Commutative function diagrams in LaTeX

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on creating commutative function diagrams in LaTeX, specifically using TikZ for improved visual representation. Users express challenges with traditional array methods and seek alternatives for triangular diagrams. Dan shares his experience with TikZ and mentions using TeXStudio and Overleaf as effective tools for diagram creation. The conversation highlights the benefits of using TikZ for clarity and efficiency in diagramming.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX syntax and commands
  • Understanding of TikZ for diagram creation
  • Basic knowledge of commutative diagrams in mathematics
  • Experience with TeXStudio or Overleaf for LaTeX editing
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced TikZ features for creating complex diagrams
  • Learn how to integrate TikZ with LaTeX documents effectively
  • Research best practices for using TeXStudio for LaTeX projects
  • Investigate online resources and tutorials for Overleaf usage
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Mathematicians, educators, and researchers who need to create clear and professional commutative diagrams in LaTeX, as well as anyone interested in enhancing their LaTeX skills with TikZ.

topsquark
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TL;DR
How can I make this diagram a bit nicer? And is there any way to do a triangular diagram?
I know that TikZ is probably the best way to do this but most Forums don't use it. I can make a rectangular diagram, but it's a bit clunky:
Say I have the commutative function diagram:
##\begin{array}{ccccc} ~ & ~ & f & ~ & ~ \\ ~ & A & \longrightarrow & B & ~ \\ g & \downarrow & ~ & \downarrow & h \\ ~ & C & \longrightarrow & D & ~ \\ ~ & ~ & k & ~ & ~ \end{array}##

It isn't bad but is there a way to do this without using an array? And is there any way to do a triangular diagram? ie. A to B, A to C, and B to C?

Thanks!

-Dan
 
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I managed to get this, but it was certainly not the best solution.

\begin{aligned}
\mathbb{C}^2 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{M}_g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{C}^2\\
\downarrow{\chi}&&\downarrow{\chi}\\
\mathbb{R}^3 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{Ad} g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{R}^3
\end{aligned}

\begin{aligned}
\mathbb{C}^2 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{M}_g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{C}^2\\
\downarrow{\chi}&&\downarrow{\chi}\\
\mathbb{R}^3 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{Ad} g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{R}^3
\end{aligned}
 
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fresh_42 said:
I managed to get this, but it was certainly not the best solution.

\begin{aligned}
\mathbb{C}^2 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{M}_g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{C}^2\\
\downarrow{\chi}&&\downarrow{\chi}\\
\mathbb{R}^3 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{Ad} g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{R}^3
\end{aligned}

\begin{aligned}
\mathbb{C}^2 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{M}_g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{C}^2\\
\downarrow{\chi}&&\downarrow{\chi}\\
\mathbb{R}^3 &\;\quad \stackrel{\operatorname{Ad} g}{\longrightarrow} &\mathbb{R}^3
\end{aligned}
\downarrow{\chi} helps. I didn't know you could do that. Thanks!

Is there a way to put a ##\chi## to the right of the arrow, too?

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Is there a way to put a χ to the right of the arrow, too?
Isn't it already to the right?
But ##{\chi}\downarrow ## ##{\chi} \downarrow ## works, too.
 
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Ever since I taught in High School I've gotten my left and right screwed up!

Thanks!

-Dan
 
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topsquark said:
I know that TikZ is probably the best way to do this
Then do it in TikZ in a WYSIWYG ## TeX ## editor and paste an image: if you don't have a ## TeX ## editor installed then use the online editor Overleaf: https://www.overleaf.com/
 
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pbuk said:
Then do it in TikZ in a WYSIWYG ## TeX ## editor and paste an image: if you don't have a ## TeX ## editor installed then use the online editor Overleaf: https://www.overleaf.com/
Well, as it happens, I have no money. But anyways, there are free editors out there. Actually, once I got the feel of the code it was easier to simply type it out rather than use the editor.
tikzit_image0.png


Thanks!

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Well, as it happens, I have no money. But anyways, there are free editors out there. Actually, once I got the feel of the code it was easier to simply type it out rather than use the editor.
View attachment 314144

Thanks!

-Dan

I downloaded TeXStudio (https://texstudio.org/) which is perfect (and included tikz), especially in combination with AHK (https://www.autohotkey.com/download/) saves a lot of typing time.

To get an image, I take a screenshot and edit it with mspaint.exe.

This is really a low-budget scenario. I wrote a lot in this set-up.
 
Last edited:
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