amun@quads.uchicago.edu (james frederick amundson) (10/08/90)
I am working on two applications to generate different kinds of scientific illustrations (Feynmann diagrams and plots, in case anyone is interested.) To produce journal-quality results, I need to use the following: bezier curves, dotted lines, rotated text (in 90 degree increments and otherwise), and lines finer than one-pixel. Needless to say, I am not very happy with quickdraw. I can do all of these things within my application and get the desired high-resolution output by either sending postscript commands directly to the printer or using PrGeneral to set the printer to maximum resolution and drawing all of the non-quickdraw-supported objects myself. I plan to check for ATM and use it to help with the rotated text, if available. Unfortunately, the primary uses for both applications will involve exporting figures, primarily to a word processor. I intend to include postscript commands as picture comments. I also will provide for the creation of an EPSF file. So here are my questions: 1) What should I do to decide whether I send postscript or use PrGeneral from within the application. I believe that the technotes say there is no kosher way to check for postscript. Can I create some general output that will do both? 2) My exported pictures aren't going to look very good on non-postscript printers. Is there anything I can do? Can I include comments that will at least utilize ATM if it is available? 3) Does anyone with more experience than I have any advice on improving my scheme? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. --Jim Amundson amun@midway.uchicago.edu