Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!pcrat!rick From: rick@pcrat.UUCP (Rick Richardson) Newsgroups: comp.text Subject: Re: What features would you like in GNU troff? Message-ID: <777@pcrat.UUCP> Date: 3 Jun 89 01:38:01 GMT References: <742@dtscp1.UUCP> Reply-To: rick@pcrat.UUCP (Rick Richardson) Distribution: comp Organization: PC Research, Inc., Tinton Falls, NJ Lines: 39 In article <742@dtscp1.UUCP> scott@dtscp1.UUCP (Scott Barman) writes: > 1) Better handling of graphics. I want to be able to include >a bitmap anywhere in the output, give it is size in pixels (units) and >it leave space. Now, the only way to do it is to use the transparent >character to put a devcntl line in the output, then force spacing--which >sometimes is difficult to do. Another way is the unpredictable .cf... Absolutely. Using macros can get text to swim around bitmaps to the left or right. But I haven't figured out a way to make text swim between arbitrary bitmaps placed anywhere in the output using just macros. Troff has to be taught this. > 2) Enhanced drawing functions. I would like to see filling of >objects and a selectable grey scale (or even color). Also, line widths >would be nice. Actually, you can already do this with ditroff, if your postprocessor is up to it. Troff doesn't give a hoot what is inside the \D'x n n ...' sequence. It just gets passed on to the postprocessor (except that all numbers have been converted to typesetter units). The soon to be released JetRoff version 2.6 has several enhanced drawing functions, including filled objects. Of course, a standard naming convention would be useful. Also, line widths should be variable with your postprocessor already. At a minimum, the current point size should be controlling the line width. > 6) Better definitions of character sets. On some phototypesetters, >the height and depth of a character is different and it is information No doubt. And don't forget (how could you with the CM fonts) that troff needs to be taught about non-linear scaling of fonts. -- Rick Richardson | JetRoff "di"-troff to LaserJet Postprocessor|uunet!pcrat!dry2 PC Research,Inc.| Mail: uunet!pcrat!jetroff; For anon uucp do:|for Dhrystone 2 uunet!pcrat!rick| uucp jetroff!~jetuucp/file_list ~nuucp/. |submission forms. jetroff Wk2200-0300,Sa,Su ACU {2400,PEP} 12013898963 "" \d\r\d ogin: jetuucp