Xfig
Xfig is an open-source vector graphics editor used to draw diagrams and figures. It supports objects like circles, boxes, lines, spline curves, text, etc. and can export to formats like PDF and PostScript. Common uses are drawing diagrams like flowcharts, UML diagrams, network ma
diagramming
flowcharts
uml
vector-graphics
open-source
Xfig: Open-Source Vector Graphics Editor for Diagrams and Figures
Xfig is an open-source vector graphics editor used to draw diagrams and figures. It supports objects like circles, boxes, lines, spline curves, text, etc. and can export to formats like PDF and PostScript. Common uses are drawing diagrams like flowcharts, UML diagrams, network maps, etc.
What is Xfig?
Xfig is an open-source vector graphics editor and diagramming tool that runs on Linux and Unix platforms. It is designed for producing figures for inclusion in documents and presentations. Xfig can be used to draw many different types of diagrams like flowcharts, entity-relationship diagrams, network maps, UML diagrams, and more.
Some key features of Xfig include:
- A graphical user interface for interactive drawing and editing of diagrams
- Tools for basic shapes like boxes, circles, lines, arrows, polygons, etc.
- Advanced tools like splines and polygons
- Support for text labels on diagrams
- Object alignment and distribution tools
- Grouping and layering of objects
- Image export to formats like PNG, PDF, PostScript and more
- LaTeX output support for inclusion of figures in LaTeX documents
- Extensibility through a GUI frontend to the Fig scripting language
With its long history and feature set, Xfig has proven useful for diagramming needs in academic and technical writing. Its cross-platform availability and LaTeX support also make it popular among the LaTeX scientific publishing community.
Xfig Features
Features
- Vector graphics editor
- Supports objects like circles, boxes, lines, spline curves, text, etc
- Can export to formats like PDF and PostScript
- Used for flowcharts, UML diagrams, network maps, etc
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source
Cross platform
Good for technical/engineering drawings
Lots of export options
Cons
Dated interface
Limited WYSIWYG capabilities
Steep learning curve
Development stalled in recent years
Official Links
The Best Xfig Alternatives
Top Photos & Graphics and Vector Graphics Editors and other similar apps like Xfig
Here are some alternatives to Xfig:
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