5

When writing descriptions of general trends, orders of magnitude, change over time, etc, it is often useful to include simple trend graphs like this:

enter image description here

What tool can I use to create professional looking line graphs without having to provide underlying data?

I'm envisioning a web-app where I can add axes and data series, and drag the lines to appear how I want them. I don't want to draw the lines with a mouse -- they always end up looking choppy. I want something that looks like it was produced with a nice smooth data trend.

Requirements:

  • Free
  • Ideally web-based or platform-independent
  • Produce a *.png (preferred) or *.pdf file (or at the very least a table of the resulting data, so I can reproduce the graph in excel)
Improve this question
1
  • 1
    In other words, you're looking for an image editor that can draw Bézier curves, lines, and text.
    – sondra.kinsey
    Apr 6, 2019 at 16:28

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

Inkscape is:

  • free
  • cross platform
  • excellent
  • produces .svg files (best for vectors) but can also produce numerous other formats.

Use

By using the Line & Curves tool Line & Curve to place the start, turning and end points then the point edit Point Edit to select the path and selecting make the selected points into a smooth curve Smooth Curve, (plus of course setting the colours and adding the text).

Like many tools Inkscape requires a little practice and familiarity. The results of a couple of minutes: Cropped Curves

Of course you have more than a little choice of format: Save As

Improve this answer
5
  • I've used Inkscape, but would this solution require me to draw lines with a mouse? Or is there something more sophisticated? I removed "freehand" from the title as that's not really what I want. I want something that generates curves.
    – LShaver
    Apr 1, 2019 at 19:57
  • 2
    Inkscape has Bezier lines. Acceptable for unscientific graphs, and certainly easier to "shape" than if you had to modify fake data in order to generate a nice curve.
    – Nicolas Raoul ♦
    Apr 2, 2019 at 3:37
  • @LShaver: You do not need to draw smooth freehand lines with the mouse - see expanded answer.
    – Steve Barnes
    Apr 2, 2019 at 4:52
  • This is minor, but... could you crop that image of the plot?
    – LShaver
    Apr 5, 2019 at 13:35
  • @LShaver - Yep done by simply selecting the original contents (Ctrl-A) then Export Selected Area.
    – Steve Barnes
    Apr 5, 2019 at 17:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.