Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOutbyte Driver Updater · freeOne free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.
Scan My Drivers Free →ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Xfig is a menu-driven, object-based drawing program for the X Window System. It is designed mainly for technical figures—such as flowcharts, schematics, geometric illustrations and LaTeX graphics—rather than modern freeform design. Xfig remains useful for editing legacy .fig files and for Unix/Linux publishing workflows that use fig2dev to create PDF, PostScript, SVG, raster or TeX-related output.
What is Xfig?
Xfig stands for Facility for Interactive Generation of figures under X11. It lets you draw and manipulate objects interactively in an X Window System application. Unlike a paint program, which primarily edits pixels, Xfig stores lines, shapes, text and other elements as editable drawing objects.
Its natural territory is technical illustration: diagrams, flowcharts, electrical and logic schematics, annotated figures, geometric drawings and graphics prepared for LaTeX or PostScript-based documents. The project remains available through its official website and is packaged by Debian. As indexed in August 2026, Debian packages are in the 3.2.9a series; other distributions may provide a different revision.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat can you draw?
Xfig provides object types suited to structured diagrams, including:
#1 Best Overall
- ➡️ COMPACT STANDALONE DRAWING TABLET: Draw, design, animate, and learn on the larger, immersive PicassoTab X11 — a fully standalone tablet that needs no computer. Preloaded with 5 creative apps for sketching, painting, animation, tutorials, and guided lessons.
- ➡️ 6 BONUS ITEMS ($100 value): Comes with 2 app upgrades (lifetime Pro upgrade for Concepts drawing app, lifetime VIP upgrade for Artixo tutorials app) and 4 bonus accessories (premium tablet case, drawing glove, universal power adapter, and pre‑installed screen protector)
- ➡️ LIFETIME VIP TUTORIALS - DESIGNED FOR BEGINNERS: Artixo Lifetime VIP upgrade gives you step‑by‑step lessons, guided practice, and beginner‑friendly exercises. Plus, the Xplore app provides drawing guides and instant help whenever you need it.
- ➡️LAMINATED PAPER‑LIKE DISPLAY FOR NATURAL DRAWING: The fully laminated 11" 2K screen reduces parallax and glare, delivering a smooth, realistic, paper‑like drawing feel and the upgraded 4096‑level pressure‑sensitive stylus delivers precise strokes for sketching, shading, and illustration.
- ➡️ FAST OCTA‑CORE PERFORMANCE + EXPANDABLE STORAGE: Powered by an octa‑core processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB), the X11 handles drawing apps, schoolwork, streaming, and multitasking effortlessly.
- Lines, polylines, polygons and arrows
- Boxes, rounded boxes, circles and ellipses
- Arcs and splines, including filled splines
- Text with configurable fonts, alignment and size
- Imported pictures
- Compound objects for grouping related elements
- Fill patterns, colors and depth ordering
Objects can be selected, moved, copied, scaled, rotated and aligned. Grouping is useful for treating a diagram component as a unit, while depth controls which objects appear in front of others. Constrained movement and copying help maintain consistent geometry. Libraries provide reusable symbols and clip art, which is especially useful for repeated schematic or diagram elements.
How the interface works
Xfig uses the traditional X11 and Athena Widgets style of interface rather than a modern GTK, Qt or browser-based layout. A mode or tool panel determines whether you are creating a line, box, ellipse, text object or another element. You then place and edit that object directly on the canvas.
Mouse-button behavior is important. Xfig was designed around a two- or three-button mouse. On a two-button mouse, pressing Meta together with the right mouse button performs the middle-button action, according to the Xfig manual. The exact completion gesture for a drawing operation can vary by tool and version, so the HTML or PDF documentation installed with your package is worth keeping nearby.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Installing Xfig on Debian or Ubuntu
For a Debian-family system, install the application together with its conversion tools and documentation:
Rank #2
![X11 Drawing Tablet • PicassoTab 11' Screen • Complete Learning Package [Premium Drawing Apps & Tutorials, Stylus Pen] No Computer Needed • Standalone • Best Gift for Beginner Graphics Artist - X11](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hx7Us-AZL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPLETE DRAWING LEARNING PACKAGE: The X11 is more than just a tablet - it’s a comprehensive digital art learning solution that includes the tablet, a precision stylus, essential accessories, and access to premium drawing and animation apps like Concepts, Infinite Painter, and Flipaclip, giving you everything you need to start creating right away.
- STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIALS FOR BEGINNERS: The X11 comes with the Artixo app, providing detailed drawing tutorials and learning resources tailored specifically for beginners, making it the perfect companion for anyone looking to develop or refine their artistic skills with ease.
