Metapict – TikZ like figures using Racket
The tool `peek` show files in color in the terminal. A wide range of popular programming language and file types are supported. Today I added support for binary files inspired by the HN post on colors in hex editors. Each supported programming language is backed by its own (reusable) lexer. The lexer provides a stream of tokens to the colorer. Using streams means that you will see the top of large files at once. The idea to make `peek` came from a need to look at CSS files in the terminal. I wanted color swatches and other niceties from the browser. Also, I wanted an option to fix alignment…
Metapict – TikZ like figures using Racket launched on January 17, 2023 with 71 votes, #842 of 3,901 launches that month and more than 90% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 3 years on.
In plain words
Metapict is a Racket library for creating TikZ-like figures programmatically. It allows users to generate vector graphics and diagrams by writing code rather than using graphical tools. The software targets Racket developers and programmers who need to produce technical illustrations, mathematical diagrams, or structured graphics as part of their workflow. It bridges the gap between Racket's computational capabilities and visual output generation.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
The tool `peek` show files in color in the terminal. A wide range of popular programming language and file types are supported. Today I added support for binary files inspired by the HN post on colors in hex editors. Each supported programming language is backed by its own (reusable) lexer. The lexer provides a…
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