Q: What graphics programs are available on Athena?

Answer

There are two primary types of computer graphics: vector-based and raster-based.

Vector-based graphics (aka "line art") use geometric objects (e.g. lines, points, circles, arcs, polygons, etc) to represent images. Because of this geometry-based approach, vector graphics can be resized arbitrarily without significant loss of clarity. This makes them ideal for figures, logos, and other applications where your image may get resized.

Raster-based graphics (aka "bitmaps") use a grid of colored pixels to represent images. This makes them ideal for photographs and other detailed images.

Plotting programs are not listed here. See What plotting programs are available on Athena?.

Vector graphics programs

• Xfig: Supports a variety of input and output formats, including EPS suitable for inclusion in LaTeX documents. Objects supported include multiple types of ellipses, polygons, arcs, lines, splines and text. A large library of clipart is available.
  Availability: Included in Ubuntu repositories as the package xfig.

• Dia: A diagram editor similar to Microsoft Visio® that is suitable for creating flowcharts, network diagrams, UML structures and Entity-Relationship diagrams and isometric maps.
  Availability: Included in Ubuntu repositories as the package dia-gnome.

• Inkscape: A vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator® and CorelDraw. Support for many file formats, including SVG.
  Availability: Included in Ubuntu repositories as the package inkscape.

Raster-based

• GIMP: GIMP is an image editor with capabilities and interface similar to Adobe Photoshop®. Many input and output formats are supported.
  Availability: Included in Ubuntu repositories as the package gimp.

• Xpaint: A painting program suitable for producing simple raster graphics
  Availability: Included in Ubuntu repositories as the package xpaint.

Other

• xv: An old but still useful graphics viewer. Xv can convert between a large number of image formats, and also perform basic cropping and editing. Unless you need to use xv, you should consider using the native Ubuntu image viewer called Eye of Gnome (eog).
  Availability: Located in the graphics locker.

See also

What Runs Where: Graphics