Latex Posters

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
• Creating template posters for research groups or departments
• Designing posters that comply with specific conference size requirements (A0, A1, 36×48", etc.)
• Building posters with complex multi-column layouts
• Integrating figures, tables, equations, and citations in poster format

AI-Powered Visual Element Generation

STANDARD WORKFLOW: Generate ALL major visual elements using AI before creating the LaTeX poster.

This is the recommended approach for creating visually compelling posters:

1. Plan all visual elements needed (title, intro, methods, results, conclusions)
2. Generate each element using scientific-schematics or Nano Banana Pro
3. Assemble generated images in the LaTeX template
4. Add text content around the visuals

Target: 60-70% of poster area should be AI-generated visuals, 30-40% text.

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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.

Required prompt additions for poster graphics:

POSTER FORMAT REQUIREMENTS:
- MAXIMUM 3-5 elements per graphic (NOT 10+)
- MAXIMUM 10-15 words total per graphic
- ALL text must be VERY LARGE and bold (readable from 6 feet away)
- Title text: minimum 72pt equivalent, bold
- Key metrics/numbers: minimum 60pt equivalent, bold  
- Labels and captions: minimum 36pt equivalent
- Use high contrast (dark text on light background or vice versa)
- GENEROUS white space (40-50% of graphic should be empty)
- Large icons and graphics with thick lines
- ONE main message per graphic

Content limits per graphic type: | Graphic Type | Max Elements | Max Words | Example | |--------------|--------------|-----------|---------| | Flowchart | 4-5 boxes | 15 words | "DATA → PROCESS → MODEL → OUTPUT" | | Key findings | 3 items | 12 words | "95% Accuracy, 2X Faster, Clinical Ready" | | Comparison chart | 3-4 bars | 10 words | "Method A: 70%, Method B: 85%, Ours: 95%" | | Diagram | 3-5 components | 15 words | Simple architecture with labeled parts |

Example - WRONG (too much content, text too small):

# BAD - too complex, too many elements, no size specs
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "Infographic showing machine learning pipeline with data collection, preprocessing, feature extraction, model training, validation, hyperparameter tuning, testing, deployment, monitoring, and feedback loops. Include accuracy metrics, performance graphs, comparison tables, and technical specifications." -o figures/pipeline.png
# Result: Cluttered graphic with tiny unreadable text, overflow issues

Example - CORRECT (simple, poster-appropriate):

# GOOD - minimal content, explicit size requirements, generous spacing
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: DATA → MODEL → PREDICT → RESULT. Each box label in GIANT bold text (80pt+). Thick arrows between boxes. GENEROUS white space (50% empty). High contrast. Maximum 4 words per box. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/pipeline.png
# Result: Clean, readable graphic with large text

Example - WRONG (key findings too complex):

# 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):

# 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
# Result: Bold, readable impact statement

Font size reference for poster prompts: | Element | Minimum Size | Prompt Keywords | |---------|--------------|-----------------| | Main numbers/metrics | 72pt+ | "huge", "very large", "giant", "poster-size" | | Section titles | 60pt+ | "large bold", "prominent" | | Labels/captions | 36pt+ | "readable from 6 feet", "clear labels" | | Body text | 24pt+ | "poster-readable", "large text" |

Always include in prompts:

• "POSTER FORMAT" or "for A0 poster" or "readable from 6 feet"
• "VERY LARGE TEXT" or "huge bold fonts"
• Specific text that should appear (so it's baked into the image)
• "minimal text, maximum impact"
• "high contrast" for readability

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Step 1: Plan Your Poster Elements

Before creating the LaTeX poster, identify all visual elements needed:

1. Title Block - Stylized title with institutional branding (optional - can be LaTeX text)
2. Introduction Graphic - Conceptual overview or problem statement visual
3. Methods Diagram - Workflow, pipeline, or experimental design
4. Results Figures - Data visualizations, charts, key findings (2-4 figures)
5. Conclusion Graphic - Summary visual or take-home message
6. Supplementary Icons - Icons for sections, QR codes, logos

Step 2: Generate Each Element

Use the appropriate tool for each element type:

For Schematics and Diagrams (scientific-schematics):

# Create figures directory
mkdir -p figures

# Methods flowchart - SIMPLE, 4 steps only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: DATA → PROCESS → MODEL → RESULTS. Each label in GIANT bold text (80pt+). Thick arrows. 50% white space. NO additional details or sub-steps. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/methods_flowchart.png

# System architecture - SIMPLE, 4 components only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE architecture diagram with ONLY 4 components: INPUT → NETWORK → PROCESSING → OUTPUT. GIANT labels (80pt+). Thick lines. 50% white space. NO layer details. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/architecture.png

# Conceptual framework - SIMPLE, 3 elements only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE diagram with ONLY 3 elements: A → B → C. Each label in GIANT bold text (80pt+). Thick arrows. 50% white space. NO additional text. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/concept_framework.png

# Experimental design - SIMPLE, 3 groups only
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE design diagram: CONTROL vs TREATMENT with arrow to OUTCOMES. ONLY 3 boxes total. GIANT labels (80pt+). 50% white space. NO detailed sub-groups. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/experimental_design.png

For Stylized Blocks and Graphics (Nano Banana Pro):

# 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:

# 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

Step 3: Assemble in LaTeX Template

Include all generated figures in your poster template:

tikzposter example:

