418 lines
11 KiB
Markdown
418 lines
11 KiB
Markdown
# LaTeX Research Poster Generation Skill
|
||
|
||
Create professional, publication-ready research posters for conferences and academic presentations using LaTeX.
|
||
|
||
## Overview
|
||
|
||
This skill provides comprehensive guidance for creating research posters with three major LaTeX packages:
|
||
- **beamerposter**: Traditional academic posters, familiar Beamer syntax
|
||
- **tikzposter**: Modern, colorful designs with TikZ integration
|
||
- **baposter**: Structured multi-column layouts with automatic positioning
|
||
|
||
## Quick Start
|
||
|
||
### 1. Choose a Template
|
||
|
||
Browse templates in `assets/`:
|
||
- `beamerposter_template.tex` - Classic academic style
|
||
- `tikzposter_template.tex` - Modern, colorful design
|
||
- `baposter_template.tex` - Structured multi-column layout
|
||
|
||
### 2. Customize Content
|
||
|
||
Edit the template with your research:
|
||
- Title, authors, affiliations
|
||
- Introduction, methods, results, conclusions
|
||
- Replace placeholder figures with your images
|
||
- Update references and acknowledgments
|
||
|
||
### 3. Configure for Full Page
|
||
|
||
Posters should span the entire page with minimal margins:
|
||
|
||
```latex
|
||
% beamerposter - full page setup
|
||
\documentclass[final,t]{beamer}
|
||
\usepackage[size=a0,scale=1.4,orientation=portrait]{beamerposter}
|
||
\setbeamersize{text margin left=5mm, text margin right=5mm}
|
||
\usepackage[margin=10mm]{geometry}
|
||
|
||
% tikzposter - full page setup
|
||
\documentclass[25pt,a0paper,portrait,margin=10mm,innermargin=15mm]{tikzposter}
|
||
|
||
% baposter - full page setup
|
||
\documentclass[a0paper,portrait,fontscale=0.285]{baposter}
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### 4. Compile
|
||
|
||
```bash
|
||
pdflatex poster.tex
|
||
|
||
# Or for better font support:
|
||
lualatex poster.tex
|
||
xelatex poster.tex
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### 5. Review PDF Quality
|
||
|
||
**Essential before printing!**
|
||
|
||
```bash
|
||
# Run automated checks
|
||
./scripts/review_poster.sh poster.pdf
|
||
|
||
# Manual verification (see checklist below)
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
## Key Features
|
||
|
||
### Full Page Coverage
|
||
|
||
All templates configured to maximize content area:
|
||
- Minimal outer margins (5-15mm)
|
||
- Optimal spacing between columns (15-20mm)
|
||
- Proper block padding for readability
|
||
- No wasted white space
|
||
|
||
### PDF Quality Control
|
||
|
||
**Automated Checks** (`review_poster.sh`):
|
||
- Page size verification
|
||
- Font embedding check
|
||
- Image resolution analysis
|
||
- File size optimization
|
||
|
||
**Manual Verification** (`assets/poster_quality_checklist.md`):
|
||
- Visual inspection at 100% zoom
|
||
- Reduced-scale print test (25%)
|
||
- Typography and spacing review
|
||
- Content completeness check
|
||
|
||
### Design Principles
|
||
|
||
All templates follow evidence-based poster design:
|
||
- **Typography**: 72pt+ title, 48-72pt headers, 24-36pt body text
|
||
- **Color**: High contrast (≥4.5:1), color-blind friendly palettes
|
||
- **Layout**: Clear visual hierarchy, logical flow
|
||
- **Content**: 300-800 words maximum, 40-50% visual content
|
||
|
||
## Common Poster Sizes
|
||
|
||
Templates support all standard sizes:
|
||
|
||
| Size | Dimensions | Configuration |
|
||
|------|------------|---------------|
|
||
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | `size=a0` or `a0paper` |
