4/31    I'm writing a research paper. What vector drawing programs do
        people use to incorporate into the body?
        \_ xfig
           \_ I've found xfig to be cool until you start trying to add
              the pics into a document.  There's no interchange format
              between xfig and wordperfect (hpgl works but the drawing
              gets fucked up) or MS word (again, cgm format fucks up
              the drawing).
                \_ are you the same moron who didn't understand that you
                   can convert an xfig drawing into ANY FORMAT YOU WANT? -tom
                   \_ If you're so damn smart (which you're not) which
                      FORMAT do you suggest? fig2dev only supports a
                      limited set of formats so why don't you recommend
                      a converter and a format instead of writing the
                      same bullshit you always do.
                        \_ converter: "convert" (ImageMagick) or xv or gimp.
                           format: any format you need.  -tom
                   \_ <--- I'm with tom
                        \_ Can I convert xfig to ascii art?
                \_ yes, actually.  -tom
        \_ Sometimes commercial software does the job best.  Adobe
           Illustrator is REALLY nice for this sort of work.  I usually
           just output it as .eps and include the postscript.  Depending
           on the program, it won't display on screen in that form but
           will print.  If I need screen display, I have it export as
           some random bitmap format.  -nweaver
                \_ I tried to do some of the figures for my book using
                   xfig and other OSS software products. I eventually
                   gave up and used Illustrator. The export to EPS was
                   extremely handy when interacting with the production
                   dept. at my publisher. Sometimes closed source is
                   better cause they are more focused and better managed.
                   \_ My version of xfig can export to EPS format.  I'm
                      using "Xfig 3.2 patchlevel 2 (Protocol 3.2)".
                      Maybe you should upgrade.  Xfig rocks.
                \_ ACK!  OPEN SOURCE!  LINUX!  BIKE!  TRAITOR!