Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Try dia, it's great. I used it for preparing pictures for LyX documents. -- http://decopter.sf.net - free unrealistic helicopter simulator
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Try dia, it's great. I used it for preparing pictures for LyX documents. -- http://decopter.sf.net - free unrealistic helicopter simulator
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Try dia, it's great. I used it for preparing pictures for LyX documents. -- http://decopter.sf.net - free unrealistic helicopter simulator
Re: Which drawing program?
On Sun, 10 Nov 2002, Fernando Perez wrote: On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure. I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any problems at all. My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. I've found the following solution: using ps2eps seems to do a good job and not damage anything. Note you can NOT use either of ps2ps or eps2eps, ONLY ps2eps seems to leave vector fonts as vector fonts. Don't ask me why, this was found by dumb trial and error:) ps2eps is also very good at computing properly sized bounding boxes (what I'm using it for) when programs generate them incorrectly (as gnuplot does with square images). Cheers, f.
Re: Which drawing program?
Fernando Perez wrote: My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. One of the problems I had with gnuplot (yes, it was with Metaplot driver, but the information may be helpfull for other users too) was that I had not installed Computer Modern Type1 fonts into Ghostscript. It is not done on default, because usually CM Type1 fonts are downloaded into PS by dvips, but I had to do it for MP drawings. Just a hint. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 As a rule of thumb, the more qualifiers there are before the name of a country, the more corrupt the rulers. A country called The Socialist People's Democratic Republic of X is probably the last place in the world you'd want to live. -- Paul Graham discussing (not only) Nigerian spam (http://www.paulgraham.com/spam.html)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Sun, 10 Nov 2002, Fernando Perez wrote: On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure. I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any problems at all. My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. I've found the following solution: using ps2eps seems to do a good job and not damage anything. Note you can NOT use either of ps2ps or eps2eps, ONLY ps2eps seems to leave vector fonts as vector fonts. Don't ask me why, this was found by dumb trial and error:) ps2eps is also very good at computing properly sized bounding boxes (what I'm using it for) when programs generate them incorrectly (as gnuplot does with square images). Cheers, f.
Re: Which drawing program?
Fernando Perez wrote: My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. One of the problems I had with gnuplot (yes, it was with Metaplot driver, but the information may be helpfull for other users too) was that I had not installed Computer Modern Type1 fonts into Ghostscript. It is not done on default, because usually CM Type1 fonts are downloaded into PS by dvips, but I had to do it for MP drawings. Just a hint. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 As a rule of thumb, the more qualifiers there are before the name of a country, the more corrupt the rulers. A country called The Socialist People's Democratic Republic of X is probably the last place in the world you'd want to live. -- Paul Graham discussing (not only) Nigerian spam (http://www.paulgraham.com/spam.html)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Sun, 10 Nov 2002, Fernando Perez wrote: > On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: > > > On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: > > > > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > > > > > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > > > > > > Try > > > $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps > > > > This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than > > keeping it as a vectorize figure. > > I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays > postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any > problems at all. My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. I've found the following solution: using ps2eps seems to do a good job and not damage anything. Note you can NOT use either of ps2ps or eps2eps, ONLY ps2eps seems to leave vector fonts as vector fonts. Don't ask me why, this was found by dumb trial and error:) ps2eps is also very good at computing properly sized bounding boxes (what I'm using it for) when programs generate them incorrectly (as gnuplot does with square images). Cheers, f.
Re: Which drawing program?
Fernando Perez wrote: > My apologies: convert is weird. For some eps files I have made with the > old killustrator, it works fine (meaning, they remain as clean vector > files). But some gnuplot graphs are indeed damaged, meaning they end up > with ugly bitmapped fonts. It seems that the problem is only with the > fonts, or at least with the files I've tested. One of the problems I had with gnuplot (yes, it was with Metaplot driver, but the information may be helpfull for other users too) was that I had not installed Computer Modern Type1 fonts into Ghostscript. It is not done on default, because usually CM Type1 fonts are downloaded into PS by dvips, but I had to do it for MP drawings. Just a hint. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 As a rule of thumb, the more qualifiers there are before the name of a country, the more corrupt the rulers. A country called The Socialist People's Democratic Republic of X is probably the last place in the world you'd want to live. -- Paul Graham discussing (not only) Nigerian spam (http://www.paulgraham.com/spam.html)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 14, 2002 at 08:50:12PM -0600, Stan Gatchel wrote: Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is available for download. It gets really boring! This is a third attempt to create KDE-based drawing program (which I am aware of) and neither of them is debugged and developed to be anything more than just a toy. What does it matter that we have beautiful object platform (who cares?), when there are no usable programs on it. Sorry, for hot tone of this message, but I have spent some time fighting with KSpread (1.1.1-7 -- it is pure Redmontism put 1.0 on such piece of crap) and it was total waste of time for me. Sketch does not have any CORBA/MCOP stuff and it just works. I hoped that slogan ``It just works'' used to be a battle cry of KDE hord. Not anymore, it seems. Sorry, I know that it is total OT here, but let me steam off my frustration. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The ratio of literacy to illiteracy is a constant, but nowadays the illiterates can read. -- Alberto Moravia
