PGF and TikZ

What is PGF and TikZ?

PGF/TikZ is a suite of languages for generating vector graphics from geometric or algebraic descriptions. PGF functions as a low-level language, while TikZ provides a higher-level set of macros that utilize PGF's capabilities. The top-level commands from both PGF and TikZ are invoked as TeX macros, but the graphics themselves are described in a language akin to MetaPost, rather than the approach used by PSTricks. Till Tantau, the designer of these languages, is also the primary developer of the sole known interpreter, which is written in TeX. PGF is an acronym for "Portable Graphics Format", while TikZ is a recursive acronym meaning "TikZ is not a drawing program". The PGF/TikZ interpreter can be used with popular TeX macro packages like LaTeX and ConTeXt, as well as directly with the original TeX engine. Since TeX itself does not handle graphics natively, the interpreter supports multiple TeX output backends, including dvips, dvipdfm/dvipdfmx/xdvipdfmx, TeX4ht, and pdftex's internal PDF driver. Unlike PSTricks, PGF can directly produce either PostScript or PDF output, although it lacks some of the more advanced PostScript programming features that PSTricks can leverage. PGF/TikZ is accompanied by extensive documentation, with the version 2.10 manual comprising 726 pages

Highlights

• Supports vector graphics generation from geometric/algebraic descriptions
• Provides a low-level language (PGF) and a higher-level macro set (TikZ)
• Integrates with popular TeX macro packages like LaTeX and ConTeXt
• Supports multiple TeX output backends, including PostScript and PDF
• Extensive documentation, with the version 2.10 manual spanning 726 pages