Skip to main content
TikZ is one of the most powerful packages in LaTeX for creating high-quality diagrams, but it can be intimidating for beginners. In this post, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve learned over years of creating technical diagrams.

​
Start Simple, Build Complexity

The biggest mistake I see beginners make is trying to create complex diagrams from scratch. Instead, follow this approach:
  1. Sketch on paper first - Know what you want before coding
  2. Build incrementally - Add one element at a time
  3. Test frequently - Compile after each major addition
  4. Use styles - Define reusable styles for consistency

​
Essential TikZ Libraries

Here are the libraries I load for almost every project: 
\usetikzlibrary{
    arrows.meta,      % Better arrow tips
    positioning,      % Relative positioning
    calc,            % Coordinate calculations
    backgrounds,     % Layered drawing
    patterns,        % Fill patterns
    decorations.pathmorphing  % Path effects
}

​
Pro Tip #1: Use Named Coordinates

Instead of hardcoding positions, use named coordinates: 
% Bad
\draw (0,0) -- (2,1) -- (3,0);

% Good
\coordinate (A) at (0,0);
\coordinate (B) at (2,1);
\coordinate (C) at (3,0);
\draw (A) -- (B) -- (C);
This makes your diagrams much easier to modify and understand.

​
Pro Tip #2: Create Custom Styles

Define styles for repeated elements: 
\tikzset{
    mynode/.style={
        circle, 
        draw=blue!70, 
        fill=blue!20, 
        minimum size=1cm,
        font=\small
    },
    myarrow/.style={
        ->, 
        >=stealth, 
        thick, 
        blue!70
    }
}

​
Pro Tip #3: Use Calculations

Let TikZ do the math for you: 
% Midpoint
\coordinate (M) at ($(A)!0.5!(B)$);

% Perpendicular point
\coordinate (P) at ($(A)!(C)!(B)$);

% Relative positioning
\coordinate (D) at ($(C) + (2,0)$);

​
Real-World Example: State Machine

Here’s a complete example of a finite state machine: 
\begin{tikzpicture}[
    node distance=3cm,
    state/.style={circle, draw, minimum size=1.5cm},
    every edge/.style={draw, ->, >=stealth, thick}
]
    % States
    \node[state, initial] (q0) {$q_0$};
    \node[state, right=of q0] (q1) {$q_1$};
    \node[state, accepting, right=of q1] (q2) {$q_2$};
    
    % Transitions
    \path (q0) edge[loop above] node {0} (q0)
          (q0) edge node {1} (q1)
          (q1) edge[bend left] node {0} (q0)
          (q1) edge node {1} (q2)
          (q2) edge[loop above] node {0,1} (q2);
\end{tikzpicture}

​
Performance Tips

  1. Externalize complex diagrams - Use \tikzexternalize for faster compilation
  2. Precompile libraries - Load only what you need
  3. Use standalone class - Compile diagrams separately
  4. Avoid nested loops - They exponentially increase compilation time

​
Resources for Learning More

​
Your Turn!

What’s your favorite TikZ trick? Share your diagrams and tips in the comments below or tag us on Twitter with #LaTeXCloudStudio. Next week, I’ll cover creating beautiful mathematical plots with PGFPlots. Stay tuned!

TikZ Diagrams Guide

Complete TikZ tutorial in our documentation

Working with Images

Learn to include graphics in LaTeX

LaTeX in 30 Minutes

New to LaTeX? Start here

Article Template

Ready-to-use document templates
Dr. Sarah Chen is a computational physicist and LaTeX enthusiast with over 10 years of experience creating technical documentation.