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 14, 2002 at 08:50:12PM -0600, Stan Gatchel wrote: Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is available for download. It gets really boring! This is a third attempt to create KDE-based drawing program (which I am aware of) and neither of them is debugged and developed to be anything more than just a toy. What does it matter that we have beautiful object platform (who cares?), when there are no usable programs on it. Sorry, for hot tone of this message, but I have spent some time fighting with KSpread (1.1.1-7 -- it is pure Redmontism put 1.0 on such piece of crap) and it was total waste of time for me. Sketch does not have any CORBA/MCOP stuff and it just works. I hoped that slogan ``It just works'' used to be a battle cry of KDE hord. Not anymore, it seems. Sorry, I know that it is total OT here, but let me steam off my frustration. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The ratio of literacy to illiteracy is a constant, but nowadays the illiterates can read. -- Alberto Moravia
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 14, 2002 at 08:50:12PM -0600, Stan Gatchel wrote: > Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next > version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still > pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be > good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is > available for download. It gets really boring! This is a third attempt to create KDE-based drawing program (which I am aware of) and neither of them is debugged and developed to be anything more than just a toy. What does it matter that we have beautiful object platform (who cares?), when there are no usable programs on it. Sorry, for hot tone of this message, but I have spent some time fighting with KSpread (1.1.1-7 -- it is pure Redmontism put 1.0 on such piece of crap) and it was total waste of time for me. Sketch does not have any CORBA/MCOP stuff and it just works. I hoped that slogan ``It just works'' used to be a battle cry of KDE hord. Not anymore, it seems. Sorry, I know that it is total OT here, but let me steam off my frustration. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Finger: 89EF 4BC6 288A BF43 1BAB 25C3 E09F EF25 D964 84AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The ratio of literacy to illiteracy is a constant, but nowadays the illiterates can read. -- Alberto Moravia
Which drawing program?
Sorry if this starts a new thread but I am new to the list. Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is available for download. http://www.xs4all.nl/~rwlbuis/karbon/pics/ Stan
Which drawing program?
Sorry if this starts a new thread but I am new to the list. Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is available for download. http://www.xs4all.nl/~rwlbuis/karbon/pics/ Stan
Which drawing program?
Sorry if this starts a new thread but I am new to the list. Has anyone looked at Karbon14? It should be released with the next version of KOffice. There is not must to read about because it is still pre-beta, but the the screen shots are any indication, this could be good. Look at the ones dated Oct/Nov. I haven't tried it but it is available for download. http://www.xs4all.nl/~rwlbuis/karbon/pics/ Stan
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure. I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any problems at all. f
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 02:42:30PM -0500, Ralph P. Boland wrote: So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Only if a real chance includes the real number zero... Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure. I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any problems at all. f
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 02:42:30PM -0500, Ralph P. Boland wrote: So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Only if a real chance includes the real number zero... Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Dekel Tsur wrote: > On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: > > > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > > > > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > > > > Try > > $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps > > This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than > keeping it as a vectorize figure. I think you're wrong, Dekel. I just tested with an eps and it stays postscript (vector, that is). I've done this many times without any problems at all. f
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 02:42:30PM -0500, Ralph P. Boland wrote: > So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Only if "a real chance" includes the real number zero... Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: Hi folks: I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I used StarOffice once and had the same problem as you. The workaround I came up with was to export the .eps file twice in a row from StarOffice... then it worked 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use tgif, and I agree that the interface is a bit crude to say the least :-) It works for me however, and I especially like being able to do superscripts and subscripts with keyboard shortcuts in the text. So even though there is a method to include equations written in latex, I haven't had to do that yet. At the TGif homepage: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/ you can find documentation and FAQ. Here's an example of an equation you can write with a tutorial of how to write it in pure text-mode: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.htmlhttp://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.html For including latex equations, check these URLs: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/latex.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/eq4xpm.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/customeq4.html /Christian -- Christian Ridderström, +46-8-790 91 37 http://www.md.kth.se/~chr Mechatronics lab, Dept. of Machine Designhttp://www.md.kth.se
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Not me. Maybe you could send us one of the .eps so we can have a look how wrong they are... My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use xfig almost exclusively. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Either use the combined eps/tex export of xfig and set the formulas to special text or use psfrag. Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex-dvi-ps-pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos -- Milos Komarcevic Photonics and Sensors Group Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1PZ UK Tel: +44 1223 339762 Fax: +44 1223 765268 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On 11/8/2002 11:55 AM, Milos Komarcevic wrote: Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex-dvi-ps-pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos I'm using the package ps2pdf and hyperlinks work on this route. Lucian
Re: Which drawing program?
