Welcome to protograf’s documentation!

Protograf is a Python-based utility designed for creating simple, regular graphical outputs, particularly for prototyping elements used in board games such as cards, counters, tiles, and boards. It generates these outputs via user-written scripts and supports exporting designs in PDF, PNG, GIF, and SVG formats. The tool is intended to facilitate the design of game components that involve repetitive or structured elements, combining both graphics and text, and is suitable for board game designers and hobbyists seeking to produce prototypes or custom components.

Key features of protograf include support for core and customized shapes, text handling, and geometric manipulation. Users can script the creation of elements like rectangles, hexagons, circles, and compound shapes, as well as manage properties such as color, units, and stroke. The scripting system allows for defining layouts, sequences, tracks, grids—including specialized hexagonal and HexHex grids—and repetitive design patterns. The tool also provides commands for assembling decks of cards, assigning properties to decks and cards, and managing countersheets. Integration of images, symbols, and fonts is supported for enhanced customization, and users can embed images or symbols within text on cards.

Advanced capabilities include compound object creation (such as cubes, dice, dominoes, and polyominoes), the use of functions and loops within scripts, and handling of calculations and changeable values. The documentation references worked examples for a variety of board game types, including abstract and commercial games, and demonstrates use cases like generating standard playing cards, wargame counters, and play money. Protograf also accommodates the use of additional fonts and provides terminology and conceptual guidance for new users.

The utility is delivered as a Python program, requiring installation of Python and setup via the command line. While the documentation covers installation steps and basic usage, it does not specify pricing or licensing terms. Protograf is positioned as a script-driven design tool for structured, repeatable graphical outputs, with a focus on board game prototyping.