dot

Render graph to PNG image

$ dot -Tpng [graph.dot] -o [output.png]

$ dot -Tsvg [graph.dot] -o [output.svg]

$ dot -Tpdf [graph.dot] -o [output.pdf]

$ echo "digraph { A -> B }" | dot -Tpng -o [output.png]

$ dot -Kneato [graph.dot] -Tpng -o [output.png]

$ dot -Gdpi=[300] -Tpng [graph.dot] -o [output.png]

dot [options] [files]

dot is the primary program for rendering directed graphs from Graphviz. It reads graph descriptions in the DOT language and produces visual representations in various output formats.
The DOT layout engine arranges nodes hierarchically, making it ideal for directed graphs like flowcharts, dependency diagrams, and state machines. Alternative engines (neato, fdp, circo) provide different layout algorithms.
dot supports extensive customization through graph, node, and edge attributes controlling colors, shapes, fonts, and positioning.

FILES

Input DOT files to process.

Output format: png, svg, pdf, ps, etc.

Output file name.

Layout engine: dot, neato, fdp, circo, twopi.

Set graph attribute.

Set default node attribute.

Set default edge attribute.

Print version.

Complex graphs may require manual positioning hints. Some output formats need additional libraries. Very large graphs may be slow to render or produce cluttered output.

dot is part of Graphviz, originally developed at AT&T Labs Research starting in 1991. Graphviz was released as open source in 2000 and remains the standard tool for graph visualization.

neato(1), circo(1), fdp(1), graphviz(7)