Am Freitag, 8. November 2002 02:48 schrieb Chris Carlen: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I had the same problem. You normally can fix the .eps files using ps2ps or psresize fo the pstools package. This worked fine for me. Thorsten
Re: Which drawing program?
Either use the combined eps/tex export of xfig and set the formulas tospecial text or use psfrag. Why not just include the xfig figure with the math (with the special text option turned on) directly into LyX (Insert-External Material-selectxfig) and leave it to LyX to do the rest of the work converting to the appropriate format etc.? This is what I normally do with xfig figures and it works well.. nirmal
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. Which version of ghostscript do you use ? Did you try ps2eps or purifyeps ? Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Your options are: 1. (almost) Any drawing program + psfrag 2. xfig and export to Combined PS+Latex 3. TGIF and embed equations generated by latex 4. Sketch and embed equations generated by latex using the SketchLatex plugin: http://www.2pi.info/latex/sketchlatex/ The 4th option might be the easiest one.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 2002-11-07 at 19:48, Chris Carlen wrote: Hi folks: I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for professional publication. I went through the same thing... the problem is that when you focus on compat with Word, you also inherit Word's failings... Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use Lyx/Latex. Yup... I came to the same conclusion Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of commands to no avail. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no trouble with I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? Thanks for comments. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Kirk R. Wythers email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] University of Minnesota tel: 612.625.2261 Department of Forest Resources fax: 612.625.5212 Saint Paul, MN 55108
Re: Which drawing program?
Sorry for jumping in the conversation. I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. I can do this with metapost script, but I haven't find a GUI program that allows it. It is painful to have to manually get the cordinates right. Have fun LyXing! Max __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. drawing --- xfig or tgif. plotting -- xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
On 8 Nov 2002, Kirk R. Wythers wrote: | I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp | for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no | trouble with sketch for vector drawing instead of gimp... gimp is not good if you add some text because is a bitmap. Otherwise you can combine gimp + xfig (if text is needed...). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
I have used Dia with great success. One feature is that it is cross platform, so people who don't use Linux (many corporations and some of my clients) can also use it to view/create diagrams in Windoze. It comes with several pre-defined libraries for UML, flowcharts etc which makes it easy to produce standard business or technical diagrams. It creates postscript (amongst other formats) which can be digested by LyX. It also supports many fonts so the text looks quite reasonable. Pete
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
Chris Carlen wrote: [edit] 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? [edit] 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? [edit] Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:34:14AM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: Chris Carlen wrote: [edit] 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? [edit] 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? [edit] Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. Good day! How about a summary to the list when you decide on your optimal solution? -- Kayvan A. Sylvan | Proud husband of | Father to my kids: Sylvan Associates, Inc. | Laura Isabella Sylvan | Katherine Yelena (8/8/89) http://sylvan.com/~kayvan | crown of her husband | Robin Gregory (2/28/92)
Re: Which drawing program?
Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I really need. Max --- I Wayan Warmada [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. drawing --- xfig or tgif. plotting -- xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). Wayan __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
One solution to the problem of which drawing program to use with lyx when equations need to be added to the figure might be the following. Assume that an .eps figure is displayed on your screen from lyx. Move your cursor to the point on the figure where you want an equation. Now type in the equation using lyx as if you were typing in lyx normally. SIMPLE! ? There are numerous problems with this idea but it may satisfy the needs of lyx users in some circumstances. When it doesn't you go back to the current methods. Of course implementing this feature is another matter. In particular it is important that the equation shows up in the final output in the same relative location that it does on the screen and I suspect that ensuring this is hard. So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Ralph
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:37:34AM -0800, Max Bian wrote: Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I really need. Which is? -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money. -- Alexis de Tocqueville
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: snip... I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps I've had to do that in the past for eps generated by the old KIllustrator which ended up with problems with Lyx. It may help. cheers, f ps. the above assumes you have ImageMagick installed, which convert is part of.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: Hi folks: I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I used StarOffice once and had the same problem as you. The workaround I came up with was to export the .eps file twice in a row from StarOffice... then it worked 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use tgif, and I agree that the interface is a bit crude to say the least :-) It works for me however, and I especially like being able to do superscripts and subscripts with keyboard shortcuts in the text. So even though there is a method to include equations written in latex, I haven't had to do that yet. At the TGif homepage: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/ you can find documentation and FAQ. Here's an example of an equation you can write with a tutorial of how to write it in pure text-mode: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.htmlhttp://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.html For including latex equations, check these URLs: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/latex.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/eq4xpm.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/customeq4.html /Christian -- Christian Ridderström, +46-8-790 91 37 http://www.md.kth.se/~chr Mechatronics lab, Dept. of Machine Designhttp://www.md.kth.se
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Not me. Maybe you could send us one of the .eps so we can have a look how wrong they are... My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use xfig almost exclusively. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Either use the combined eps/tex export of xfig and set the formulas to special text or use psfrag. Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex-dvi-ps-pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos -- Milos Komarcevic Photonics and Sensors Group Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1PZ UK Tel: +44 1223 339762 Fax: +44 1223 765268 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On 11/8/2002 11:55 AM, Milos Komarcevic wrote: Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex-dvi-ps-pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos I'm using the package ps2pdf and hyperlinks work on this route. Lucian
Re: Which drawing program?