\documentclass[25pt, a0paper, portrait]{tikzposter}

\begin{document}

\maketitle

\begin{columns}
\column{0.5}

\block{Introduction}{
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.85\linewidth]{figures/intro_visual.png}
  
  \vspace{0.5em}
  Brief context text here (2-3 sentences max).
}

\block{Methods}{
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.9\linewidth]{figures/methods_flowchart.png}
}

\column{0.5}

\block{Results}{
  \begin{minipage}{0.48\linewidth}
    \centering
    \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{figures/result_1.png}
  \end{minipage}
  \hfill
  \begin{minipage}{0.48\linewidth}
    \centering
    \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{figures/result_2.png}
  \end{minipage}
  
  \vspace{0.5em}
  Key findings in 3-4 bullet points.
}

\block{Conclusions}{
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.8\linewidth]{figures/conclusions_graphic.png}
}

\end{columns}

\end{document}

baposter example:

\headerbox{Methods}{name=methods,column=0,row=0}{
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.95\linewidth]{figures/methods_flowchart.png}
}

\headerbox{Results}{name=results,column=1,row=0}{
  \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{figures/comparison_chart.png}
  \vspace{0.3em}
  
  Key finding: Our method achieves 92% accuracy.
}

Example: Complete Poster Generation Workflow

Remember: SIMPLE graphics with MINIMAL content. Each graphic = ONE message.

# 1. Create figures directory
mkdir -p figures

# 2. Generate SIMPLE visual elements - MAXIMUM 5 elements per graphic

# Problem statement - ONLY 3 icons
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE visual with 3 icons only: PATIENT icon → DELAY icon → RISK icon. ONE word label each (80pt+). 50% white space. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/problem.png

# Methods pipeline - ONLY 4 steps
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: IMAGES → PROCESS → MODEL → DIAGNOSIS. GIANT labels (100pt+). Thick arrows. 50% white space. NO sub-steps. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/methods.png

# Architecture diagram - ONLY 4 components  
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE architecture with ONLY 4 blocks: INPUT → CNN → DENSE → OUTPUT. GIANT labels (80pt+). Thick lines. 50% white space. NO layer details. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/architecture.png

# Results - ONLY 3 bars
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE bar chart with ONLY 3 bars: 82% BASELINE, 88% EXISTING, 95% OURS (highlighted). GIANT percentages ON bars (120pt+). NO axis, NO legend. 40% white space. Readable from 10 feet." -o figures/results.png

# Key findings - ONLY 3 items with GIANT numbers
python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. EXACTLY 3 cards only: '95%' (150pt) 'ACCURACY' (60pt), '2X' (150pt) 'FASTER' (60pt), checkmark 'VALIDATED' (60pt). 50% white space. NO other text. Readable from 10 feet." -o figures/conclusions.png

# 3. Compile LaTeX poster with all figures
pdflatex poster.tex

If graphics still overflow or have small text:

1. Reduce number of elements further (try 3 instead of 5)
2. Add "EVEN SIMPLER" or "ONLY 3 elements" to prompt
3. Increase font size requirements (try 150pt+ for key numbers)
4. Add "60% white space" instead of 50%

Visual Element Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL: Each graphic should have ONE main message and MINIMAL content.

Content limits - NEVER exceed these:

• Maximum 5 boxes/elements per flowchart
• Maximum 3-4 bars per chart
• Maximum 3 key findings per infographic
• Maximum 15 words total per graphic
• 50% white space minimum

For each poster section, generate SIMPLE visuals with POSTER FORMAT:

| Section | Max Elements | Example Prompt | |---------|--------------|----------------| | Introduction | 3-4 icons | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: SIMPLE problem visual with 3 large icons and 3 word labels. 50% white space." | | Methods | 4-5 boxes max | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 steps: A → B → C → D. GIANT labels (80pt+). 50% white space." | | Results | 3-4 bars max | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: SIMPLE bar chart with ONLY 3 bars. GIANT percentages (100pt+). NO legend, direct labels." | | Conclusions | 3 items only | "POSTER FORMAT for A0: ONLY 3 key findings. GIANT numbers (120pt+). One word labels. 50% white space." |

MANDATORY prompt elements for poster graphics:

1. "POSTER FORMAT for A0" - size indicator
2. "SIMPLE" or "ONLY X elements" - content limit
3. "GIANT (80pt+)" or "HUGE (100pt+)" - font sizes
4. "50% white space" - prevent crowding
5. "readable from 6-8 feet" - viewing distance
6. Exact text that should appear (keep minimal!)

ANTI-PATTERNS TO AVOID:

• ❌ "Show all the steps in the methodology" → Too many elements
• ❌ "Include accuracy, precision, recall, F1, AUC" → Too many metrics
• ❌ "Comparison of 6 different methods" → Too many comparisons
• ❌ "Detailed architecture with all layers" → Too complex

CORRECT PATTERNS:

• ✅ "ONLY 4 main steps" → Limited elements
• ✅ "ONLY the top 3 metrics" → Focused content
• ✅ "Compare ONLY our method vs baseline" → Simple comparison
• ✅ "HIGH-LEVEL architecture with 4 components" → Simplified view

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Scientific Schematics Integration

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

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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 lay

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Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: ARAVINDAN20
• Source: ARAVINDAN20/Claude-Research-Paper-OS
• License: Apache-2.0

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.