Portable Graphics Format for TeX (PGF/TikZ) is a widely used package in. [[LaTeX]], which provides a high-level language for creating graphics and diagrams. It allows users to generate precise and professional-looking visuals directly within their LaTeX documents. PGF/TikZ offers a comprehensive set of tools and libraries for creating different types of graphical elements, such as lines, curves, shapes, arrows, nodes, and text. It supports various coordinate systems, including Cartesian, polar, and logical coordinates. One of the key features of PGF/TikZ is its ability to create complex and customizable diagrams. Users can define their own styles, colors, and shapes or choose from the extensive collection of predefined options. This flexibility allows for the creation of stunning visuals that match the document's overall design. PGF/TikZ also supports mathematical expressions and calculations within the graphics. This means that users can incorporate mathematical formulas or variables directly into the diagrams, making it particularly useful for scientific or technical illustrations. Another notable aspect of PGF/TikZ is its compatibility with external programs. It can import data from external sources or export graphics in various formats like PDF or SVG for further editing or inclusion in other applications. The PGF/TikZ code is written in plain ASCII text format, making it easy to share and collaborate with others. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available that provide examples, tutorials, and documentation to help users get started with creating graphics using PGF/TikZ. Overall, Portable Graph Format for TeX ([[PGF|PGF/TikZ]]) is a powerful tool that empowers LaTeX users to create high-quality graphics directly within their documents. Its wide range of features and customization options make it a popular choice among researchers, academics, engineers, and anyone who needs precise and visually appealing illustrations in their LaTeX documents. # PGF compare to Mermaid [[PGF]] ([[Portable Graphics Format]]) and [[Mermaid]] are both tools used for creating visualizations, but they have different features and use cases. 1. Syntax: PGF uses its own programming language, called TikZ, to create graphics. TikZ is a powerful and flexible language that allows for precise control over the appearance of graphics. On the other hand, Mermaid uses a simple and intuitive syntax that is inspired by Markdown. It is easier to learn and use for non-programmers. 2. Types of visualizations: PGF/TikZ is primarily used for creating complex diagrams, flowcharts, graphs, plots, and technical illustrations. It provides extensive functionality for fine-grained control over every aspect of the visualization. Mermaid, on the other hand, specializes in creating simple diagrams like flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts, and class diagrams. It focuses more on providing a quick and easy way to create basic visualizations. 3. Rendering: PGF/TikZ generates vector graphics (PDF or SVG) which can be scaled without any loss of quality. This makes it suitable for high-resolution prints or presentations. Mermaid generates SVG or PNG images which are raster graphics and may lose quality when scaled up. 4. Integration: PGF/TikZ integrates well with LaTeX documents as it was originally developed as part of the LaTeX project. It allows seamless integration with LaTeX syntax and can be used directly in LaTeX documents or standalone using various tools like standalone class or pgfplots package. Mermaid integrates well with Markdown-based documentation systems like Jupyter Notebooks or Markdown editors. 5. Community support: PGF/TikZ has been around for a longer time and has a large community of users who contribute to its development and provide support through forums and online resources like documentation and tutorials. Mermaid also has an active community but may have fewer resources available compared to PGF/TikZ. In summary, PGF/TikZ is more suitable for creating complex and precise visualizations, especially in academic or technical domains. Mermaid, on the other hand, is a simpler and quicker tool for creating basic diagrams and integrates well with Markdown-based documentation systems. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and expertise of the user. # References ```dataview Table title as Title, authors as Authors where contains(subject, "PGF") ```