Am Freitag, 8. November 2002 02:48 schrieb Chris Carlen: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I had the same problem. You normally can fix the .eps files using ps2ps or psresize fo the pstools package. This worked fine for me. Thorsten
Re: Which drawing program?
Either use the combined eps/tex export of xfig and set the formulas tospecial text or use psfrag. Why not just include the xfig figure with the math (with the special text option turned on) directly into LyX (Insert-External Material-selectxfig) and leave it to LyX to do the rest of the work converting to the appropriate format etc.? This is what I normally do with xfig figures and it works well.. nirmal
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. Which version of ghostscript do you use ? Did you try ps2eps or purifyeps ? Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Your options are: 1. (almost) Any drawing program + psfrag 2. xfig and export to Combined PS+Latex 3. TGIF and embed equations generated by latex 4. Sketch and embed equations generated by latex using the SketchLatex plugin: http://www.2pi.info/latex/sketchlatex/ The 4th option might be the easiest one.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 2002-11-07 at 19:48, Chris Carlen wrote: Hi folks: I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for professional publication. I went through the same thing... the problem is that when you focus on compat with Word, you also inherit Word's failings... Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use Lyx/Latex. Yup... I came to the same conclusion Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of commands to no avail. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no trouble with I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? Thanks for comments. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Kirk R. Wythers email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] University of Minnesota tel: 612.625.2261 Department of Forest Resources fax: 612.625.5212 Saint Paul, MN 55108
Re: Which drawing program?
Sorry for jumping in the conversation. I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. I can do this with metapost script, but I haven't find a GUI program that allows it. It is painful to have to manually get the cordinates right. Have fun LyXing! Max __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. drawing --- xfig or tgif. plotting -- xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
On 8 Nov 2002, Kirk R. Wythers wrote: | I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp | for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no | trouble with sketch for vector drawing instead of gimp... gimp is not good if you add some text because is a bitmap. Otherwise you can combine gimp + xfig (if text is needed...). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
I have used Dia with great success. One feature is that it is cross platform, so people who don't use Linux (many corporations and some of my clients) can also use it to view/create diagrams in Windoze. It comes with several pre-defined libraries for UML, flowcharts etc which makes it easy to produce standard business or technical diagrams. It creates postscript (amongst other formats) which can be digested by LyX. It also supports many fonts so the text looks quite reasonable. Pete
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
Chris Carlen wrote: [edit] 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? [edit] 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? [edit] Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:34:14AM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: Chris Carlen wrote: [edit] 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? [edit] 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? [edit] Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. Good day! How about a summary to the list when you decide on your optimal solution? -- Kayvan A. Sylvan | Proud husband of | Father to my kids: Sylvan Associates, Inc. | Laura Isabella Sylvan | Katherine Yelena (8/8/89) http://sylvan.com/~kayvan | crown of her husband | Robin Gregory (2/28/92)
Re: Which drawing program?
Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I really need. Max --- I Wayan Warmada [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. drawing --- xfig or tgif. plotting -- xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). Wayan __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
One solution to the problem of which drawing program to use with lyx when equations need to be added to the figure might be the following. Assume that an .eps figure is displayed on your screen from lyx. Move your cursor to the point on the figure where you want an equation. Now type in the equation using lyx as if you were typing in lyx normally. SIMPLE! ? There are numerous problems with this idea but it may satisfy the needs of lyx users in some circumstances. When it doesn't you go back to the current methods. Of course implementing this feature is another matter. In particular it is important that the equation shows up in the final output in the same relative location that it does on the screen and I suspect that ensuring this is hard. So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Ralph
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:37:34AM -0800, Max Bian wrote: Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I really need. Which is? -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money. -- Alexis de Tocqueville
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: snip... I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps I've had to do that in the past for eps generated by the old KIllustrator which ended up with problems with Lyx. It may help. cheers, f ps. the above assumes you have ImageMagick installed, which convert is part of.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: > Hi folks: > > I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from > OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > I used StarOffice once and had the same problem as you. The workaround I came up with was to export the .eps file twice in a row from StarOffice... then it worked > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? > I use tgif, and I agree that the interface is a bit crude to say the least :-) It works for me however, and I especially like being able to do superscripts and subscripts with keyboard shortcuts in the text. So even though there is a method to include equations written in latex, I haven't had to do that yet. At the TGif homepage: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/ you can find documentation and FAQ. Here's an example of an equation you can write with a tutorial of how to write it in pure text-mode: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.htmlhttp://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/supsub.html For including latex equations, check these URLs: http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/latex.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/eq4xpm.html http://bourbon.usc.edu:8001/tgif/faq/customeq4.html /Christian -- Christian Ridderström, +46-8-790 91 37 http://www.md.kth.se/~chr Mechatronics lab, Dept. of Machine Designhttp://www.md.kth.se
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Not me. Maybe you could send us one of the .eps so we can have a look "how wrong" they are... > My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would > much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still > use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program > with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit > crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. > But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing > programs. > > The question then is: > > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use xfig almost exclusively. > Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, > and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something > like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I > want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple > fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Either use the "combined eps/tex" export of xfig and set the formulas to "special text" or use psfrag. Andre' -- Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. (T. Jefferson)
Re: Which drawing program?
Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex->dvi->ps->pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos -- Milos Komarcevic Photonics and Sensors Group Cambridge University Engineering Department Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1PZ UK Tel: +44 1223 339762 Fax: +44 1223 765268 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On 11/8/2002 11:55 AM, Milos Komarcevic wrote: Xfig does the job for me, it just takes a bit of time getting used to. Haven't tried Dia or Sodipodi yet, but they also look promising. As far as equations in figures go, I use psfrag: http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/help/Catalogue/entries/psfrag.html It lets you replace any text in the eps figure with any latex code with some ERT in the figure float in Lyx. The only drawback with psfrag is when you want PDF output: you have to do the latex->dvi->ps->pdf route, which means no hyperlinks. I don't think you could do pdflatex or dvipdfm. I wish that someone could prove me wrong. Milos I'm using the package ps2pdf and hyperlinks work on this route. Lucian
Re: Which drawing program?
Am Freitag, 8. November 2002 02:48 schrieb Chris Carlen: > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I had the same problem. You normally can fix the .eps files using ps2ps or psresize fo the pstools package. This worked fine for me. Thorsten
Re: Which drawing program?
> > Either use the "combined eps/tex" export of xfig and set the formulas > to"special text" or use psfrag. > Why not just include the xfig figure with the math (with the special text option turned on) directly into LyX (Insert->External Material->xfig) and leave it to LyX to do the rest of the work converting to the appropriate format etc.? This is what I normally do with xfig figures and it works well.. nirmal
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: > > Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I > can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. > Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when > running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like > eps2eps, epstool, etc. Which version of ghostscript do you use ? Did you try ps2eps or purifyeps ? > Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, > and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something > like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I > want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple > fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Your options are: 1. (almost) Any drawing program + psfrag 2. xfig and export to "Combined PS+Latex" 3. TGIF and embed equations generated by latex 4. Sketch and embed equations generated by latex using the SketchLatex plugin: http://www.2pi.info/latex/sketchlatex/ The 4th option might be the easiest one.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 2002-11-07 at 19:48, Chris Carlen wrote: > Hi folks: > > I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in > OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. > Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice > world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for > professional publication. I went through the same thing... the problem is that when you focus on compat with Word, you also inherit Word's failings... > > Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes > of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly > beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use > Lyx/Latex. Yup... I came to the same conclusion > > Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I > can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. > Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when > running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like > eps2eps, epstool, etc. > > I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from > OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > > Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo > to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over > again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, > and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to > the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of > commands to no avail. > > My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would > much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still > use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program > with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit > crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. > But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing > programs. > > The question then is: > > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no trouble with > > I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance > of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for > tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. > > Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, > and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something > like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I > want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple > fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. > > Any tips on how the masters do this trick? > > Thanks for comments. > > Good day! > > > > > > > -- > > Christopher R. Carlen > Principal Laser/Optical Technologist > Sandia National Laboratories CA USA > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > -- Kirk R. Wythers email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] University of Minnesota tel: 612.625.2261 Department of Forest Resources fax: 612.625.5212 Saint Paul, MN 55108
Re: Which drawing program?
Sorry for jumping in the conversation. I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. I can do this with metapost script, but I haven't find a GUI program that allows it. It is painful to have to manually get the cordinates right. Have fun LyXing! Max __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a closed | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also need | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the different | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. drawing ---> xfig or tgif. plotting --> xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
On 8 Nov 2002, Kirk R. Wythers wrote: | I use programs for figures: (1) xmgrace for scientific plotting and gimp | for drawing. They both produce wonderful eps output that lyx has no | trouble with sketch for vector drawing instead of gimp... gimp is not good if you add some text because is a bitmap. Otherwise you can combine gimp + xfig (if text is needed...). Wayan
Re: Which drawing program?
I have used Dia with great success. One feature is that it is cross platform, so people who don't use Linux (many corporations and some of my clients) can also use it to view/create diagrams in Windoze. It comes with several pre-defined libraries for UML, flowcharts etc which makes it easy to produce standard business or technical diagrams. It creates postscript (amongst other formats) which can be digested by LyX. It also supports many fonts so the text looks quite reasonable. Pete
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
Chris Carlen wrote: [edit] 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? [edit] 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? [edit] Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program? --Thanks
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:34:14AM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: > Chris Carlen wrote: > [edit] > >1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > >Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > [edit] > >2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? > [edit] > > > Thanks for all the responses to the above question. The volume of > information was substantial, so it might take me a while to digest it. > I will try to respond to some of the individual replies as well. > > Good day! How about a summary to the list when you decide on your optimal solution? -- Kayvan A. Sylvan | Proud husband of | Father to my kids: Sylvan Associates, Inc. | Laura Isabella Sylvan | Katherine Yelena (8/8/89) http://sylvan.com/~kayvan | "crown of her husband" | Robin Gregory (2/28/92)
Re: Which drawing program?
Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I really need. Max --- I Wayan Warmada <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Fri, 8 Nov 2002, Max Bian wrote: > > | I really need a good drawing package that is is able to draw a > closed > | path with different line types/colors/thicknesses along it. I also > need > | it allows straight lines, spine lines, bezier curves at the > different > | segments on the same path. And finally, it allows me to fill the > | enclosed area with solid colors or patterns. > > drawing ---> xfig or tgif. > plotting --> xmgrace or gnuplot but gnuplot hasn't a fill pattern... > I always use combine gnuplot + xfig (the best solution). > > Wayan > __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Which drawing program? (getting equations in figures)
One solution to the problem of which drawing program to use with lyx when equations need to be added to the figure might be the following. Assume that an .eps figure is displayed on your screen from lyx. Move your cursor to the point on the figure where you want an equation. Now type in the equation using lyx as if you were typing in lyx normally. SIMPLE! ? There are numerous problems with this idea but it may satisfy the needs of lyx users in some circumstances. When it doesn't you go back to the current methods. Of course implementing this feature is another matter. In particular it is important that the equation shows up in the final output in the same relative location that it does on the screen and I suspect that ensuring this is hard. So, any chance this will be added to lyx 1.2.2? :-) Ralph
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 11:37:34AM -0800, Max Bian wrote: > Thanks for the suggestion, but all those combined cannot do what I > really need. Which is? -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money. -- Alexis de Tocqueville
Re: Which drawing program?
On Fri, Nov 08, 2002 at 01:41:02PM -0700, Fernando Perez wrote: > > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > > > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? > > Try > $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps This is a bad idea as convert will rasterize the figure rather than keeping it as a vectorize figure.
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: > > > snip... > > > I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from > > OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: > > > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Try $ convert bad_file.eps new_name.eps I've had to do that in the past for eps generated by the old KIllustrator which ended up with problems with Lyx. It may help. cheers, f ps. the above assumes you have ImageMagick installed, which convert is part of.
Which drawing program?
Hi folks: I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for professional publication. Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use Lyx/Latex. Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of commands to no avail. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? Thanks for comments. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Heck, no! 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Don't know. But, if you're doing scientific plotting, take a look at GRI. It's a drawing language that does an outstanding job of producing plots of all sorts -- except business graphics such as bar and pie charts. http://gri.sourceforge.net. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? See above. Rich Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM) 2404 SW 22nd Street | Troutdale, OR 97060-1247 | U.S.A. + 1 503-667-4517 (voice) | + 1 503-667-8863 (fax) | [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.appl-ecosys.com/
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: snip... I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? If you can get any graphics program to read it, maybe you can salvage the OpenOffice version. I would try xv, convert and gimp. -- Mark Hansel PO Box 41 Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN 56563 ph: 218-236-2039 fax: 218-236-2593 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwwcj.mnstate.edu
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I know nothing about OO, but any other .eps I have met so far work very well with dvips. Most drawing/graphing etc. programs can produce them. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. XFig is kind of strange, but when you get used to it, it is actually not so bad. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? There are many options: I personally use Metapost, but it is really only for people who like it (if XFig is crude to you, than forget it). However, there are pretty nice separate drawing programs too. Sketch (written in Python) and Kontour (from KOffice) are pretty good (the former slighly more mature) and they look and feel much more Corel-like. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. If you export into PiCTeX+eps from xfig (particulars are pretty well described in LyX documentation -- read it!), then you can have true LaTeX formulas in your pictures. And you cannot get much better than that. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 If it dies, it's biology. If it blows up, it's chemistry, and if it doesn't work, it's physics. -- University bathroom graffito
Re: Which drawing program?
Hi Chris, On Fri, 8 Nov 2002 12:48, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? The postscript output from star and openoffice is full of rubbish. Most postcript printers can't cope with it, and print error messages instead of your document. You could try exporting to a different format (maybe an image format), and then convert to eps (using ImageMagic convert or the Gimp). My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Xfig is very good. I think the GUI is very functional and looks great, provided you put the line *customization: -color in your ~/.Xresources file (See xfig FAQ). The only thing I don't like about the GUI is that it is so fussy about where the pointer is. You cant type stuff in a box unless the pointer is in it. But this is a minor inconvenience. The more you use xfig the more you'll realise how easy it is to create complicated diagrams, with the kind of precision that is lacking from all office drawing programs, including commercial ones. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. One weakness of xfig is the way text is handled, i.e., no font changes within a text box, one line of text per text box, only wysiwyg for certain font sizes and zoom settings. However, xfig does let you insert latex code in your drawing, which will be processed by latex when you export to eps, so equations in your figures will look just like they do in your document. See the xfig user manual, section Exporting -- LaTeX and Xfig -- TYPE C - PostScript/LaTeX format. To whet your appetite, here are some drawings I made with xfig: (Only plain xfig text boxes in these, i.e., no latex) http://www.spme.monash.edu.au/~stevenh/Public/xfig-stuff/ Steve -- Steven Homolya School of Physics and Materials Engineering Monash University VIC 3800 Australia Tel: INT +61 3 9905 3694 Fax: INT +61 3 9905 3637
Which drawing program?
