Graph layout solution for DOT files
If you're a mathematician or are involved in statistical analysis, you'll need someway to plot and draw graphs accurately.
Graphviz is a free open source automated graph layout software with a Graphical User Interface to make things as easy as possible. Most importantly, Graphviz supports DOT files and can also export to PDF and several other bitmap formats. For those in the know, it also includes full alpha transparency, native fonts, shapefile support and anti-aliasing.
Graphviz is quite a complex program despite the GUI although the developers assure that the engine behind it - a simple file format known as DOT - intelligently connects nodes to other nodes. A sophisticated layout routine then renders it into many different output formats including SGI, Photoshop, Windows BMP, JPEG, Macintosh PICT, PNG, MacPaint, TIFF, Targa, JPEG 2000 and Quicktime Image. You can preview graphs and if you're struggling with a setting, a "Tooltips" tool automatically assists you.
Graphviz is purely for those that know what they're doing with DOT files and need to plot complex graphs.
User reviews about Graphviz
by Anonymous
Graphviz.
Quite possibly the worst program ever. Cannot create new pages, no instructions, not intuitive at all. Graphing program designed by Bill Gates not Steve Jobs. Awful. I could not create a graph, and could not find any instructions on how to perform this task. Considering that this is a GRAPHING program, you would think that this would be reasonably easy. Say for example a formula entry option etc? Nope. How about the simple task of creating a new sheet/project? Nope.
I'll stick to my TI-89. Pros:
Couldn't use the program, so I cant say. Nice looking icon? Free?
Cons:
No instructions, cant create a new file, no help file, no simple user interface. Totally unusable and I am not going to waste my time learning to use and wrestling with an awkward, unintuitive, microsoft-esq piece of software. More