Introduction

PyX is a Python package for the creation of vector graphics. As such it readily allows one to generate encapsulated PostScript files by providing an abstraction of the PostScript graphics model. Based on this layer and in combination with the full power of the Python language itself, the user can just code any complexity of the figure wanted. PyX distinguishes itself from other similar solutions by its TeX/LaTeX interface that enables one to make direct use of the famous high quality typesetting of these programs.

A major part of PyX on top of the already described basis is the provision of high level functionality for complex tasks like 2d plots in publication-ready quality.

Organisation of the PyX package

The PyX package is split into several modules, which can be categorised in the following groups

Functionality	Modules
basic graphics functionality	canvas, path, deco, style, color, and connector
text output via TeX/LaTeX	text and box
linear transformations and units	trafo and unit
graph plotting functionality	graph (including submodules) and graph.axis (including submodules)
EPS file inclusion	epsfile

These modules (and some other less import ones) are imported into the module namespace by using

from pyx import *

at the beginning of the Python program. However, in order to prevent namespace pollution, you may also simply use import pyx. Throughout this manual, we shall always assume the presence of the above given import line.