R scales_add_defaults() in ggplot2 and ggside incompatibility: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of dealing with the frustrating incompatibility between R’s ggplot2 and ggside packages when using the scales_add_defaults() function? Well, you’re in luck! This article will delve into the world of data visualization in R, specifically tackling the issue of ggplot2 and ggside incompatibility, and provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to overcome this hurdle.

What is scales_add_defaults() and why is it important?

In ggplot2, the scales_add_defaults() function is used to add default scales to a ggplot object. This function is crucial for creating visually appealing and informative plots, as it allows you to easily customize the appearance of your data visualization. However, when working with ggside, which provides a convenient way to create side-by-side plots, things can get a bit tricky.

The Problem: Incompatibility between ggplot2 and ggside

When using ggside, you may encounter an error message stating that scales_add_defaults() is not compatible with ggside’s plot_layout() function. This is because ggside’s plot layout system is designed to work independently of ggplot2’s scales system. But fear not, dear reader! We’ll explore ways to work around this limitation and achieve the desired output.

Workaround 1: Using the patchwork package

library(ggplot2)
library(patchwork)

# Create two ggplot objects
p1 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = mpg)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

p2 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = qsec)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

# Combine the plots using patchwork
p <- p1 + p2 + 
  plot_layout(ncol = 2)

# Print the combined plot
p

Workaround 2: Using the gridExtra package

library(ggplot2)
library(gridExtra)

# Create two ggplot objects
p1 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = mpg)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

p2 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = qsec)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

# Arrange the plots using grid.arrange()
grid.arrange(p1, p2, ncol = 2)

Workaround 3: Using the cowplot package

library(ggplot2)
library(cowplot)

# Create two ggplot objects
p1 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = mpg)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

p2 <- ggplot(mtcars, aes(x = wt, y = qsec)) + 
  geom_point() + 
  theme_classic()

# Combine the plots using cowplot
p <- plot_grid(p1, p2, ncol = 2, align = "hv")

# Print the combined plot
p

Best Practices for Using scales_add_defaults()

• Use ggplot2 defaults**: When creating a ggplot object, use the default scales provided by ggplot2. This will ensure that your plot is visually appealing and easy to read.
• Avoid using ggside with scales_add_defaults()**: If you need to use ggside, avoid using scales_add_defaults() altogether. Instead, rely on ggside’s built-in scaling features or explore alternative packages like patchwork, gridExtra, or cowplot.
• Experiment with different packages**: Don’t be afraid to try out different packages and approaches to find the solution that best suits your needs. Each package has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to explore your options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the incompatibility issue between ggplot2 and ggside when using scales_add_defaults() can be overcome by using alternative packages and approaches. By following the workarounds and best practices outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging data visualization tasks in R. Remember to stay creative, experiment with different packages, and always keep your data visualization goals in mind.

Package	Description
patchwork	Combines multiple ggplot objects into a single plot.
gridExtra	Provides functions for arranging multiple plots in a single layout.
cowplot	Combines multiple ggplot objects into a single plot with aligned axes.

Frequently Asked Question

Are you struggling with the incompatibility between R scales_add_defaults() in ggplot2 and ggside? Worry not, we’ve got you covered! Below are the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you navigate through this frustrating issue.