Create professional research posters in LaTeX using beamerposter, tikzposter, or baposter. Support for conference presentations, academic posters, and scientific communication. Includes layout design, color schemes, multi-column formats, figure integration, and poster-specific
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Create professional research posters in LaTeX using beamerposter, tikzposter, or baposter. Support for conference presentations, academic posters, and scientific communication. Includes layout design, color schemes, multi-column formats, figure integration, and poster-specific
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LanguagePython
LicenseMIT
📦 Ships with scientific-agent-skills
</> SKILL.md
latex-posters.SKILL.md
---name: latex-posters
description: "Create professional research posters in LaTeX using beamerposter, tikzposter, or baposter. Support for conference presentations, academic posters, and scientific communication. Includes layout design, color schemes, multi-column formats, figure integration, and poster-specific best practices for visual communication."
allowed-tools: Read Write Edit Bash
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metadata: {"version": "1.2", "openclaw": {"primaryEnv": "OPENROUTER_API_KEY", "envVars": [{"name": "OPENROUTER_API_KEY", "required": false, "description": "OpenRouter API key for the skill's LLM-powered steps."}]}}
---# LaTeX Research Posters
## Overview
Research posters are a critical medium for scientific communication at conferences, symposia, and academic events. This skill provides comprehensive guidance for creating professional, visually appealing research posters using LaTeX packages. Generate publication-quality posters with proper layout, typography, color schemes, and visual hierarchy.
## When to Use This Skill
This skill should be used when:
- Creating research posters for conferences, symposia, or poster sessions
- Designing academic posters for university events or thesis defenses
- Preparing visual summaries of research for public engagement
- Converting scientific papers into poster format
\includegraphics[width=0.85\linewidth]{figure.png} % NOT 1.0\linewidth
```
**4. Check for Overflow Before Printing:**
```bash
# Compile and check PDF at 100% zoom
pdflatex poster.tex
# Look for:
# - Text cut off at any edge
# - Content touching page boundaries
# - Overfull hbox warnings in .log file
grep -i "overfull" poster.log
```
**5. Word Count Limits:**
- **A0 poster**: 300-800 words MAXIMUM
- **Per section**: 50-100 words maximum
- **If you have more content**: Cut it or make a handout
---
### CRITICAL: Poster-Size Font Requirements
**⚠️ ALL text within AI-generated visualizations MUST be poster-readable.**
When generating graphics for posters, you MUST include font size specifications in EVERY prompt. Poster graphics are viewed from 4-6 feet away, so text must be LARGE.
**⚠️ COMMON PROBLEM: Content Overflow and Density**
The #1 issue with AI-generated poster graphics is **TOO MUCH CONTENT**. This causes:
- Text overflow beyond boundaries
- Unreadable small fonts
- Cluttered, overwhelming visuals
- Poor white space usage
**SOLUTION: Generate SIMPLE graphics with MINIMAL content.**
**MANDATORY prompt requirements for EVERY poster graphic:**
```
POSTER FORMAT REQUIREMENTS (STRICTLY ENFORCE):
- ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM 3-4 elements per graphic (3 is ideal)
- ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM 10 words total in the entire graphic
- NO complex workflows with 5+ steps (split into 2-3 simple graphics instead)
- NO multi-level nested diagrams (flatten to single level)
- NO case studies with multiple sub-sections (one key point per case)
- ALL text GIANT BOLD (80pt+ for labels, 120pt+ for key numbers)
- High contrast ONLY (dark on white OR white on dark, NO gradients with text)
- MANDATORY 50% white space minimum (half the graphic should be empty)
- Thick lines only (5px+ minimum), large icons (200px+ minimum)
- ONE SINGLE MESSAGE per graphic (not 3 related messages)
```
**⚠️ BEFORE GENERATING: Review your prompt and count elements**
- If your description has 5+ items → STOP. Split into multiple graphics
- If your workflow has 5+ stages → STOP. Show only 3-4 high-level steps
- If your comparison has 4+ methods → STOP. Show only top 3 or Our vs Best Baseline
**Content limits per graphic type (STRICT):**
| Graphic Type | Max Elements | Max Words | Reject If | Good Example |
**Example - WRONG (7-stage workflow - TOO COMPLEX):**
```bash
