, you got a pencil).

Grapher no longer exports graphs directly to PDF in Tahoe 26.0

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