- IMMERSIVE DRAWING EXPERIENCE: The 11-inch Full HD, fully laminated screen with anti-glare technology offers a generous drawing area, a paper-like drawing feel, and precise stylus interaction, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for creating detailed and professional-quality artwork.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE BEYOND DRAWING: With 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an advanced octa-core processor, the X11 is built to handle more than just art, offering smooth multitasking for activities like storing artwork, switching between creative apps, or even watching your favorite shows.
- PORTABLE AND VERSATILE FOR ARTISTS ANYWHERE: Lightweight, compact, and packed with premium creative tools, powerful hardware, and guided learning resources, the X11 is the ultimate portable drawing tablet, designed to elevate the artistic journey of both beginners and experienced creators alike.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install xfig fig2dev xfig-doc xfig-libsThe packages have distinct roles:
xfig: the graphical editor.fig2dev: conversion and output support.xfig-doc: manuals, examples and documentation.xfig-libs: clip-art libraries and example resources.
This is a Debian-family example, not a universal command. Package names and versions vary on other Unix and Linux systems. Debian’s package information and the project’s download links are appropriate starting points for other installations.
Launching Xfig and opening a figure
Start a blank drawing with:
xfigOpen an existing native file with:
xfig drawing.figThe documented command form is:
xfig [options] [file]To inspect supported command-line options, use:
xfig -helpXfig requires an X11 display. On a Linux desktop running Wayland, XWayland may provide compatibility, but success depends on the desktop, installed libraries, fonts and configuration. Remote use may require X forwarding or another working X11 display mechanism.
A practical first-figure workflow
- Launch
xfig. - Choose a drawing mode such as line, box, ellipse or text.
- Click points on the canvas to place the object, following the selected tool’s completion gesture.
- Switch to the selection or editing mode.
- Click an object to select it.
- Move, copy, rotate, scale or delete the object as needed.
- Use compound objects to group related parts of the figure.
- Adjust alignment, depth, arrowheads, line styles, fills and text.
- Save the editable source as a
.figfile. - Use
fig2devwhen you need a publication or image format.
The native .fig format
A .fig file is Xfig’s native editable format. It describes drawing objects rather than only storing a raster snapshot, so a saved figure can be reopened and modified at object level.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Fig documentation states that later versions of Xfig and TransFig can read older Fig files. Compatibility is strongest for ordinary native Fig objects, but a particular file may also depend on fonts, imported images, paths, export settings or version-specific features. Preserve the original source images and retain a backup before editing an archival figure.
Rank #3
- PORTABLE 10" STANDALONE DRAWING TABLET: Create, draw, design, and learn anywhere on the compact, travel‑friendly PicassoTab A10. No computer needed — everything runs directly on the tablet. Comes preloaded with 5 creative apps for drawing, painting, animation, tutorials, and guided lessons.
- 6 BONUS ITEMS ($100 value): Comes with 2 app upgrades (lifetime PRO upgrade for Concepts drawing app, lifetime VIP upgrade for Artixo tutorials app) and 4 bonus accessories (premium tablet case, drawing glove, universal power adapter, and pre‑installed screen protector)
- LIFETIME VIP TUTORIALS - PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: Artixo Lifetime VIP upgrade gives you step‑by‑step lessons, guided practice, and beginner‑friendly exercises. Plus, the Xplore app provides drawing guides and instant help whenever you need it.
- PAPER‑LIKE LAMINATED DISPLAY + 4096‑LEVEL ACTIVE PEN: The laminated 10" screen reduces glare and parallax for a smoother, more natural drawing feel. The 4096‑level pressure‑sensitive stylus delivers accurate, expressive strokes for sketching and illustration.
- FAST OCTA‑CORE PERFORMANCE + EXPANDABLE STORAGE: Powered by an octa‑core processor with 6GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable up to 1TB), the A10 handles drawing apps, schoolwork, streaming, and everyday multitasking with ease.
For an existing file, a cautious workflow is:
cp existing-diagram.fig existing-diagram.backup.fig
xfig existing-diagram.figAfter opening it, check text appearance, imported images and page settings. Save under a new name, export a test file and compare it with the original before replacing production artwork.
Exporting with fig2dev
Xfig edits the figure; fig2dev performs the conversion or output step. Historically associated with the TransFig toolchain, it is the part of the workflow that turns a native Fig drawing into a format used by a document, printer or image viewer.
Documented output families include:
- PDF, PostScript and Encapsulated PostScript
- SVG, CGM and EMF
- GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, PPM, TIFF, XBM and XPM
- LaTeX, Metafont, Pic, PiCTeX and TeX-related back ends
- Gerber, AutoCAD Slide, HP/GL and other legacy formats
For TeX workflows, documented back ends include box, epic, eepic, eepicemu, pict2e, pstricks and tikz. TeX-oriented output can allow labels to be typeset by TeX rather than rendered as ordinary graphic text.
