title: Improving graphviz layout
body: <p>I have perfection paralysis when it comes to producing something graphic. If symmetries of the visual have not been fully explored, I have a harder time comprehending what is going on. I am a very visual learner as well, and I LOVE to simplify things that I just learned and draw them on paper.</p>
  
  <p>Graphviz is a nice tool to draw thing automatically, but it could be better. Let's start with an example of a good graph )a state machine rather). Never mind the quality (it can be redrawn with a better tool) this one is almost perfect, except that I would turn it counter-clockwise 45 degrees to make the symmetry apparent. It should then take the reader less time to figure out how the states q1 and q2 are similar and how where they differ. I argue that there is a single best way to represent that diagram, given that there are no other pieces of graphic next to it.</p>
  
  <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/nWFbv.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/nWFbv.gif" alt="http://gallery.hd.org/_exhibits/maths/math-finite-state-machine-DHD.gif"></a><br>
  <sub>(source: <a href="http://gallery.hd.org/_exhibits/maths/math-finite-state-machine-DHD.gif" rel="nofollow noreferrer">gallery.hd.org</a>)</sub>  </p>
  
  <p>Now let's look at a less than perfect depiction:</p>
  
  <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Lm557.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/Lm557.png" alt="http://linux.softpedia.com/screenshots/Graphviz_1.png"></a><br>
  <sub>(source: <a href="http://linux.softpedia.com/screenshots/Graphviz_1.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer">softpedia.com</a>)</sub>  </p>
  
  <p>This looks like something a graphviz would generate. Yes, the edges are smooth but GAAAAWWWD this is unnecessary confusing! It looks like a mind map, not a finished diagram ready for consumption. I believe that human eyes CRAVE (no less) symmetry. Yes, hierarchy, etc. are also important factors.</p>
  
  <p>I am surprised that there aren't better algorithms available. Some people are not visual learners at all; they can grasp abstract concepts by reading symbols. Not me!</p>
  
  <p>So, what is my question? Well, is there better free software available for drawing small-to-medium graphs? Perhaps </p>
  
  <p>Thank you!</p>
  
  <p>Let me know how I can improve this post.</p>
  
  <p>P.S. I took 10 minutes to draw out a similar enough clone in dia. It is still not perfect, but it was convenient to make because everything snaps to grid (and I missed a few little details but do not feel like re-uploading). The LR_0 needs a "Start--->" coming from above to let the user grasp the starting state sooner.</p>
  
  <p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/mEiIy.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/mEiIy.png" alt="Finate State Machine"></a>
  </p>