Creating electronic charts?

[kaberett]

I've a pattern I'd like to chart up and put online, but I'm balking at the idea of using a spreadsheet package to chart. I could use graph paper and scan, but that would be a bit grimy, probably; if you use charting software, can you tell me what your favourites are?

And relatedly, question two: when making charts, should the aspect ratio of the boxes be the same as the aspect ratio of the stitches, or not?

Thanks! :-)