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- -*-text-*- $Id: README.ctan,v 2.12 1994/10/28 21:39:53 kris Exp $
-
- ======================================================
- THE Xy-pic PACKAGE FOR TYPESETTING GRAPHS AND DIAGRAMS
- ======================================================
-
- Xy-pic is a package for typesetting graphs and diagrams with TeX/LaTeX.
-
- Xy-pic works with most formats, including LaTeX, AMS-LaTeX, AMS-TeX, and
- plain TeX, and has been used to typeset very complicated diagrams from
- many application areas including category theory, automata theory,
- algebra, and databases.
-
- Xy-pic is structured as several orthogonal modules, each defining a
- custom notation for a particular kind of graphical object or structure.
-
- These (combinable) structures are available:
-
- * A graph combinator mode where diagrams are specified the way they are
- composed as graphs.
-
- * A matrix-like mode where the dimensions of the drawing are computed by
- aligning diagram entries in rows and columns (this is also the
- `version 2 compatibility mode').
-
- * A polygon mode where diagrams shaped as regular polygons are entered
- in a simple way.
-
- * A general `turtle graphic' drawing language for specifying graphs with
- objects and connections between them in a manner independent of
- orientation.
-
- The following objects may be used:
-
- + Positions can be given in variety of formats (extendable) including
- user defined coordinates (x,y) and relative to previous positions,
- objects, object edges, and points on connections.
-
- + Objects may be circular or rectangular (more shapes can be added) and
- adjusted in several ways.
-
- + Large library of objects with mnemonic names.
-
- + Objects that orient themself along a connection when placed relative
- to it, e.g., `\dir{|-}' is like \vdash but thus oriented; new such
- objects can be defined in a convenient way.
-
- + Includes circle segments and arbitrary TeX text.
-
- + Connections are aligned between the reference points of objects but
- start and end on the edges.
-
- + Any object can be used to build a connection (using `diagonal
- filling'); library objects provide common line types.
-
- + Flexible notation for drawing arrows and general paths with tail,
- stem, and head build from any object(s). Special support for arrows
- that cross each other, arrows that `go by' other entries, paired
- arrows (including support for 2-cells), curved arrows, and arrows with
- n/8 bends.
-
- + Library of frames and braces.
-
- + Special notation for rotation, scaling, colour, and line thickness.
- The correct typesetting of these features requires a backend that
- supports it (i.e., PostScript) but even when this is not available
- Xy-pic tries to approximate what is requested such that at least the
- picture size is stable (and thus page breaks).
-
- + Output can use PostScript for drawing (several \special formats are
- supported: dvips, dvitops, Textures, and OzTeX -- more are being added
- continuously: contact Ross Moore <ross@mpce.mq.edu.au> for the current
- list). Notation for inclusion of literal PostScript is available.
-
- All object forms may be used with all structures.
-
- - o -
-
- See CATALOG for up to date version information!
-
- See TRAILER for author and accessibility information!
-
- See MANIFEST for a complete file list!
-
- See the various INSTALL files for how to install Xy-pic on your system!
-
- See the W3 <URL: http://www.diku.dk/users/kris/Xy-pic.html> for news!
-
- And finally, enjoy Xy-pic!
-
- Sincerely,
- Kristoffer H. Rose <kris@diku.dk>
- Ross Moore <ross@mpce.mq.edu.au>
-