# Can xdot (language) be used as input to dot (program)?

**URL:** <https://forum.graphviz.org/t/can-xdot-language-be-used-as-input-to-dot-program/1975>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [January 16, 2024, 4:12pm UTC](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/can-xdot-language-be-used-as-input-to-dot-program/1975 "2024-01-16T16:12:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![steveroush](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9adbd/32.png) [@steveroush](https://forum.graphviz.org/u/steveroush)\
**Post date:** [January 16, 2024, 9:38pm UTC](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/can-xdot-language-be-used-as-input-to-dot-program/1975/2 "2024-01-16T21:38:29Z")

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I am 95% sure that you can’t use the **xdot** attributes to fully drive **Graphviz** output. (see below about the other 5%)  
However, you can make many changes using the **dot** language, either stand-alone (no layout engine) or using pre- or post-processing. - see the FAQ ([FAQ | Graphviz](https://www.graphviz.org/faq/#FaqDotWithCoords)).

Here are some examples:

- [A radial Graphviz engine (pre-processor)](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/a-radial-graphviz-engine-pre-processor/1271)
- [Fun with Edge Labels!](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/fun-with-edge-labels/1643)
- [Stupid Dot tricks](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/stupid-dot-tricks/31)
- [Ortho edges and ports - a partial work-around](https://forum.graphviz.org/t/ortho-edges-and-ports-a-partial-work-around/1937)

p.s. The 5% - it seems that you can make some changes to the Root graph via the **_draw_** attribute, but not to any other objects (maybe). Huh!

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