Boldface Sigma LaTeX Problem

[Dahaka14]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I am trying to write a paper describing my undergraduate research and its progress to a committee. I am having trouble making my sigmas boldface using LaTeX. I am using the correct coding, because it is working when I wish to type other vectors, but the sigmas look the same whether I type \mathbf{\sigma} or {\bf \sigma}. My temporary fix is to just put an arrow above with \vec{\sigma}, but I don't want to be inconsistent with my other vectors being boldface. What can I do to make the boldface of my sigmas more noticeable?


2. Relevant equations

\mathbf{\sigma} or {\bf \sigma}?

3. The attempt at a solution

i guess \vec{\sigma}

[Hootenanny]

Try simply \bold{\sigma}

[Avodyne]

You need the LaTeX package amsbsy (or amsmath). Put

\usepackage{amsbsy}

near the top of your document, and then use $\boldsymbol\sigma$.

[Dahaka14]

thanks a lot!

[CompuChip]

And if you want to make all your vectors boldface, I suggest something like

\renewcommand\vec[1]{\ensuremath\boldsymbol{#1}}

in the preamble of your document and just use \vec everywhere. If you later decide that boldface is not distinctive enough and you want arrows after all, it will save you a lot of work.