How to setup Xfig onto a Mac machine? [closed]

Question

The user manual said that I need to

Get the source of xfig (xfig.3.2.5-alpha3.full.tar.gz) and gunzip and untar the file: Either do: gunzip -c xfig.3.2.5-alpha3.full.tar.gz | tar xvf - or gunzip xfig.3.2.5-alpha3.full.tar.gz tar xvf xfig.3.2.5-alpha3.full.tar

It also said that

There is a version of xfig ported to run on the MacIntosh under the Darwin port of XFree86.

But I didn't find how to setup the XFree86 and even the xfig since I am very new to either Mac OS or UNIX.

Purity

Answer 1

The easiest way is probably to use a package manager like Macports, Fink, Homebrew etc.

For macports the steps are basically

1. Install macports from the correct .dmg from here
2. Install Xcode
3. Update macports sudo port selfupdate
4. Check your shells have /opt/local/bin on the path before other directories
5. Install the xfig port sudo port install xfig

The other managers will have a similar set of instructions.

Oxbow

Thanks for your warmly reply. I installed xfig according to your advice. I met a problem when I used the xfig. When I draw a line, I clicked the left button of the mouse at first and clicked the right button at the end of the line. But the line is eliminated after I clicked the right button. – Purity

Mark's answer misses three steps: 2': install the Xcode command-line tools: xcode-select --install 2": install Xquartz (X11 terminal software) from xquartz.macosforge.org/landing 5': Enable three button mouse emulation in XQuartz options. – Jupon

I should also add that Xquartz is only needed for OS X above 10.5. – Jupon

how do you open xfig? – Frontispiece

Answer 2

When drawing a line in xfig, the right button is a cancel operation button. To end the line, you press the middle button. I'm not sure how you get a mac mouse to simulate the middle or the right button.

Thin

Select XQuartz > Preferences > Input > Emulate three button mouse. – Jehovist