Asymptote is a programming language used to build vector graphics. An Asymptote file uses code to create technical images which you can then export to other formats, like EPS, PDF and more. Discover the history of the Asymptote file format and how it works.
Asymptote files work differently than standard image file formats. As a vector graphic language, Asymptote files allow users to create graphics that are backed by a mathematical, co-ordinate-based framework.
Asymptote files work well for creating technical drawings, as well as mathematical diagrams and figures. Once an image has been created using its programming language, users can then export it to a more accessible file format, such as PostScript, EPS, PDF, SVG, WebGL or PRC.
Chances are you won’t come across Asymptote files very often, but when you do, they’ll use a .ASY extension.
The Asymptote format was developed in 2004 by Andy Hammerlindl, John C. Bowman and Tom Prince. An earlier drawing programme called MetaPost helped inspire its creation.
Under the GNU Lesser General Public Licence plan, the software became free for anyone to use. Asymptote runs on Microsoft Windows, Unix and Mac OS platforms or you can access it on the web through an Internet browser.
Using LaTeX software, you can typeset labels and equations within an Asymptote file to create consistency in each document. Asymptote can generate two-dimensional vector graphics for formats such as PostScript and PDF. It’s also capable of embedding 3D WebGL graphics within HTML files.
Asymptote is a vector graphics language rather than a basic file format. You can use an Asymptote file to:
Asymptote files use code to draw mathematical charts, graphs and diagrams. You can even create basic illustrations — like the yin and yang symbol, for example — in a range of colours.
The Asymptote format allows users to generate and embed 3D images. For example, you can embed HTML files within WebGL graphics — the same is true for PRC graphics within PDFs.
Discover more vector file types
As with any file type, the Asymptote format has specific use cases that make it better for some situations than others. Here are some advantage and disadvantages to using Asymptote:
To open an Asymptote file, follow these steps:
Start building an Asymptote file with the following steps:
The main use of the Asymptote format is for highly accurate mathematical diagrams, graphs and charts — unlike raster image files such as JPEGs and PNGs that are better for photographs. Because they support a range of colours, Asymptote files also work well for basic illustrations.
It helps to have a little coding knowledge before using Asymptote. That’s because the Asymptote language creates vector images based on the coding and commands you enter. Once you learn the basics, navigating the web browser application is relatively straightforward and easy.
An Asymptote image is a vector graphic, while a JPEG is a raster file. The former is built from mathematical equations while the latter contains pixels. As a result, vector graphics are generally used for illustrations, logos and charts that need to be scaled to a variety of sizes, while raster files are generally better for photographs and web graphics.
You can create both two-dimensional and 3D images in Asymptote as long as you have the right coding and commands. Knowledgeable users can draw complex graphs with multiple datasets.
Is there a fee to create graphics with Asymptote?
Asymptote software is free to download and use because it’s part of the GNU Lesser General Public Licence plan. It’s also easily accessible as a web browser application.
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