Libploticus is not a function or mathematical plotting package like gnuplot, nor would it be a good choice for applications where mathematical formulas or scientific notations are to be rendered as an integral part of the data display. libploticus is also not intended as a "marketing" graphics package. its goal is to display data crisply without extra decoration and distracting "dingbats" that cloud the picture.

libploticus supports a wide range of output options, including jpeg (joint photographics experts group format), png (portable network graphics format), svg (simple vector graphics), bmp (microsoft bitmap), ps (postscript), swf (flash), and x11.