Graphviz
Graphviz is an open source graph visualization software used for representing structural information as diagrams of abstract graphs and networks. It provides useful features for creating a variety of graph types like directed graphs, undirected graphs, hierarchies, and more.
graphing
visualization
diagrams
graphs
networks
Graphviz: Open Source Graph Visualization Software
Graphviz is an open source graph visualization software used for representing structural information as diagrams of abstract graphs and networks. It provides useful features for creating a variety of graph types like directed graphs, undirected graphs, hierarchies, and more.
What is Graphviz?
Graphviz is an open-source graph visualization software package developed by AT&T Research. It is used for representing structural information as diagrams of abstract graphs and networks.
Graphviz allows users to create a variety of graph and network types, including directed graphs, undirected graphs, hierarchies, and more. Some of the key features and capabilities include:
- Automatic graph layout and drawing - Graphviz uses graph theory methodologies to automatically position nodes and edges in an optimal way.
- Support for multiple output formats like PNG, PDF, SVG, etc.
- Command line, GUI, and scripting interfaces available.
- Advanced customization options for colors, fonts, shapes, styles.
- Subgraphs, clusters, and other hierarchical structures.
- Smooth curves, splines, parallel edges, concentric circles layouts.
- Dynamic and customizable label positioning.
Graphviz has bindings for many programming languages and platforms. It can be used to visualize graphs from data sources like databases, application code, scripts, and more. Common applications include workflow visualization, UML diagrams, network topology, data flow representations, org charts, and more.
Graphviz is licensed under the Eclipse Public License. It is maintained by the Graphviz project and supported by open-source contributors.
Graphviz Features
Features
- Automatic graph layout and visualization
- Support for directed graphs, undirected graphs, mixed graphs, subgraphs, clustered graphs and more
- Variety of output formats including PNG, PDF, SVG, PostScript
- Command line interface and APIs for multiple programming languages
- Graph animations
- Customizable node and edge shapes, colors, labels, styles
- Hierarchical graph layouts
- Clustering support
- Edge bundling
- Interactive graph exploration
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source and free
Powerful automatic graph layout algorithms
Support for large and complex graph datasets
High quality graph visualizations
Extensive customization options
Integration with many programming languages and environments
Cons
Steep learning curve
Cryptic command line interface
Limited interactive features compared to some commercial tools
Difficult to style graphs consistently across outputs
No native support for dynamic or interactive graphs
Official Links
The Best Graphviz Alternatives
Top Development and Data Visualization and other similar apps like Graphviz
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