Available formats and options depend on the installed fig2dev version and how it was built. Instead of assuming that every documented back end is present, inspect the local installation:
Rank #4
- All-in-One Drawing Tablet: This standalone tablet requires no computer connection—start drawing right out of the box. Perfect for artists on the go, its sleek aluminum back provides a comfortable feel and makes the writing tablet an ideal choice for note-taking and capturing ideas.
- 10.95-inch Full HD Graphic Tablet: The combination of a 10.95-inch screen and FHD+ (1920*1200) resolution ensures a high pixel density of 207 PPI, delivering a sharp visual experience. With a 99% sRGB color gamut, every stroke of your artwork is precisely represented.
- Smooth 90Hz Refresh Rate: The digital drawing tablet features a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals with no lag. This makes images more vivid, allowing you to immerse yourself in a seamless creation experience. The digital drawing pad also enhances your viewing experience, whether you're watching films or playing games.
- Full-Laminated Anti-Glare Screen: The digital art pad features a nano-etched, anti-fingerprint matte surface that significantly reduces glare and provides a natural paper-like texture for a comfortable drawing feel. The full-lamination technology minimizes parallax, enhancing stroke precision and clarity, while also helping to reduce eye strain during prolonged use.
- High-Precision H-Pencil: The drawing pen features Huion's years of experience in line-drawing algorithms, offering better accuracy and preventing line offset while drawing. With 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60° tilt recognition, it brings you a writing experience that feels just like using a real pencil.
fig2dev -help
man fig2devKeep the .fig source even after exporting to PDF, EPS, SVG or a raster format. The exported file is publication output; the Fig file remains the editable source.
Troubleshooting
xfig: command not found
Install the application package:
sudo apt install xfigIf your distribution does not package it, consult the Xfig project site and its linked source project.
The X display cannot be opened
This usually indicates an environment problem rather than a damaged Fig file. Check that an X server or compatible XWayland session is active, that DISPLAY is correct, and that remote sessions have the required X forwarding or display permissions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Export is unavailable
Install the companion package:
sudo apt install fig2devThen inspect the installed manual for the exact language name and options supported by your build.
Best Value
- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
Text changes after opening or exporting
Check for missing fonts, different X11 font configuration, unavailable TeX fonts and differences between export back ends. Test on the system that will produce the final publication output, and keep the native source alongside the exported file.
An imported image is missing
The Fig file may refer to an external image path rather than containing a fully self-contained copy. Keep imported images with the project, restore the expected paths where possible and verify the result before exporting.
Output differs between machines
Compare the Xfig and fig2dev versions, fonts, page size, orientation, image paths, export language and installed TeX or PostScript utilities. These dependencies can affect both layout and final rendering.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Who should use Xfig today?
Xfig is a sensible choice when you need to maintain existing Fig files, work in an X11-based Unix environment, create structured technical diagrams or integrate labels with a TeX-oriented publishing pipeline. It is also valuable when preserving an established workflow matters more than adopting a newer interface.
It is a poor default for collaborative browser-based diagrams, real-time team editing, photo composition, page layout, branding or polished modern vector illustration. Its X11 dependency and older interaction model add friction on systems that no longer treat X applications as native desktop software.
Xfig compared with alternatives
| Need | Xfig’s position | Possible alternative |
|---|---|---|
Edit existing .fig files |
Strongest and most direct option | Usually no complete replacement |
| LaTeX-oriented technical figures | Strong historical fit | TikZ/PGF or Ipe |
| Modern general vector illustration | Weak to moderate | Inkscape |
| Circuit diagrams | Possible with libraries and manual construction | KiCad or a specialist EDA tool |
| Collaborative browser diagrams | Poor fit | diagrams.net or Figma |
| Programmatic reproducibility | Moderate through Fig files and conversion | TikZ, Asymptote or generated SVG |
| Cross-platform polished GUI | Weak | Inkscape or another current design application |
For newly authored work, TikZ/PGF or Ipe may provide a better TeX-centered workflow, while Inkscape is generally more comfortable for modern vector illustration. Dedicated circuit-design tools are preferable when electrical connectivity, simulation or manufacturing output matters. None of those choices is a straightforward substitute when the requirement is to edit an existing Fig archive.
Is Xfig still worth using?
Yes—but mainly for its niche. Xfig is still a practical editor for legacy technical illustrations and a credible component of an X11/TeX publishing pipeline. It should not be presented as a modern all-purpose design application. If you are starting a new general illustration project, a current vector editor or specialized diagram tool will usually be easier. If you have valuable .fig files, however, installing Xfig and preserving the associated fonts, images and conversion tools may be the most reliable way to keep them editable.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
