Using xfig to draw pictures

Login to a Linux workstation.

Bring up the X Window environment if it is not already up.

Type the command

xfig name.fig&

where name is the name of a file where you want this picture saved. For example, if you are producing a flow diagram of a rock crusher, you might call it crusher.fig.

If you want a reference grid to appear in the drawing area to help you position things, click on the Grid mode button at the bottom. A popup menu will appear; click on one of the three grid densities or None.

Click on one of the Drawing modes icons on the upper left side. The various drawing modes are described below; the current mode is always highlighted.

Move your mouse into the main drawing area. The small menu labeled Mouse Buttons in the top right corner will always tell you what the mouse buttons do in the current drawing mode.

Add, change, or delete items from your figure by using the various drawing mode icons or the Editing modes icons on the lower left side. Some options for each mode may be set by clicking on the icons along the bottom (e.g., Zoom Scale).

When you are finished, or whenever you want to save the current figure, move the mouse to the File... button on the top button bar and click the right button (“Save Shortcut”).

To exit xfig, click on the Quit button in the top left corner.