helpers: Skill for Claude Code

Goal

• Convert images or textual descriptions into publication-quality TikZ LaTeX code
• Generate a compilable LaTeX file, render it to PNG, and iteratively refine the output to match the input precisely

When to Use

• Use this skill when you need to:
  • Create publication-quality diagrams, plots, or visualizations
  • Convert hand-drawn sketches or existing images into reproducible TikZ code
  • Generate diagrams for inclusion in LaTeX documents

When NOT to Use

• Do not use this skill for:
  • Complex photographs requiring photorealistic rendering
  • Plots from large datasets (use dedicated plotting libraries instead)
  • Diagrams requiring advanced 3D visualization

Workflow

Receive and Understand the Input

• You receive either:
  1. An image of a diagram
  2. A textual description of a concept or situation

Choose Figure Type

• Pick the diagram structure that fits the input:
  • FLOWCHART: sequential steps, decision branches, pipelines
  • STRUCTURAL: containment (things inside other things), architecture
  • ILLUSTRATIVE: plots, physical cross-sections, or abstract spatial metaphors

Generate TikZ Code

• Generate valid LaTeX code using the TikZ package. Wrap the code in a complete minimal working example:

  \documentclass{standalone}
  \usepackage{tikz}
  \begin{document}
  \begin{tikzpicture}
  ...
  \end{tikzpicture}
  \end{document}
  

Preserve layout accurately

• If converting from an image <IMAGE>, reproduce the layout precisely
• Preserve proportions, relative positions, and symmetry
• Use coordinates and scaling where appropriate
• Approximate complex curves with TikZ paths when needed

Follow the TikZ conventions

• Generate the diagram using the conventions from .claude/skills/tikz.rules.md
• Key sections to follow: Colors, Typography, Layout, Reusable Patterns, Polish

Handle ambiguity

• Make reasonable assumptions about unclear inputs
• Prioritize clarity and visual correctness over perfection