Software to draw graphs and other pictures?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the software options available for creating graphs and illustrations suitable for presentations in scientific contexts, particularly in physics and related fields. Participants explore various tools for different types of visualizations, including graphs, diagrams, and other scientific illustrations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about software that can efficiently create visual aids for presentations, specifically for illustrating concepts like Riemann integration.
  • Another participant suggests MATLAB for data visualization and gnuplot as a cost-effective alternative, while also recommending InkSpace for generic drawings.
  • A follow-up response questions the suitability of MATLAB for drawing specific shapes like rectangles under curves, suggesting it is more for plotting and numerical calculations.
  • One participant proposes using MATLAB to create dummy datasets for plotting, while acknowledging that adding text and colors is better handled in InkSpace.
  • Another participant mentions Kaleidograph as a preferred graphing package for high-quality plots and also notes Excel's capabilities for graphing.
  • PowerPoint is highlighted as a popular choice for drawing due to its functionality and ease of use.
  • Several participants express a need for software compatible with Mac, with PowerPoint and Excel confirmed to work on that platform.
  • Inkscape is suggested as a potential correction to the name InkSpace.
  • The R project is mentioned as a tool for creating quality graphs, and LaTeX's tikz-picture is noted for drawing schematics, albeit with a tedious command-based approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best software for different tasks, indicating no consensus on a single solution. There are competing views on the effectiveness of specific programs for particular types of visualizations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that different tasks may require different software, and there are limitations regarding software compatibility with Mac systems. The discussion also highlights the varying capabilities of suggested programs, which may not meet all user needs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students, educators, and professionals in physics and other STEM fields looking for software recommendations for creating visual presentations.

Amentia
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Hello,

I would like to know which sotfware physicists (or other scientists) use to make nice pictures for presentations to students, scientists or general public. I would like to make good presentations without spending a day for drawing a simple image. For example if I want to explain Riemann integration by making several graphs with more and more rectangles under the curve, are there good programs that are modulable?

My question focuses on graphs but it could be asked for anything, like electric circuits, molecules in chemistry or Feynman diagrams...

Best regards.
 
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I think one problem with suggestions is that no given program will do the job equally well.
For data visualization and graphing, something like MATLAB will be excellent. Or gnuplot, if you're cheap like me.
For generic drawings, I personally can recommend InkSpace. It's free, but of excellent quality.
 
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Hello, thank you for your answer. There is no problem if different tasks are done by different programs. I am not necesary looking for one single program doing everything.

But are you sure about MATLAB? I do not use it but I thought it was used for plotting curves and doing numerical calculations, not drawing rectangles under curves or adding color to show how integrals are related to surfaces, etc.

I did not know InkSpace, I will take a look, thanks. :)
 
Well, I was suggesting MATLAB with the idea that you would create a dummy data set, and then plot it both as a continuous line, as well as a bar plot. That way you wouldn't have to draw it yourself.
But yeah, adding text and colors, that's better done in InkSpace.
 
I like to use Kaleidograph as a graphing package. It makes great "presentation quality" plots, and has great curve fitting capabilities. Excel also has good graphing software.

For drawing, Powerpoint is a very popular choice, with lots of functionality and ease of use.

Chet
 
any software for mac? I tried a few of the software suggested in previous questions in the forum but none of them works well...:confused:
 
td21 said:
any software for mac? I tried a few of the software suggested in previous questions in the forum but none of them works well...:confused:
Well certainly, the Microsoft Office programs Powerpoint and Excel work on mac. I don't know whether Kaleidograph is available on mac, but my guess is, yes.

Chet
 
InkSpace? Perhaps Inkscape.
 
The R project can make some quality graphs.
Other than that, I once drew a schematic representation of an engine using the tikz-picture in LaTeX.
If you use latex to make such presentations, that is an option.
It is tedious however since you have to use the proper "commands" to position individual parts.
 

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