dia

dia [OPTIONS] [FILE...]

FILE...
    One or more diagram files to open. If no files are specified, Dia starts with a new empty diagram.

-h
    Displays a help message with available command-line options.

--help
    Same as -h, displays a help message.

-v
    Prints Dia's version information and exits.

--version
    Same as -v, prints Dia's version information.

-e
    Exports the specified input file to the given output FILE. Useful for batch conversion.

--export=
    Same as -e, exports the input file to the given output FILE.

-t
    Specifies the export type (format) when using the -e or --export option. E.g., 'png', 'svg', 'ps'.

--export-type=
    Same as -t, specifies the export type.

-s
    Sets the page size for printing or exporting. E.g., 'A4', 'Letter'.

--size=
    Same as -s, sets the page size.

-p
    Prints the specified input file to the default printer without opening the GUI.

--print
    Same as -p, prints the input file.

-o
    Specifies the output format for printing (e.g., 'PostScript').

--output-format=
    Same as -o, specifies the output format for printing.

--sheet-background
    When exporting or printing, includes the sheet background in the output.

--no-splash
    Suppresses the display of the splash screen when Dia starts up.

Dia is a free and open-source diagramming software for creating various types of diagrams on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Inspired by Microsoft Visio, it provides a comprehensive set of tools for drawing structured diagrams like flowcharts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, electrical circuits, and more.

While primarily a graphical user interface (GUI) application, Dia can also be invoked from the command line to open files or perform batch operations such as exporting diagrams to different formats or printing them without opening the GUI. It supports a wide range of export formats including PNG, JPEG, SVG, EPS, PS, DXF, and VDX (Visio XML). Its extensibility through custom shapes and Python scripting makes it a versatile tool for professionals and students alike.

Developed as part of the GNOME project, Dia aims to be a robust and easy-to-use application for diagramming needs, emphasizing clarity and functionality.

Dia is primarily a Graphical User Interface (GUI) application. While it offers command-line options for opening files, exporting, and printing, its full power and interactive editing capabilities are accessed through its graphical interface. Command-line usage is generally limited to quick launches or batch processing tasks rather than complex scripting of diagram creation.

Dia supports a wide array of diagram types out-of-the-box, including flowcharts, UML class diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, network diagrams, circuit diagrams, and more. Users can also extend its capabilities by creating custom shapes and sheets.

Users can create custom shapes and stencils to extend Dia's functionality. It also supports Python scripting, allowing for automation and advanced diagram manipulation, though this is typically done within the GUI or via specific Python modules rather than direct command-line scripting.

Dia originated in 1998 as part of the GNOME project, aiming to be a free and open-source alternative to proprietary diagramming software like Microsoft Visio. It quickly gained traction for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating various technical and non-technical diagrams. Over the years, it has been ported to multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, maintaining its commitment to providing a versatile diagramming solution. Its development has focused on stability, extensibility, and broad format support.

graphviz(1), inkscape(1), gv(1)