st: which graph export vector format

[<Stefan.Gawrich@hlpug.hessen.de>]

Hi Statalisters,

I used to export my Stata graphs as hi-res .png with width(2000).

Now I want to give a vector format (.wmf / .emf / .eps) a try.
My reasons are:
- limitations in quality of e.g. text reproduction with .png
- I want to allow other people using my graphs to adjust details ("postproduction")


Any recommendations based on the following specifications?

- Stata 11 on Win XP. 
- insert graphs into MS Office (important)
- display of graphs should work by default in any Windows environment (important)
- display of graphs should work by default in other environments (Mac, Linux) (nice to have)
- high quality output for publishing purposes (important)
- "postproduction" of graph in e.g. MS Office or other software (semi-important)


I tested .emf and found it to fulfill all specifications except (perhaps) one:
I printed out a barchart on a b&w HP Laserjet (in high quality mode). There were no gaps between the bars of the graph. 
The .emf printout showed some artefacts (white lines between some bars) while the same .png graph did not.
I don't know if this is a typical vector graph artifact or something special to .emf or to my printer setting.

Best wishes

Stefan Gawrich
Hesse Health State Office 
Dillenburg








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