Hi folks: I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for professional publication. Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use Lyx/Latex. Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of commands to no avail. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? Thanks for comments. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Heck, no! 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Don't know. But, if you're doing scientific plotting, take a look at GRI. It's a drawing language that does an outstanding job of producing plots of all sorts -- except business graphics such as bar and pie charts. http://gri.sourceforge.net. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? See above. Rich Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM) 2404 SW 22nd Street | Troutdale, OR 97060-1247 | U.S.A. + 1 503-667-4517 (voice) | + 1 503-667-8863 (fax) | [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.appl-ecosys.com/
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: snip... I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? If you can get any graphics program to read it, maybe you can salvage the OpenOffice version. I would try xv, convert and gimp. -- Mark Hansel PO Box 41 Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN 56563 ph: 218-236-2039 fax: 218-236-2593 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwwcj.mnstate.edu
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I know nothing about OO, but any other .eps I have met so far work very well with dvips. Most drawing/graphing etc. programs can produce them. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. XFig is kind of strange, but when you get used to it, it is actually not so bad. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? There are many options: I personally use Metapost, but it is really only for people who like it (if XFig is crude to you, than forget it). However, there are pretty nice separate drawing programs too. Sketch (written in Python) and Kontour (from KOffice) are pretty good (the former slighly more mature) and they look and feel much more Corel-like. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. If you export into PiCTeX+eps from xfig (particulars are pretty well described in LyX documentation -- read it!), then you can have true LaTeX formulas in your pictures. And you cannot get much better than that. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 If it dies, it's biology. If it blows up, it's chemistry, and if it doesn't work, it's physics. -- University bathroom graffito
Re: Which drawing program?
Hi Chris, On Fri, 8 Nov 2002 12:48, Chris Carlen wrote: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? The postscript output from star and openoffice is full of rubbish. Most postcript printers can't cope with it, and print error messages instead of your document. You could try exporting to a different format (maybe an image format), and then convert to eps (using ImageMagic convert or the Gimp). My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Xfig is very good. I think the GUI is very functional and looks great, provided you put the line *customization: -color in your ~/.Xresources file (See xfig FAQ). The only thing I don't like about the GUI is that it is so fussy about where the pointer is. You cant type stuff in a box unless the pointer is in it. But this is a minor inconvenience. The more you use xfig the more you'll realise how easy it is to create complicated diagrams, with the kind of precision that is lacking from all office drawing programs, including commercial ones. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. One weakness of xfig is the way text is handled, i.e., no font changes within a text box, one line of text per text box, only wysiwyg for certain font sizes and zoom settings. However, xfig does let you insert latex code in your drawing, which will be processed by latex when you export to eps, so equations in your figures will look just like they do in your document. See the xfig user manual, section Exporting -- LaTeX and Xfig -- TYPE C - PostScript/LaTeX format. To whet your appetite, here are some drawings I made with xfig: (Only plain xfig text boxes in these, i.e., no latex) http://www.spme.monash.edu.au/~stevenh/Public/xfig-stuff/ Steve -- Steven Homolya School of Physics and Materials Engineering Monash University VIC 3800 Australia Tel: INT +61 3 9905 3694 Fax: INT +61 3 9905 3637
Which drawing program?
