InsetExternal & InsetGraphics merged?

[Ling Li]

Hi,

I thought I had a new idea about subfigure (making a separate subfigure 
inset so it can be applied to external materials). After searching in 
the mail archive, I found this have already been discussed, at least by 
Angus (http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/msg62163.html).

So I took a look at the current CVS. It appears that "Insert External 
Material" has disappeared, and "Insert Graphics" now accepts file types 
like XFig files. So subfigure can be applied too. Excellent!

After playing the new InsetGraphics inset for a while, I comes to a few 
questions:

1. How can I tell LyX to convert .fig files in the "1.3.x" way? That is, 
generating .eps and .pstex_t files so that math equations in .fig files 
is nicely displayed.

2. Will inset subfigure be implemented? Having a subfigure inset still 
has its own merits, even after the merge of InsetGraphics and 
InsetExternal. For example, adding labels to subfigures might be easier. 
(See my old thoughts below).

3. Is it a better strategy to have both InsetExternal and the improved 
InsetGraphics? InsetGraphics can still handle "easier" external 
materials and InsetExternal is left for complicated ones, such as .fig 
files containing math equations. Users can pick whatever they need.

Please forgive me if any of my questions have already been discussed 
somewhere in the mailing list. I haven't really got time catching up 
with the new development of LyX for quite a time (busy dealing with my 
study/research).

=== My old thoughts: subfigure as a separate inset/module? ===

I have an idea for subfigure.

Currently when a figure (graphics) is inserted, we have an option to 
make it a "subfigure" in the LyX:Graphics:Extra panel. If the option is 
selected, subfigure package will be included and \includegraphics will 
be wrapped by \subfigure. However, if the figure is included by other 
means, such as XFig external files, subfigure option cannot be applied 
(unless we use the evil red text).

If we can make subfigure a standalone inset, the above situation is 
easily solved. We first insert a subfigure inset, then insert the XFig 
file inside it.

We may also add a label feature to the subfigure inset (like that for 
math equations). For now, when we want to add a label to a subfigure, we 
have to 1. add it as raw latex code in subfigure's caption; and 2. refer 
it via red text. This is inconvenient.

--Ling