Drawing packages for LaTeX

In spite of the availability of PGF/TikZ and PStricks to build nice drawings from your document, using (La)TeX syntax, you may need to draw things in a graphics interface.

• Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor, that can export TikZ code. Its range of features makes it a very powerful tool, compatible with LaTeX workflows, but not limited to them. It’s developed for Linux, MacOS and Windows

• Xfig is a free and open-source vector graphics editor which runs on Linux. It’s ability to export PSTricks or PGF/TikZ code allows a smooth integration of Xfig-generated images into LaTeX documents. Available from CTAN.

• LaTeXDraw allows you to generate PStricks code, or PDF or PS files to be included in your documents. It runs under Linux, MacOS and Windows.

• TeXCAD is a program for Windows which enables the user to draw diagrams on screen using a mouse or arrow keys, with an on-screen menu of available picture-elements. Its output is code for the LaTeX picture environment. Its development is halted since 2019.

  A Unix port of the program, xtexcad had been made, but is no longer maintained.

FAQ ID: Q-texdraw
Last updated: 2021-04-17