DECODR will build a variety of horizontal and vertical plots from csvs automatically but understanding how to generate plots manually is useful. Before exporting to Illustrator, adjustments to the contours such as smoothing, line thickness, and contour interval can improve the plot and reduce hand editing. The Surfer Plots page describes how to customize the templates for both horizontal and vertical plots with new data. DECODR does most the work but knowing how it interacts with Surfer is worth documenting.