JTikZ: A Java library that produces TikZ code

From an email to the pgf mailing list, Evan Sultanik has written a Java Library to create TikZ code.  If you code in Java, then it might be useful even if the code is in early stages of development.  The library can be found here.

Instructions on using the Library can be found in the email.

PSTricks or PGF/Tikz?

Right now, you have a choice of learning PSTricks or PGF/Tikz for all your drawing needs. Both are large pieces of work which require you to read the manual over and over again. At least till you get it.

For myself, while I've known about PSTricks, I've stuck to PGF/Tikz. But if you need to have better plotting and more features than the already extensive one in PGF/Tikz, then PSTricks is the way to go. Again, the choice is dependant on your needs and the level of programming you'd like to get into.

This thread on comp.text.tex might help you decide.

EDIT: As the note in the comments mentioned there is also METAPOST and one other graphical language called Asymptote.

PGF and TikZ examples page moved

Kjell posted on the pgf mailing list that he has relocated the gallery of pgf and TikZ figures to the new location. As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, it is an incredibly useful resource for typesetting graphics and there are numerous examples of different objects that may be of use to you.

Update your bookmarks.

Latest Builds of the PGF manual

The pgf package which is one of my favourite LaTeX packages for drawing pictures is released rather infrequently. Meaning, you get to wait a pretty long time for new features that are added, tested and then bundled for a release.

In case you want to the latest, you need to check out the CVS code and the prebuilt manual is available from Kjell's site.

Kjell recently posted on the pgf mailing list about the availability of the latest pgf manuals.

Using TikZ graphics in Powerpoint

Came across an useful thread on the comp.text.tex newsgroup on how to get your Tikz graphics into Powerpoint. This should be useful to those who are forced to use the Office tools even if the graphics output from Tikz is superior.

So, there are ways to get the pics into Powerpoint. The only drag is of course, editing it if there is a blooper in the picture. You'd have to go through the edit, compile, check, export and paste into Powerpoint every time to fix things.

Which is not exactly ideal.