MHB How do I add directional arrows going counterclockwise on the circle?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on adding directional arrows to circles using TikZ in LaTeX. Users can create counterclockwise arrows by utilizing the arc command with specified start and end angles, as demonstrated in the provided code snippets. The discussion highlights the importance of the starting coordinate for the arc and offers alternatives for clockwise arrows and artistic designs. The use of qualifiers such as "->" for arrows and "ultra thick" for line thickness is emphasized for visual clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX typesetting
  • Understanding of TikZ package for graphics
  • Knowledge of basic coordinate geometry
  • Experience with arc commands in TikZ
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced TikZ features for creating complex diagrams
  • Learn about customizing arrow styles in TikZ
  • Research the use of loops in TikZ for repetitive designs
  • Investigate the integration of TikZ with other LaTeX packages for enhanced graphics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for LaTeX users, graphic designers, and educators looking to enhance their visual presentations with directional arrows in diagrams.

Dustinsfl
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Code:
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw (0,0) circle (1cm);
\end{tikzpicture}

How do I add directional arrows going counterclockwise on the circle?
 
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Try something like this:

Code:
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw (0,0) circle (1cm);
\draw[->, blue, thick] (1.2cm, 0) arc [radius = 1.2cm, start angle= 0, end angle= 70];
\end{tikzpicture}

Note the first coordinate before the arc command is where you'd like the arc to start, not the arc's center. I find this kind of a stupid decision, but that's the way it is. The arrow is specified by -> in the draw qualifiers.

If you want a clockwise arrow, you can have the arc go backwards (or you can use <- instead, <-> gives you bidirectional arrows):

Code:
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw (0,0) circle (1cm);
\draw[->, blue, thick] (1.2cm, 0) arc [radius = 1.2cm, start angle= 0, end angle= -70];
\end{tikzpicture}

If you want the arrow to exist on the circle, then you can just overlap them:

Code:
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw (0,0) circle (1cm);
\draw[->] (1cm, 0) arc [radius = 1cm, start angle= 0, end angle= 70];
\end{tikzpicture}

And you can also get artistic (Tongueout):

Code:
\begin{tikzpicture}
\draw (0,0) circle (1cm);
\foreach \x in {0.2,0.4,...,4.0} \draw[->, ultra thick, red] (\x + 1, 0) arc [radius = \x + 1, start angle= 0, end angle= 70 + \x * 45];
\end{tikzpicture}
 
Last edited:

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