The burning question:
"I am trying to plot section of residues in electron density. I am able to get the postscript file. The contrast between the molecule and the electron density is not clear. I would like to change the "setlinewidth" for molecule and density. I am able to change scale,slab etc., but not linewidth. I would like to know if any one played with these parameters. I appreciate any help/hints."
Some answers:
"Usually I use ODLEDIT between O and oplot. It allow you to change the thickness of lines. The program is accecible FTP on rose.bmc.uu.se in /pub/plot."
"if you run ODLEDIT in between O and oplot, you can set the Z-thickening etc. for individual objects (pub/plot)"
"We had a similar problem about two weeks ago. We ended up with the following solution:
In O, we 've set the colour of the electron density to a suitable shade of grey (not to bright). This probably makes things easier for the dithering engine in your postscript printer.
We then we produced an oplot-file, which was converted to postscript. We then edited this postscript file.
The 'Postscript language reference manual' from Adobe systems says that setting 'setlinewidth' to zero produces the finest line the output device can handle. So we looked for the 'setlinewidth' responsible for the electron density drawing, and changed this. This can take a couple of tries We also played around with the according 'setdash' command. Using the same reference manual, we decided to use the command
[1 27] 0 setdash
This gives a dashed line with one strech on and then 27 stretches off (and a 0 offset of the pattern). The result was a plot with much better contrast. Remember that you probably have to change everything twice if you are producing stereo plots.
The use of a postscript previewer can save a considerable part of the rain forest.
There are other things to try. Michael also edited the oplot file, I think to change position and looks of some labels. Do feel free to play around. But I suggest you keep a safety copy, so that you don't have to start all over again."