v1.9 to v1.10

- description: "Create professional research posters in LaTeX using beamerposter, tikzposter, or baposter. Support for conference presentations, academic posters, and scientific communication. Includes layout design, color schemes, multi-column formats, figure integration, and poster-specific best practices for visual communication."

- version: "1.9"

- description: OpenRouter API key for the skill's LLM-powered steps.

- ## 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.**

-

- ---

-

- ### Hard limits (do not exceed)

-

- These are limits, not guidelines. Violating them is the single most common cause of a

- failed poster. Full reasoning, per-graphic-type tables, and worked examples are in

- [references/ai_graphics_for_posters.md](references/ai_graphics_for_posters.md).

-

- | Constraint | Limit |

- | --- | --- |

- | Elements per AI-generated graphic | **3-4 maximum** (3 ideal) |

- | Words per graphic | **10 maximum** |

- | White space per graphic | **50% minimum** (60% better) |

- | Key numbers / metrics | **120pt+** |

- | Labels | **80pt+** |

- | Body text on the poster | **24pt+** |

- | Content sections (A0) | **5-6 maximum** |

- | Total words on the poster | **300-800** |

- | Figure width | `0.85\linewidth`, never `1.0` |

-

- Every graphic prompt must include: `POSTER FORMAT for A0`, an explicit element or word

- count (`ONLY 3 icons`, `3 words total`), a font size (`GIANT (120pt+)`), `60% white space`,

- and a viewing distance (`readable from 10-12 feet`).

-

- **Two mandatory review gates.** Skipping either is how unreadable posters happen:

-

- - **Before generating** — for each planned graphic, confirm it is 3-4 items, one message,

- under 10 words, and not a 5+ stage workflow. If not, split it into several graphics.

- - **After generating, before assembly** — open each figure at 25% zoom. All text readable,

- 4 or fewer elements, 50%+ white space, understandable in 2 seconds. Any failure means

- regenerate or split. Do not assemble a poster from figures that failed.

-

- Patterns that always fail: `7-stage workflow`, `timeline with annual milestones`,

- `3 case studies in one graphic`, `comparison of 5+ methods`, `architecture with all layers`.

- Collapse each to 3 high-level items, or make several separate graphics.

-

- **Overflow is an error, not a warning.** After compiling, run `grep -i overfull poster.log`

- and inspect all four edges at 100% zoom. See

- [references/compilation_and_quality_control.md](references/compilation_and_quality_control.md).

-

- ## 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

-

- ---

-

- ## Core Capabilities

-

- Three poster packages are supported — **beamerposter** (Beamer syntax, institutional

- themes), **tikzposter** (modern, colorful, flexible), and **baposter** (structured

- multi-column). Package comparison, layout and grid systems, design principles, standard

- sizes, per-package templates, figure and image integration, color schemes, typography,

- and QR codes are all documented in

- [references/latex_poster_reference.md](references/latex_poster_reference.md).

-

- Reusable per-section content patterns, accessibility requirements, and presentation-day

- guidance are in

- [references/poster_patterns_and_presentation.md](references/poster_patterns_and_presentation.md).

-

- ## Workflow for Poster Creation

-

- ### Stage 1: Planning and Content Development

-

- 1. **Determine poster requirements**:

- - Conference size specifications (A0, 36×48", etc.)

- - Orientation (portrait vs. landscape)

- - Submission deadlines and format requirements

-

- 2. **Develop content outline**:

- - Identify 1-3 core messages

- - Select key figures (typically 3-6 main visuals)

- - Draft concise text for each section (bullet points preferred)

- - Aim for 300-800 words total

-

- 3. **Choose LaTeX package**:

- - beamerposter: If familiar with Beamer, need institutional themes

- - tikzposter: For modern, colorful designs with flexibility

- - baposter: For structured, professional multi-column layouts

-

- ### Stage 2: Generate Visual Elements (AI-Powered)

-

- **CRITICAL: Generate SIMPLE figures with MINIMAL content. Each graphic = ONE message.**

-

- **Content limits:**

- - Maximum 4-5 elements per graphic

- - Maximum 15 words total per graphic

- - 50% white space minimum

- - GIANT fonts (80pt+ for labels, 120pt+ for key numbers)