Hi folks: I abandoned effort recently on a document that I was preparing in OpenOffice mostly because the equations looked really awful. Furthermore, I failed at convincing anybody in the OpenOffice/StarOffice world that they are not up to the standards that I think are needed for professional publication. Then I tried Lyx. The equations I was able to produce within 15 minutes of working through that part of the tutorial were so stunningly beautiful, that I was immediately convinced that I must learn to use Lyx/Latex. Trouble is, I have to do drawings too, and I have discovered that I can't import the .eps files exported by OpenOffice Draw into Lyx. Furthermore, the .eps files crash the ghostscript interpreter when running most of the commands I've tried to use to fix the problem, like eps2eps, epstool, etc. I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Since I have had so much trouble trying to get my drawings done in OOo to be useable in Lyx, I think I might just give up and draw them over again in a new program. I have tried drawing some scribbles in Xfig, and exported them to Lyx successfully on the first try, in contrast to the hours I've wasted feeding the .eps from OOo through sequences of commands to no avail. My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing programs. The question then is: 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? I have noticed that my SuSE 8.1 distribution of Linux has an abundance of documentation for xfig, but there doesn't seem to be anything for tgif. This might move me in the direction of xfig. Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. Any tips on how the masters do this trick? Thanks for comments. Good day! -- Christopher R. Carlen Principal Laser/Optical Technologist Sandia National Laboratories CA USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? Heck, no! > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? Don't know. But, if you're doing scientific plotting, take a look at GRI. It's a drawing language that does an outstanding job of producing plots of all sorts -- except business graphics such as bar and pie charts. http://gri.sourceforge.net. > Any tips on how the masters do this trick? See above. Rich Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM) 2404 SW 22nd Street | Troutdale, OR 97060-1247 | U.S.A. + 1 503-667-4517 (voice) | + 1 503-667-8863 (fax) | [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.appl-ecosys.com/
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, 7 Nov 2002, Chris Carlen wrote: > snip... > I am convinced there is something very wrong with .eps exported from > OpenOffice. Which brings us to my first question: > > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? If you can get any graphics program to read it, maybe you can salvage the OpenOffice version. I would try xv, convert and gimp. -- Mark Hansel PO Box 41 Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN 56563 ph: 218-236-2039 fax: 218-236-2593 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://wwwcj.mnstate.edu
Re: Which drawing program?
On Thu, Nov 07, 2002 at 05:48:54PM -0800, Chris Carlen wrote: > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? I know nothing about OO, but any other .eps I have met so far work very well with dvips. Most drawing/graphing etc. programs can produce them. > My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly > I would much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it > and I will still use OOo for other things in which the > integration of the Draw program with the other modules is > useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit crude, coming from the > dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. But > I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good > drawing programs. XFig is kind of strange, but when you get used to it, it is actually not so bad. > The question then is: > > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you > recommend? There are many options: I personally use Metapost, but it is really only for people who like it (if XFig is crude to you, than forget it). However, there are pretty nice separate drawing programs too. Sketch (written in Python) and Kontour (from KOffice) are pretty good (the former slighly more mature) and they look and feel much more Corel-like. > Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy > in OOo, and that is to include equations in a figure. If you export into PiCTeX+eps from xfig (particulars are pretty well described in LyX documentation -- read it!), then you can have true LaTeX formulas in your pictures. And you cannot get much better than that. Matej -- Matej Cepl, [EMAIL PROTECTED], PGP ID# D96484AC 138 Highland Ave. #10, Somerville, Ma 02143, (617) 623-1488 If it dies, it's biology. If it blows up, it's chemistry, and if it doesn't work, it's physics. -- University bathroom graffito
Re: Which drawing program?
Hi Chris, On Fri, 8 Nov 2002 12:48, Chris Carlen wrote: > 1. Does anyone here use OpenOffice to produce figures to import into > Lyx, and if so how do you generate the .eps files? The postscript output from star and openoffice is full of rubbish. Most postcript printers can't cope with it, and print error messages instead of your document. You could try exporting to a different format (maybe an image format), and then convert to eps (using ImageMagic "convert" or the Gimp). > > My interest at this point focusses on Tgif and Xfig. Honestly I would > much prefer to use OOo Draw, because I am used to it and I will still > use OOo for other things in which the integration of the Draw program > with the other modules is useful. Xfig and Tgif seem a little bit > crude, coming from the dark ages of UNIX GUI interfaces, so it seems. > But I understand as well that they are nonetheless very good drawing > programs. > > The question then is: > > 2. What program is used most often, and what might you recommend? > Xfig is very good. I think the GUI is very functional and looks great, provided you put the line *customization: -color in your ~/.Xresources file (See xfig FAQ). The only thing I don't like about the GUI is that it is so fussy about where the pointer is. You cant type stuff in a box unless the pointer is in it. But this is a minor inconvenience. The more you use xfig the more you'll realise how easy it is to create complicated diagrams, with the kind of precision that is lacking from all office drawing programs, including commercial ones. > Finally, there is one trick I'd like to do that was quite easy in OOo, > and that is to include equations in a figure. I suppose with something > like xfig I will have to hand format text objects into the arrangement I > want to do this. The equations I need in a figure are usually simple > fractions with a couple variables in the num. and denoms. One weakness of xfig is the way text is handled, i.e., no font changes within a text box, one line of text per text box, only wysiwyg for certain font sizes and zoom settings. However, xfig does let you insert latex code in your drawing, which will be processed by latex when you export to eps, so equations in your figures will look just like they do in your document. See the xfig user manual, section Exporting --> LaTeX and Xfig --> TYPE C - PostScript/LaTeX format. To whet your appetite, here are some drawings I made with xfig: (Only plain xfig text boxes in these, i.e., no latex) http://www.spme.monash.edu.au/~stevenh/Public/xfig-stuff/ Steve -- Steven Homolya School of Physics and Materials Engineering Monash University VIC 3800 Australia Tel: INT +61 3 9905 3694 Fax: INT +61 3 9905 3637
