Figures (Screenshots with Callouts) - Create Externally or Internally?

Hello All,

I use several programs for creating technical documents, including FrameMaker, Word, OpenOffice Writer, and recently Tex/LaTeX. I usually import graphics (png files) by reference and use built-in tools to add callouts to screenshots for figures.

When using LaTeX I create the figures using Scribus or Illustrator, export an EPS file, and either import the EPS figure or create a PDF from the EPS and then import the PDF figure.

This technique works fine and I am now thinking about using this method for all applications instead of importing a graphic by reference and adding callouts with the built-in tools. It is a bit more time consuming, but I like the idea of being able to use the figures in multiple programs over time without having to recreate them within each application.

I am looking for opinions/feedback on the good vs bad points of each method.

Thanks,

Steve