-

- 1. **Create figures directory**:

- ```bash

- mkdir -p figures

- ```

-

- 2. **Generate SIMPLE visual elements**:

- ```bash

- # Introduction - ONLY 3 icons/elements

- python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE visual with ONLY 3 elements: [icon1] [icon2] [icon3]. ONE word labels (80pt+). 50% white space. Readable from 8 feet." -o figures/intro.png

-

- # Methods - ONLY 4 steps maximum

- python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE flowchart with ONLY 4 boxes: STEP1 → STEP2 → STEP3 → STEP4. GIANT labels (100pt+). 50% white space. NO sub-steps." -o figures/methods.png

-

- # Results - ONLY 3 bars/comparisons

- python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. SIMPLE chart with ONLY 3 bars. GIANT percentages ON bars (120pt+). NO axis, NO legend. 50% white space." -o figures/results.png

-

- # Conclusions - EXACTLY 3 items with GIANT numbers

- python scripts/generate_schematic.py "POSTER FORMAT for A0. EXACTLY 3 key findings: '[NUMBER]' (150pt) '[LABEL]' (60pt) for each. 50% white space. NO other text." -o figures/conclusions.png

- ```

-

- 3. **Review generated figures - check for overflow:**

- - **View at 25% zoom**: All text still readable?

- - **Count elements**: More than 5? → Regenerate simpler

- - **Check white space**: Less than 40%? → Add "60% white space" to prompt

- - **Font too small?**: Add "EVEN LARGER" or increase pt sizes

- - **Still overflowing?**: Reduce to 3 elements instead of 4-5

- ### Stage 3: Design and Layout

- 1. **Select or create template**:

- - Start with provided templates in `assets/`

- - Customize color scheme to match branding

- - Configure page size and orientation

- 2. **Design layout structure**:

- - Plan column structure (2, 3, or 4 columns)

- - Map content flow (typically left-to-right, top-to-bottom)

- - Allocate space for title (10-15%), content (70-80%), footer (5-10%)

- 3. **Set typography**:

- - Configure font sizes for different hierarchy levels

- - Ensure minimum 24pt body text

- - Test readability from 4-6 feet distance

- ### Stage 4: Content Integration

- 1. **Create poster header**:

- - Title (concise, descriptive, 10-15 words)

- - Authors and affiliations

- - Institution logos (high-resolution)

- - Conference logo if required

- 2. **Integrate AI-generated figures**:

- - Add all figures from Stage 2 to appropriate sections

- - Use `\includegraphics` with proper sizing

- - Ensure figures dominate each section (visuals first, text second)

- - Center figures within blocks for visual impact

- 3. **Add minimal supporting text**:

- - Keep text minimal and scannable (300-800 words total)

- - Use bullet points, not paragraphs

- - Write in active voice

- - Text should complement figures, not duplicate them

- 4. **Add supplementary elements**:

- - QR codes for supplementary materials

- - References (cite key papers only, 5-10 typical)

- - Contact information and acknowledgments

- ### Stage 5: Refinement and Testing

- 1. **Review and iterate**:

- - Check for typos and errors

- - Verify all figures are high resolution

- - Ensure consistent formatting

- - Confirm color scheme works well together

- 2. **Test readability**:

- - Print at 25% scale and read from 2-3 feet (simulates poster from 8-12 feet)

- - Check color on different monitors

- - Verify QR codes function correctly

- - Ask colleague to review

- 3. **Optimize for printing**:

- - Embed all fonts in PDF

- - Verify image resolution

- - Check PDF size requirements

- - Include bleed area if required

- ### Stage 6: Compilation and Delivery

- 1. **Compile final PDF**:

- ```bash

- pdflatex poster.tex

- # Or for better font support:

- lualatex poster.tex

- ```

- 2. **Verify output quality**:

- - Check all elements are visible and correctly positioned

- - Zoom to 100% and inspect figure quality

- - Verify colors match expectations

- - Confirm PDF opens correctly on different viewers

- 3. **Prepare for printing**:

- - Export as PDF/X-1a if required

- - Save backup copies

- - Get test print on regular paper first

- - Order professional printing 2-3 days before deadline

- 4. **Create supplementary materials**:

- - Save PNG/JPG version for social media

- - Create handout version (8.5×11" summary)

- - Prepare digital version for email sharing

- ## Integration with Other Skills

- This skill works effectively with:

- - **Scientific Schematics**: CRITICAL - Use for generating all poster diagrams and flowcharts

- - **Generate Image / Nano Banana Pro**: For stylized graphics, conceptual illustrations, and summary visuals

- - **Scientific Writing**: For developing poster content from papers

- - **Literature Review**: For contextualizing research

- - **Data Analysis**: For creating result figures and charts

- **Recommended workflow**: Always use scientific-schematics and generate-image skills BEFORE creating the LaTeX poster to generate all visual elements.