# ❌ BAD - This creates tiny unreadable text like the drug discovery poster
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Drug discovery workflow showing: Stage 1 Target Identification, Stage 2 Molecular Synthesis, Stage 3 Virtual Screening, Stage 4 AI Lead Optimization, Stage 5 Clinical Trial Design, Stage 6 FDA Approval. Include success metrics, timelines, and validation steps for each stage." -o figures/workflow.png
# Result: 7+ stages with tiny text, unreadable from 6 feet - POSTER FAILURE
```
**Example - CORRECT (simplified to 3 key stages):**
```bash
# ✅ GOOD - Same content, split into ONE simple high-level graphic
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ULTRA-SIMPLE 3-box workflow: 'DISCOVER' → 'VALIDATE' → 'APPROVE'. Each word in GIANT bold (120pt+). Thick arrows (10px). 60% white space. NO substeps, NO details. 3 words total. Readable from 10 feet." -o figures/workflow_overview.png
# Result: Clean, impactful, readable - can add detail graphics separately if needed
```
**Example - WRONG (complex case studies with multiple sections):**
```bash
# ❌ BAD - Creates cramped unreadable sections
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Case studies: Insilico Medicine (drug candidate, discovery time, clinical trials), Recursion Pharma (platform, methodology, results), Exscientia (drug candidates, FDA status, timeline). Include company logos, metrics, and outcomes." -o figures/cases.png
# Result: 3 case studies with 4+ elements each = 12+ total elements, tiny text
```
**Example - CORRECT (one case study, one key metric):**
```bash
# ✅ GOOD - Show ONE case with ONE key number
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONE case study card: Company logo (large), '18 MONTHS' in GIANT text (150pt), 'to discovery' below (60pt). 3 elements total: logo + number + caption. 50% white space. Readable from 10 feet." -o figures/case_single.png
# Result: Clear, readable, impactful. Make 3 separate graphics if you need 3 cases.
```
**Example - WRONG (key findings too complex):**
```bash
# BAD - too many items, too much detail
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Key findings showing 8 metrics: accuracy 95%, precision 92%, recall 94%, F1 0.93, AUC 0.97, training time 2.3 hours, inference 50ms, model size 145MB with comparison to 5 baseline methods" -o figures/findings.png
# Result: Cramped graphic with tiny numbers
```
**Example - CORRECT (key findings simple):**
```bash
# GOOD - only 3 key items, giant numbers
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. KEY FINDINGS with ONLY 3 large cards. Card 1: '95%' in GIANT text (120pt) with 'ACCURACY' below (48pt). Card 2: '2X' in GIANT text with 'FASTER' below. Card 3: checkmark icon with 'VALIDATED' in large text. 50% white space. High contrast colors. NO other text or details." -o figures/findings.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. Timeline with ONLY 3 points: '2018' + icon, '2021' + icon, '2024' + icon. GIANT years (120pt). Large icons. 60% white space. NO connecting lines or details. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/timeline.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONE case study: Large logo + '18 MONTHS' (150pt bold) + 'to discovery' (60pt). 3 elements total. 60% white space. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/case1.png
# If you need 3 cases → make 3 separate simple graphics (not one complex graphic)
```
**For Stylized Blocks and Graphics (Nano Banana Pro):**
```bash
# Title block - SIMPLE
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. Title block: 'ML FOR DRUG DISCOVERY' in HUGE bold text (120pt+). Dark blue background. ONE subtle icon. NO other text. 40% white space. Readable from 15 feet." -o figures/title_block.png
# Introduction visual - SIMPLE, 3 elements only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE problem visual with ONLY 3 icons: drug icon, arrow, target icon. ONE label per icon (80pt+). 50% white space. NO detailed text. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/intro_visual.png
# Conclusion/summary - ONLY 3 items, GIANT numbers
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. KEY FINDINGS with EXACTLY 3 cards only. Card 1: '95%' (150pt font) with 'ACCURACY' (60pt). Card 2: '2X' (150pt) with 'FASTER' (60pt). Card 3: checkmark icon with 'READY' (60pt). 50% white space. NO other text. Readable from 10 feet." -o figures/conclusions_graphic.png
# Background visual - SIMPLE, 3 icons only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE visual with ONLY 3 large icons in a row: problem icon → challenge icon → impact icon. ONE word label each (80pt+). 50% white space. NO detailed text. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/background_visual.png
```
