Old style technical hand-drawings for a textbook/ebook?

  • Thread starter FischerBoy
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In summary, there are several ways to create drawings for a textbook or ebook. One suggestion is to use a good drawing package on your computer instead of drawing on paper. This makes updating easier and allows for consistency in appearance. Another option is to use a photocopier with scanning capabilities to import the drawings into a book formatting program like LaTeX. It is also recommended to use a figure style to go along with the drawings.
  • #1
FischerBoy
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I love the old fascionate drawings in older books on geometry, physics illustrations and math figures. I was wondering: How can this be done for a textbook or ebook? Could I Draw on a White Piece of paper, then use an iphone scanning app and capture the drawing and import to latex or an other program (havent descided what textbook editor to use yet). Anny suggestions on what equipement is needed and how to do it well?
 
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  • #2
Probably there are better ways than doing it with your phone. Most good photocopiers these days will scan at a reasonably good dots-per-inch value and color or black and white as you please.

Several book formatting programs will let you import picture objects. LaTeX has figure importing capability. Possibly you will want a figure style to go with it.

As a suggestion: Don't draw on paper. Use a good drawing package and draw right on your computer. There are a variety of drawing packages available, even some free ones that will do a reasonable job. It makes updating a lot easier. You can get the same effect as hand drawn. But you can make it readable.
 
  • #3
This reminds me of the XKCD-style plots in matplotlib...maybe you can develop your own python module that takes some regular matplotlib plot or some other set of CAD commands and generates something that looks like it was done by hand or whatever appearance you have in mind...this way, all drawings would be consistent.
 

1. What are old style technical hand-drawings?

Old style technical hand-drawings refer to the traditional method of creating technical illustrations by hand, using tools such as pencils, pens, rulers, and protractors. These drawings are often detailed and precise, and are commonly used in textbooks and ebooks to explain complex concepts or procedures.

2. Why are old style technical hand-drawings still used in textbooks and ebooks?

Although digital tools and software have made it easier to create technical illustrations, old style hand-drawings are still used because they offer a more personal and authentic touch. They also allow for more creativity and can convey a sense of nostalgia or tradition.

3. What are some common techniques used in old style technical hand-drawings?

Some common techniques used in old style technical hand-drawings include isometric projection, perspective drawing, and cross-hatching. These techniques help to create the illusion of depth and dimension in the drawings, making them more visually appealing and easier to understand.

4. Can old style technical hand-drawings be converted to digital format?

Yes, it is possible to convert old style technical hand-drawings to a digital format. This can be done by scanning the drawings and using image editing software to enhance and clean up the images. However, some of the charm and character of the original hand-drawn illustrations may be lost in the process.

5. How can old style technical hand-drawings benefit readers in a textbook or ebook?

Old style technical hand-drawings can benefit readers by providing a visual representation of complex concepts or procedures. They can also help to break up large blocks of text and make the material more engaging and easier to understand. Additionally, the use of old style hand-drawings can add a unique and personal touch to the textbook or ebook.

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