3 ms·

Every time I have to create a diagram I struggle. If I want something quick and dirty the options are out there. But if I want to create a diagram for a serious

Every time I have to create a diagram I struggle. If I want something quick and dirty the options are out there. But if I want to create a diagram for a serious project, I have trouble. Ideally, I would love a solution that integrated with templates and allowed me to define my diagrams at a "higher-level". It should also integrate with Latex to look consistent. Does anyone know of a better alternative to TikZ for my use case?

deleted 6y ago
[deleted]
DelightOne 6y ago
> It should also integrate with Latex to look consistent How does latex determine how the pngs you include should look like? Or are you worried the uml diagrams look too old? Edit: Added those parts back. I'm using Lucidchart to create uml diagrams, which I export as pngs and embed in latex. Costs a couple dollars. I like Lucidchart more for the freeform diagrams where I want to position everything to look pleasing Then theres yuml, which I render to svg and then with inkscape to png. I used yuml for a sequence diagram because positioning each one manually felt unnecessary.
- josalhor 6y ago
  > How does latex determine how the pngs you include should look like? In my comment integration refers to text selection and font rendering. As much as I find TikZ too "cloying", I have to admit the end result looks terrific. However, I would settle for anything that improves my current setup. Next time I'll give a try to Lucidchart (by the way, I saw your previous comment). I currently do embed pngs because I find TikZ too verbose.
  - DelightOne 6y ago
    I initially thought TikZ being about any sort of diagram, so uml did not fit :) With Lucidchart any text can be highlighted with color independently and there are lots of fonts to choose from. I like it for uml diagrams.
petepete 6y ago
PlantUML may be of interest for some kinds of diagrams. https://plantuml.com/ https://plantuml.com/
- josalhor 6y ago
  Looks promising! Especially the Activity Diagram. Although these diagrams don't look too modern -that base style could see a refresh- it would do the trick just fine for me!

deleted 6y ago

[deleted]

DelightOne 6y ago

> It should also integrate with Latex to look consistent How does latex determine how the pngs you include should look like? Or are you worried the uml diagrams look too old? Edit: Added those parts back. I'm using Lucidchart to create uml diagrams, which I export as pngs and embed in latex. Costs a couple dollars. I like Lucidchart more for the freeform diagrams where I want to position everything to look pleasing Then theres yuml, which I render to svg and then with inkscape to png. I used yuml for a sequence diagram because positioning each one manually felt unnecessary.

josalhor 6y ago
> How does latex determine how the pngs you include should look like? In my comment integration refers to text selection and font rendering. As much as I find TikZ too "cloying", I have to admit the end result looks terrific. However, I would settle for anything that improves my current setup. Next time I'll give a try to Lucidchart (by the way, I saw your previous comment). I currently do embed pngs because I find TikZ too verbose.
- DelightOne 6y ago
  I initially thought TikZ being about any sort of diagram, so uml did not fit :) With Lucidchart any text can be highlighted with color independently and there are lots of fonts to choose from. I like it for uml diagrams.

petepete 6y ago

PlantUML may be of interest for some kinds of diagrams. https://plantuml.com/ https://plantuml.com/

josalhor 6y ago
Looks promising! Especially the Activity Diagram. Although these diagrams don't look too modern -that base style could see a refresh- it would do the trick just fine for me!