**For Data Visualizations - SIMPLE, 3 bars max:**
```bash
# SIMPLE chart with ONLY 3 bars, GIANT labels
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE bar chart with ONLY 3 bars: BASELINE (70%), EXISTING (85%), OURS (95%). GIANT percentage labels ON the bars (100pt+). NO axis labels, NO legend, NO gridlines. Our bar highlighted in different color. 40% white space. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/comparison_chart.png
# - Workflow: 7 stages → ❌ TOO MANY → Reduce to 3 mega-stages ✅
# - 3 case studies → ❌ TOO MANY → One case per graphic (make 3 graphics) ✅
# - Timeline 2018-2024 → ❌ TOO DETAILED → Only 3 key years ✅
# STEP 1: Create figures directory
mkdir -p figures
# STEP 2: Generate ULTRA-SIMPLE graphics with strict limits
# Workflow - HIGH-LEVEL ONLY (collapsed from 7 stages to 3)
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ULTRA-SIMPLE 3-box workflow: 'DISCOVER' → 'VALIDATE' → 'APPROVE'. Each word 120pt+ bold. Thick arrows (10px). 60% white space. ONLY 3 words total. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/workflow.png
# Case study 1 - ONE case, ONE metric (will make 3 separate graphics)
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONE case: Company logo + '18 MONTHS' (150pt bold) + 'to drug discovery' (60pt). 3 elements only. 60% white space. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/case1.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONE case: Company logo + '95% SUCCESS' (150pt bold) + 'in trials' (60pt). 3 elements only. 60% white space." -o figures/case2.png
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONE case: Company logo + 'FDA APPROVED' (150pt bold) + '2024' (60pt). 3 elements only. 60% white space." -o figures/case3.png
# Timeline - ONLY 3 key years (not 7 years)
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. ONLY 3 years: '2018' (150pt) + icon, '2021' (150pt) + icon, '2024' (150pt) + icon. Large icons. 60% white space. NO lines or details. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/timeline.png
# Results - ONLY 2 bars (our method vs best baseline, not 5 methods)
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. TWO bars only: 'BASELINE 70%' and 'OURS 95%' (highlighted). GIANT percentages (150pt) ON bars. NO axis, NO legend. 60% white space. Readable from 12 feet." -o figures/results.png
# STEP 2b: Post-Generation Review (MANDATORY)
# Open each figure at 25% zoom:
# ✅ workflow.png: 3 elements, text readable, 60% white - PASS
| **Introduction** | 3 icons | 6 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: ULTRA-SIMPLE 3 icons: [icon1] [icon2] [icon3]. ONE WORD labels (100pt bold). 60% white space. 3 words total." |
| **Methods** | 3 boxes | 6 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: ULTRA-SIMPLE 3-box workflow: 'STEP1' → 'STEP2' → 'STEP3'. GIANT labels (120pt+). 60% white space. 3 words only." |
| **Results** | 2-3 bars | 6 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: TWO bars: 'BASELINE 70%' 'OURS 95%'. GIANT percentages (150pt+) ON bars. NO axis. 60% white space." |
| **Conclusions** | 3 cards | 9 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: THREE cards: '95%' (150pt) 'ACCURATE', '2X' (150pt) 'FASTER', checkmark 'READY'. 60% white space." |
| **Case Study** | 3 elements | 5 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: ONE case: logo + '18 MONTHS' (150pt) + 'to discovery' (60pt). 60% white space." |
| **Timeline** | 3 points | 3 words | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: THREE years only: '2018' '2021' '2024' (150pt each). Large icons. 60% white space. NO details." |
**MANDATORY prompt elements (ALL required, NO exceptions):**
1. **"POSTER FORMAT for A0"** - MUST be first
2. **"ULTRA-SIMPLE"** or **"ONLY X elements"** - content limit
3. **"GIANT (120pt+)"** or specific font sizes - readability
4. **"60% white space"** - mandatory breathing room
5. **"readable from 10-12 feet"** - viewing distance
6. **Exact count** of words/elements - "3 words total" or "ONLY 3 icons"
**PATTERNS THAT ALWAYS FAIL (REJECT IMMEDIATELY):**
- ❌ "7-stage drug discovery workflow" → Split to "3 mega-stages"
- ❌ "Timeline from 2015-2024 with annual updates" → "ONLY 3 key years"
- ❌ "3 case studies with details" → Make 3 separate simple graphics
- ❌ "Comparison of 5 methods with metrics" → "ONLY 2: ours vs best"
For detailed guidance on creating schematics, refer to the **scientific-schematics** skill documentation.
