figure.create_tikz

Goal

• Convert images or text descriptions into publication-quality TikZ LaTeX code
• Generate a compilable LaTeX file, render it to PNG, and refine the output until it matches the input

When to Use

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

When NOT to Use

• Do not use this skill for:
  • Complex photographs needing photorealistic rendering
  • Plots from large datasets (use dedicated plotting libraries)
  • Advanced 3D visualizations

Workflow

Receive and Understand the Input

• You receive either:
  1. An image of a diagram
  2. A text 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 with the TikZ package, as 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

• Follow .claude/skills/tikz.rules.md, especially Colors, Typography, Layout, Reusable Patterns, and Polish

Handle ambiguity

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

Save the File

• Save the LaTeX code to ./tikz_figure.tex in the current directory (not in .claude/). Output only valid TikZ code, with no markdown formatting or explanations
• Add this comment at the top of the file, saying how it was generated:

  % Generated by `.claude/skills/figure.create_tikz/SKILL.md`