|
||
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | `size=a1` or `a1paper` |
|
||
| 36×48" | 914 × 1219 mm | Custom page size |
|
||
| 42×56" | 1067 × 1422 mm | Custom page size |
|
||
|
||
## Documentation
|
||
|
||
### Reference Guides
|
||
|
||
**Comprehensive Documentation** (in `references/`):
|
||
|
||
1. **`latex_poster_packages.md`** (746 lines)
|
||
- Detailed comparison of beamerposter, tikzposter, baposter
|
||
- Package-specific syntax and examples
|
||
- Strengths, limitations, best use cases
|
||
- Theme and color customization
|
||
- Compilation tips and troubleshooting
|
||
|
||
2. **`poster_design_principles.md`** (807 lines)
|
||
- Visual hierarchy and white space
|
||
- Typography: font selection, sizing, readability
|
||
- Color theory: schemes, contrast, accessibility
|
||
- Color-blind friendly palettes
|
||
- Icons, graphics, and visual elements
|
||
- Common design mistakes to avoid
|
||
|
||
3. **`poster_layout_design.md`** (650+ lines)
|
||
- Grid systems (2, 3, 4-column layouts)
|
||
- Visual flow and reading patterns
|
||
- Spatial organization strategies
|
||
- White space management
|
||
- Block and box design
|
||
- Layout patterns by research type
|
||
|
||
4. **`poster_content_guide.md`** (900+ lines)
|
||
- Content strategy (3-5 minute rule)
|
||
- Word budgets by section
|
||
- Visual-to-text ratio (40-50% visual)
|
||
- Section-specific writing guidance
|
||
- Figure integration and captions
|
||
- From paper to poster adaptation
|
||
|
||
### Tools and Assets
|
||
|
||
**Scripts** (in `scripts/`):
|
||
- `review_poster.sh`: Automated PDF quality check
|
||
- Page size verification
|
||
- Font embedding check
|
||
- Image resolution analysis
|
||
- File size assessment
|
||
|
||
**Checklists** (in `assets/`):
|
||
- `poster_quality_checklist.md`: Comprehensive pre-printing checklist
|
||
- Pre-compilation checks
|
||
- PDF quality verification
|
||
- Visual inspection items
|
||
- Accessibility checks
|
||
- Peer review guidelines
|
||
- Final printing checklist
|
||
|
||
**Templates** (in `assets/`):
|
||
- `beamerposter_template.tex`: Full working template
|
||
- `tikzposter_template.tex`: Full working template
|
||
- `baposter_template.tex`: Full working template
|
||
|
||
## Workflow
|
||
|
||
### Recommended Poster Creation Process
|
||
|
||
**1. Planning** (before LaTeX)
|
||
- Determine conference requirements (size, orientation)
|
||
- Identify 3-5 key results to highlight
|
||
- Create figures (300+ DPI)
|
||
- Draft 300-800 word content outline
|
||
|
||
**2. Template Selection**
|
||
- Choose package based on needs:
|
||
- **beamerposter**: Traditional conferences, institutional branding
|
||
- **tikzposter**: Modern conferences, creative fields
|
||
- **baposter**: Multi-section posters, structured layouts
|
||
|
||
**3. Content Integration**
|
||
- Copy template and customize
|
||
- Replace placeholder text
|
||
- Add figures and ensure high resolution
|
||
- Configure colors to match branding
|
||
|
||
**4. Compilation & Review**
|
||
- Compile to PDF
|
||
- Run `review_poster.sh` for automated checks
|
||
- Review visually at 100% zoom
|
||
- Check against `poster_quality_checklist.md`
|
||
|
||
**5. Test Print**
|
||
- **Critical step!** Print at 25% scale
|
||
- A0 → A4 paper, 36×48" → Letter paper
|
||
- View from 2-3 feet (simulates 8-12 feet for full poster)
|
||
- Verify readability and colors
|
||
|
||
**6. Revisions**
|
||
- Fix any issues identified
|
||
- Proofread carefully (errors are magnified!)