**Key capabilities:**
- Nano Banana Pro automatically generates, reviews, and refines diagrams
- Creates publication-quality images with proper formatting
- Ensures accessibility (colorblind-friendly, high contrast)
- Supports iterative refinement for complex diagrams
---
## Core Capabilities
### 1. LaTeX Poster Packages
Support for three major LaTeX poster packages, each with distinct advantages. For detailed comparison and package-specific guidance, refer to `references/latex_poster_packages.md`.
**beamerposter**:
- Extension of the Beamer presentation class
- Familiar syntax for Beamer users
- Excellent theme support and customization
- Best for: Traditional academic posters, institutional branding
**tikzposter**:
- Modern, flexible design with TikZ integration
- Built-in color themes and layout templates
- Extensive customization through TikZ commands
- Best for: Colorful, modern designs, custom graphics
**baposter**:
- Box-based layout system
- Automatic spacing and positioning
- Professional-looking default styles
- Best for: Multi-column layouts, consistent spacing
### 2. Poster Layout and Structure
Create effective poster layouts following visual communication principles. For comprehensive layout guidance, refer to `references/poster_layout_design.md`.
- Draft concise text for each section (bullet points preferred)
- Aim for 300-800 words total
3. **Choose LaTeX package**:
- beamerposter: If familiar with Beamer, need institutional themes
- tikzposter: For modern, colorful designs with flexibility
- baposter: For structured, professional multi-column layouts
### Stage 2: Generate Visual Elements (AI-Powered)
**CRITICAL: Generate SIMPLE figures with MINIMAL content. Each graphic = ONE message.**
**Content limits:**
- Maximum 4-5 elements per graphic
- Maximum 15 words total per graphic
- 50% white space minimum
- GIANT fonts (80pt+ for labels, 120pt+ for key numbers)
1. **Create figures directory**:
```bash
mkdir -p figures
```
2. **Generate SIMPLE visual elements**:
```bash
# Introduction - ONLY 3 icons/elements
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE visual with ONLY 3 elements: [icon1] [icon2] [icon3]. ONE word labels (80pt+). 50% white space. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/intro.png
# Methods - ONLY 4 steps maximum
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: STEP1 → STEP2 → STEP3 → STEP4. GIANT labels (100pt+). 50% white space. NO sub-steps." -o figures/methods.png
# Results - ONLY 3 bars/comparisons
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE chart with ONLY 3 bars. GIANT percentages ON bars (120pt+). NO axis, NO legend. 50% white space." -o figures/results.png
# Conclusions - EXACTLY 3 items with GIANT numbers
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. EXACTLY 3 key findings: '[NUMBER]' (150pt) '[LABEL]' (60pt) for each. 50% white space. NO other text." -o figures/conclusions.png
```
3. **Review generated figures - check for overflow:**
- **View at 25% zoom**: All text still readable?
- **Count elements**: More than 5? → Regenerate simpler
- **Check white space**: Less than 40%? → Add "60% white space" to prompt
- **Font too small?**: Add "EVEN LARGER" or increase pt sizes
- **Still overflowing?**: Reduce to 3 elements instead of 4-5
