graphml2gv

Convert a graph from gml to gv format

$ graphml2gv -o [output.gv] [input.gml]

$ cat [input.gml] | graphml2gv > [output.gv]

$ graphml2gv -?

graphml2gv [ -o outfile ] [ files ... ]

-o outfile
    Specifies the output file where the converted Graphviz DOT data will be written. If this option is not used, the output is written to standard output (stdout).

-?
    Displays a brief usage message outlining the command's options and then exits.

graphml2gv is a utility program within the Graphviz suite designed to convert graph data stored in the GraphML XML format into the Graphviz DOT language. GraphML is a comprehensive XML-based file format for graphs, often used for exchanging graph data between different applications. The Graphviz DOT language, on the other hand, is a simple text-based language for describing graphs, primarily used as input for Graphviz layout engines (like dot, neato, fdp) to generate visual representations of graphs.

This command acts as a crucial bridge, allowing users to leverage the powerful visualization capabilities of Graphviz on graph datasets originally created or stored in GraphML. It parses the GraphML structure, including nodes, edges, and their attributes, and translates them into corresponding DOT language elements. This enables subsequent processing, layout, and rendering of the graph using the rich set of Graphviz tools. graphml2gv is particularly useful for workflows involving heterogeneous graph tools or for archiving graph data in a standardized, yet easily visualizable, format.

The conversion process focuses on core graph structures (nodes, edges) and common attributes. Complex or highly specialized GraphML features, especially those not directly supported by the Graphviz DOT language or its layout engines, might be omitted or simplified during the conversion process. Users should verify the fidelity of the conversion for intricate GraphML inputs.

graphml2gv reads GraphML data from standard input (stdin) if no input files are specified on the command line. This allows for piping data from other commands. The converted Graphviz DOT output is written to standard output (stdout) by default, but can be redirected to a specified file using the -o option.

graphml2gv is an integral part of the Graphviz (Graph Visualization Software) project, which originated at AT&T Labs Research. Graphviz has been under continuous development since the mid-1990s, with graphml2gv being developed to support interoperability with the GraphML standard, allowing broader adoption and use of Graphviz tools for diverse graph data sources. Its inclusion underscores Graphviz's commitment to supporting open graph data formats.

dot(1), neato(1), gvpr(1), fdp(1), sfdp(1), circo(1), twopi(1)