A TikZ tutorial: Generating graphics in the spirit of TEX

TikZ is a system which can be used to specify graphics of very high quality. For example, accurate placement of picture elements, use of TEX fonts, ability to incorporate mathematical typesetting, and the possibility of introducing macros can be viewed as positive factors of this system. The syntax uses an amalgamation of ideas from METAFONT, METAPOST, PSTricks, and SVG, allowing its users to “program” their desired graphics. The latest revision to TikZ introduces many new features to an already featurepacked system, as evidenced by its 560-page user manual. Here, we present a tutorial overview of this system, suitable for both beginning and intermediate users of TikZ.