ACFM instruments are controlled by software running under Windows on a computer.

Each screen is stored as a separate page in a data file and the two components of magnetic field, Bx and Bz are displayed on the computer screen in the form of a timebase plot and a combined "butterfly plot".

The ACFM operator assesses the data and uses the software to size any defects present (unless the system used is one that carries out this process automatically).

The software is then able to print a professional report, such as the one shown, giving a summary of the defects.