Advice on graphics software for scientists

[Ishnu]

I'm looking for suggestions on what graphics software would be the best fit for my research group. Our primary use will be creating charts and diagrams for publication. We would prefer something similar to Canvas, and simpler than Illustrator.

Thanks!

 

[Edge100]

I'm looking for suggestions on what graphics software would be the best fit for my research group. Our primary use will be creating charts and diagrams for publication. We would prefer something similar to Canvas, and simpler than Illustrator.

Thanks!

I highly recommend Illustrator. I've been using it for years to produce publication-quality scientific figures. Incorporating jpeg or tiff images is simple, aligning elements is straightforward, and .ai files are natively recognized by Acrobat, for submission-quality pdfs.

 

[flrazor]

If simple charting is what you're looking for, I would recommend OmniGraffle. Great for flow charts and process diagrams, very simple drag & drop interface (though sometimes the formatting is a bit hard to locate until you know where to look). If you're looking for something more robust for generating technical drawings or schematics, Canvas isn't a bad way to go either.

You can use the Print dialogue to get simple PDFs or export as postscript for later PDF creation, work closely with anyone who would eventually print anything for more specific info on output.

 

[MisterMe]

... If you're looking for something more robust for generating technical drawings or schematics, Canvas isn't a bad way to go either.

...

If only it were so, .... ACDSee dropped development of Canvas for the Mac after Canvas X. Canvas 11 is Windows-only. If the company's website is any indication, then Canvas 11 is ACDSee's red-headed stepchild. I do not believe that we will ever see Canvas 12.

 

[unscriptable]

+1 for OmniGraffle

+1 for OmniGraffle