|
||
- Get colleague feedback
|
||
- Final compilation
|
||
|
||
**7. Printing**
|
||
- Verify page size: `pdfinfo poster.pdf`
|
||
- Check fonts embedded: `pdffonts poster.pdf`
|
||
- Send to professional printer 2-3 days before deadline
|
||
- Keep backup copy
|
||
|
||
## Troubleshooting
|
||
|
||
### Large White Margins
|
||
|
||
**Problem**: Excessive white space around poster edges
|
||
|
||
**Solution**:
|
||
```latex
|
||
% beamerposter
|
||
\setbeamersize{text margin left=5mm, text margin right=5mm}
|
||
\usepackage[margin=10mm]{geometry}
|
||
|
||
% tikzposter
|
||
\documentclass[..., margin=5mm, innermargin=10mm]{tikzposter}
|
||
|
||
% baposter
|
||
\documentclass[a0paper, margin=5mm]{baposter}
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### Content Cut Off
|
||
|
||
**Problem**: Text or figures extending beyond page
|
||
|
||
**Solution**:
|
||
- Check total width: columns + spacing + margins = pagewidth
|
||
- Reduce column widths or spacing
|
||
- Debug with visible page boundary:
|
||
```latex
|
||
\usepackage{eso-pic}
|
||
\AddToShipoutPictureBG{
|
||
\AtPageLowerLeft{
|
||
\put(0,0){\framebox(\LenToUnit{\paperwidth},\LenToUnit{\paperheight}){}}
|
||
}
|
||
}
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### Blurry Images
|
||
|
||
**Problem**: Pixelated or low-quality figures
|
||
|
||
**Solution**:
|
||
- Use vector graphics (PDF, SVG) when possible
|
||
- Raster images: minimum 300 DPI at final print size
|
||
- For A0 width (33.1"): 300 DPI = 9930 pixels minimum
|
||
- Check with: `pdfimages -list poster.pdf`
|
||
|
||
### Fonts Not Embedded
|
||
|
||
**Problem**: Printer rejects PDF due to missing fonts
|
||
|
||
**Solution**:
|
||
```bash
|
||
# Recompile with embedded fonts
|
||
pdflatex -dEmbedAllFonts=true poster.tex
|
||
|
||
# Verify embedding
|
||
pdffonts poster.pdf
|
||
# All fonts should show "yes" in "emb" column
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### File Too Large
|
||
|
||
**Problem**: PDF exceeds email size limit (>50MB)
|
||
|
||
**Solution**:
|
||
```bash
|
||
# Compress for digital sharing
|
||
gs -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -dCompatibilityLevel=1.4 \
|
||
-dPDFSETTINGS=/printer -dNOPAUSE -dQUIET -dBATCH \
|
||
-sOutputFile=poster_compressed.pdf poster.pdf
|
||
|
||
# Keep original uncompressed version for printing
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
|
||
|
||
### Content
|
||
- ❌ Too much text (>1000 words)
|
||
- ❌ Font sizes too small (<24pt body text)
|
||
- ❌ No clear main message
|
||
- ✅ 300-800 words, 30pt+ body text, 1-3 key findings
|
||
|
||
### Design
|
||
- ❌ Poor color contrast (<4.5:1)
|
||
- ❌ Red-green color combinations (color-blind issue)
|
||
- ❌ Cluttered layout with no white space
|
||
- ✅ High contrast, accessible colors, generous spacing
|
||
|
||
### Technical
|
||
- ❌ Wrong poster dimensions
|
||
- ❌ Low resolution images (<300 DPI)
|
||
- ❌ Fonts not embedded
|
||
- ✅ Verify specs, high-res images, embedded fonts
|
||
|
||
## Package Comparison
|
||
|
||
Quick reference for choosing the right package:
|
||
|
||
| Feature | beamerposter | tikzposter | baposter |
|
||
|---------|--------------|------------|----------|
|
||
| **Learning Curve** | Easy (Beamer users) | Moderate | Moderate |
|
||
| **Aesthetics** | Traditional | Modern | Professional |
|
||
| **Customization** | Moderate | High (TikZ) | Structured |
