Vector graphics and diagram creation, format conversion (ODG/SVG/PDF) with LibreOffice Draw.

Overview

LibreOffice Draw skill for creating, editing, converting, and automating vector graphics and diagram workflows using the native ODG (OpenDocument Drawing) format.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

Creating vector graphics and diagrams in ODG format
Converting between ODG, SVG, PDF, PNG formats
Automating diagram and flowchart generation
Creating technical drawings and schematics
Batch processing graphics operations

Core Capabilities

1. Graphics Creation

Create new ODG drawings from scratch
Generate diagrams from templates
Create flowcharts and org charts
Design technical drawings

2. Format Conversion

ODG to other formats: SVG, PDF, PNG, JPG
Other formats to ODG: SVG, PDF
Batch conversion of multiple files

3. Diagram Automation

Template-based diagram generation
Automated flowchart creation
Dynamic shape generation
Batch diagram production

4. Graphics Manipulation

Shape creation and manipulation
Path and bezier curve editing
Layer management
Text and label insertion

5. Integration

Command-line automation via soffice
Python scripting with UNO
Integration with workflow tools

Workflows

Creating a New Drawing

Method 1: Command-Line

soffice --draw template.odg

Method 2: Python with UNO

import uno

def create_drawing():
    local_ctx = uno.getComponentContext()
    resolver = local_ctx.ServiceManager.createInstanceWithContext(
        "com.sun.star.bridge.UnoUrlResolver", local_ctx
    )
    ctx = resolver.resolve(
        "uno:socket,host=localhost,port=8100;urp;StarOffice.ComponentContext"
    )
    smgr = ctx.ServiceManager
    doc = smgr.createInstanceWithContext("com.sun.star.drawing.DrawingDocument", ctx)
    page = doc.getDrawPages().getByIndex(0)
    doc.storeToURL("file:///path/to/drawing.odg", ())
    doc.close(True)

Converting Drawings

# ODG to SVG
soffice --headless --convert-to svg drawing.odg

# ODG to PDF
soffice --headless --convert-to pdf drawing.odg

# ODG to PNG
soffice --headless --convert-to png:PNG_drawing drawing.odg

# SVG to ODG
soffice --headless --convert-to odg drawing.svg

# Batch convert
for file in *.odg; do
    soffice --headless --convert-to pdf "$file"
done

Format Conversion Reference

Supported Input Formats

ODG (native), SVG, PDF

Supported Output Formats

ODG, SVG, PDF, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WMF, EMF

Command-Line Reference

soffice --headless
soffice --headless --convert-to <format> <file>
soffice --draw  # Draw

Python Libraries

pip install ezodf     # ODF handling
pip install odfpy     # ODF manipulation
pip install svgwrite  # SVG generation

Best Practices

Use layers for organization
Create templates for recurring diagrams
Use vector formats for scalability
Name objects for easy reference
Store ODG source files in version control
Test conversions thoroughly
Export to SVG for web use

Troubleshooting

Cannot open socket

killall soffice.bin
soffice --headless --accept="socket,host=localhost,port=8100;urp;"

Quality Issues in PNG Export

soffice --headless --convert-to png:PNG_drawing_Export \
  --filterData='{"Width":2048,"Height":2048}' drawing.odg

Resources

Related Skills

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calc
impress
base
workflow-automation

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