- ## Common Pitfalls to Avoid

- **AI-Generated Graphics Mistakes (MOST COMMON):**

- - ❌ Too many elements in one graphic (10+ items) → Keep to 3-5 max

- - ❌ Text too small in AI graphics → Specify "GIANT (100pt+)" or "HUGE (150pt+)"

- - ❌ Too much detail in prompts → Use "SIMPLE" and "ONLY X elements"

- - ❌ No white space specification → Add "50% white space" to every prompt

- - ❌ Complex flowcharts with 8+ steps → Limit to 4-5 steps maximum

- - ❌ Comparison charts with 6+ items → Limit to 3 items maximum

- - ❌ Key findings with 5+ metrics → Show only top 3

- **Fixing Overflow in AI Graphics:**

- If your AI-generated graphics are overflowing or have small text:

- 1. Add "SIMPLER" or "ONLY 3 elements" to prompt

- 2. Increase font sizes: "150pt+" instead of "80pt+"

- 3. Add "60% white space" instead of "50%"

- 4. Remove sub-details: "NO sub-steps", "NO axis labels", "NO legend"

- 5. Regenerate with fewer elements

- **Design Mistakes**:

- - ❌ Too much text (over 1000 words)

- - ❌ Font sizes too small (under 24pt body text)

- - ❌ Low-contrast color combinations

- - ❌ Cluttered layout with no white space

- - ❌ Inconsistent styling across sections

- - ❌ Poor quality or pixelated images

- **Content Mistakes**:

- - ❌ No clear narrative or message

- - ❌ Too many research questions or objectives

- - ❌ Overuse of jargon without definitions

- - ❌ Results without context or interpretation

- - ❌ Missing author contact information

- **Technical Mistakes**:

- - ❌ Wrong poster dimensions for conference requirements

- - ❌ RGB colors sent to CMYK printer (color shift)

- - ❌ Fonts not embedded in PDF

- - ❌ File size too large for submission portal

- - ❌ QR codes too small or not tested

- **Best Practices**:

- - ✅ Generate SIMPLE AI graphics with 3-5 elements max

- - ✅ Use GIANT fonts (100pt+) for key numbers in graphics

- - ✅ Specify "50% white space" in every AI prompt

- - ✅ Follow conference size specifications exactly

- - ✅ Test print at reduced scale before final printing

- - ✅ Use high-contrast, accessible color schemes

- - ✅ Keep text minimal and highly scannable

- - ✅ Include clear contact information and QR codes

- - ✅ Proofread carefully (errors are magnified on posters!)

- ## Package Installation

- Ensure required LaTeX packages are installed:

- # For TeX Live (Linux/Mac)

- tlmgr install beamerposter tikzposter baposter

-

- # For MiKTeX (Windows)

- # Packages typically auto-install on first use

-

- # Additional recommended packages

- tlmgr install qrcode graphics xcolor tcolorbox subcaption

- ## Scripts and Automation

-

- Helper scripts available in `scripts/` directory:

-

- - `review_poster.sh`: Poster review and validation

- - `generate_schematic.py`: Generate scientific diagrams and schematics

- ## References

- - [references/ai_graphics_for_posters.md](references/ai_graphics_for_posters.md): full AI

- graphic rules, per-type limits, worked prompt examples, and the review gates.

- - [references/latex_poster_reference.md](references/latex_poster_reference.md): packages,

- layout, design, sizes, templates, figures, color, typography, QR codes.

- - [references/compilation_and_quality_control.md](references/compilation_and_quality_control.md):

- compilation engines and the complete pre-print QC procedure.

- - [references/poster_patterns_and_presentation.md](references/poster_patterns_and_presentation.md):

- content patterns, accessibility, presentation tips.

- - [references/latex_poster_packages.md](references/latex_poster_packages.md): detailed

- comparison of beamerposter, tikzposter, and baposter with examples.

- - [references/poster_layout_design.md](references/poster_layout_design.md): layout

- principles, grid systems, and visual flow.

- typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and accessibility.

- - [references/poster_content_guide.md](references/poster_content_guide.md): content

- organization, writing style, and section-specific guidance.

-

- ## Templates

-

- Ready-to-use poster templates in `assets/` directory:

-

- - beamerposter templates (classic, modern, colorful)

- - tikzposter templates (default, rays, wave, envelope)

- - baposter templates (portrait, landscape, minimal)

- - Example posters from various scientific disciplines

- - Color scheme definitions and institutional templates

-

- Load these templates and customize for your specific research and conference requirements.