|
||
| **Compilation Speed** | Fast | Slower | Fast-Medium |
|
||
| **Best For** | Academic conferences | Creative designs | Multi-column layouts |
|
||
|
||
**Recommendation**:
|
||
- First-time poster makers: **beamerposter** (familiar, simple)
|
||
- Modern conferences: **tikzposter** (beautiful, flexible)
|
||
- Complex layouts: **baposter** (automatic positioning)
|
||
|
||
## Example Usage
|
||
|
||
### In Scientific Writer CLI
|
||
|
||
```
|
||
> Create a research poster for NeurIPS conference on transformer attention
|
||
|
||
The assistant will:
|
||
1. Ask about poster size and orientation
|
||
2. Generate complete LaTeX poster with your content
|
||
3. Configure for full page coverage
|
||
4. Provide compilation instructions
|
||
5. Run quality checks on generated PDF
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
### Manual Creation
|
||
|
||
```bash
|
||
# 1. Copy template
|
||
cp assets/tikzposter_template.tex my_poster.tex
|
||
|
||
# 2. Edit content
|
||
vim my_poster.tex
|
||
|
||
# 3. Compile
|
||
pdflatex my_poster.tex
|
||
|
||
# 4. Review
|
||
./scripts/review_poster.sh my_poster.pdf
|
||
|
||
# 5. Test print at 25% scale
|
||
# (A0 on A4 paper)
|
||
|
||
# 6. Final printing
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
## Tips for Success
|
||
|
||
### Content Strategy
|
||
1. **One main message**: What's the one thing viewers should remember?
|
||
2. **3-5 key figures**: Visual content dominates
|
||
3. **300-800 words**: Less is more
|
||
4. **Bullet points**: More scannable than paragraphs
|
||
|
||
### Design Strategy
|
||
1. **High contrast**: Dark on light or light on dark
|
||
2. **Large fonts**: 30pt+ body text for readability from distance
|
||
3. **White space**: 30-40% of poster should be empty
|
||
4. **Visual hierarchy**: Vary sizes significantly (title 3× body text)
|
||
|
||
### Technical Strategy
|
||
1. **Test early**: Print at 25% scale before final printing
|
||
2. **Vector graphics**: Use PDF/SVG when possible
|
||
3. **Verify specs**: Check page size, fonts, resolution
|
||
4. **Get feedback**: Ask colleague to review before printing
|
||
|
||
## Additional Resources
|
||
|
||
### Online Tools
|
||
- **Color contrast checker**: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/
|
||
- **Color blindness simulator**: https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
|
||
- **Color palette generator**: https://coolors.co/
|
||
|
||
### LaTeX Packages
|
||
- `beamerposter`: Extends Beamer for poster-sized documents
|
||
- `tikzposter`: Modern poster creation with TikZ
|
||
- `baposter`: Box-based automatic poster layout
|
||
- `qrcode`: Generate QR codes in LaTeX
|
||
- `graphicx`: Include images
|
||
- `tcolorbox`: Colored boxes and frames
|
||
|
||
### Further Reading
|
||
- All reference documents in `references/` directory
|
||
- Quality checklist in `assets/poster_quality_checklist.md`
|
||
- Package comparison in `references/latex_poster_packages.md`
|
||
|
||
## Support
|
||
|
||
For issues or questions:
|
||
- Review reference documentation in `references/`
|
||
- Check troubleshooting section above
|
||
- Run automated review: `./scripts/review_poster.sh`
|
||
- Use quality checklist: `assets/poster_quality_checklist.md`
|
||
|
||
## Version
|
||
|
||
LaTeX Poster Skill v1.0
|
||
Compatible with: beamerposter, tikzposter, baposter
|
||
Last updated: January 2025
|
||
|