Tables and Graphics

MetaPost

Learn how to use MetaPost for creating mathematical and technical vector graphics in LaTeX documents.

MetaPost is a vector graphics language related to METAFONT, designed by Donald Knuth. While METAFONT generates bitmap fonts, MetaPost produces encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files that can be imported into LaTeX documents. It excels at creating technical illustrations requiring mathematical precision.

Basic Syntax

A MetaPost program consists of assignments and drawing commands. The basic structure:

beginfig(1);
  pair A, B;
  A := (0,0);
  B := (100,50);
  draw A -- B;
endfig;
end

Compile with:

mpost filename.mp

This produces filename.1, filename.2, etc. (one file per beginfig/endfig block).

Drawing Primitives

Lines and Curves

beginfig(1);
  % Straight lines
  draw (0,0) -- (100,0);
  
  % Bezier curves
  draw (0,0) .. controls (30,50) and (70,50) .. (100,0);
  
  % Quick curve shorthand
  draw (0,0) {up} .. {right} (50,50);
endfig;
end

Filled Shapes

beginfig(2);
  % Filled rectangle
  fill (0,0) -- (100,0) -- (100,50) -- (0,50) -- cycle;
  
  % Filled circle
  fill fullcircle scaled 40 shifted (50,25);
  
  % Filled elliptical shape
  fill fullcircle xscaled 80 yscaled 40 shifted (50,25);
endfig;
end

Arrows

beginfig(3);
  drawarrow (0,0) -- (100,0);
  drawarrow (0,20) .. controls (50,40) .. (100,20);
  drawdblarrow (0,40) -- (100,40);
endfig;
end

Text in MetaPost

MetaPost can typeset text using TeX:

beginfig(4);
  label(btex Hello World etex, (50,25));
  label.top(btex Top-aligned etex, (50,50));
  label.bot(btex Bottom-aligned etex, (50,0));
endfig;
end

Variables and Expressions

beginfig(5);
  % Numeric variables
  numeric angle, radius;
  angle := 45;
  radius := 30;
  
  % Pair variables
  pair center;
  center := (50,25);
  
  % Subpath and time-based drawing
  draw subpath(0,2) of fullcircle scaled 40 shifted center;
endfig;
end

Importing MetaPost into LaTeX

Use the graphicx package to include MetaPost output:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{graphicx}

\begin{document}
\includegraphics{filename.1}
\end{document}

Or use the luamplib package (LuaLaTeX only) for inline MetaPost, which compiles the code directly at build time with no separate mpost run or \includegraphics step needed:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{luamplib}
\begin{document}
\begin{mplibcode}
  beginfig(1);
    draw (0,0) -- (100,0) -- (50,50) -- cycle;
  endfig;
\end{mplibcode}
\end{document}

When to Use MetaPost

Use Case	Recommendation
Mathematical diagrams	MetaPost excels here
Flowcharts	Consider TikZ for easier syntax
Simple shapes	TikZ is simpler
Custom fonts	METAFONT (MetaPost's sibling)
Complex parametric curves	MetaPost is ideal