Understanding Pgfplots Markers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

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Introduction

Pgfplots is a powerful tool for creating high-quality 2D and 3D plots in LaTeX. It is built on top of TikZ and provides a wide range of features for customizing plots, including markers. However, by default, pgfplots markers are connected to the data points they represent. In some cases, it may be desirable to draw an isolated marker, separate from the data point it represents. In this article, we will explore how to draw an isolated marker from pgfplots.

Understanding Pgfplots Markers

Pgfplots markers are used to represent data points on a plot. They can be customized in various ways, including changing their size, shape, and color. However, by default, markers are connected to the data points they represent. This can make it difficult to draw an isolated marker, separate from the data point it represents.

Drawing an Isolated Marker

To draw an isolated marker from pgfplots, we can use the mark option in the addplot command. However, this option only allows us to specify the type of marker to use, not its position. To draw an isolated marker, we need to use a combination of the mark option and the node command.

Here is an example of how to draw an isolated marker from pgfplots:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, circle, fill=blue, minimum size=3pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

In this example, we use the addplot command to add a plot with a blue marker at the point (1,1). We then use the node command to draw a circle at the same point, but with a different size and fill color. This creates an isolated marker, separate from the data point it represents.

Customizing the Isolated Marker

The isolated marker can be customized in various ways, including changing its size, shape, and color. We can use the minimum size option to change the size of the marker, and the draw and fill options to change its color and shape.

Here is an example of how to customize the isolated marker:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, circle, fill=red, minimum size=5pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

In this example, we change the size of the isolated marker to 5pt, and its fill color to red.

Conclusion

Drawing an isolated marker from pgfplots can be a useful technique for customizing plots. By using a combination of the mark option and the node command, we can create an isolated marker, separate from the data point it represents. We can also customize the isolated marker in various ways, including changing its size, shape, and color.

Example Use Cases

Drawing an isolated marker from pgfplots can be useful in a variety of situations, including:

Creating custom plot markers
Drawing attention to specific data points
Creating interactive plots

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for drawing isolated markers from pgfplots:

Use the minimum size option to change the size of the marker
Use the draw and fill options to change the color and shape of the marker
Use the node command to draw the isolated marker
Use the axis cs coordinate system to position the isolated marker

Conclusion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an isolated marker in pgfplots?

A: An isolated marker in pgfplots is a marker that is drawn separately from the data point it represents. This can be useful for customizing plots and drawing attention to specific data points.

Q: How do I draw an isolated marker from pgfplots?

A: To draw an isolated marker from pgfplots, you can use a combination of the mark option and the node command. For example:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, circle, fill=blue, minimum size=3pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Q: Can I customize the isolated marker?

A: Yes, you can customize the isolated marker in various ways, including changing its size, shape, and color. For example:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, circle, fill=red, minimum size=5pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Q: How do I position the isolated marker?

A: You can position the isolated marker using the at option in the node command. For example:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1.5,1.5) [draw, circle, fill=blue, minimum size=3pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Q: Can I use different shapes for the isolated marker?

A: Yes, you can use different shapes for the isolated marker by changing the shape option in the node command. For example:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, square, fill=blue, minimum size=3pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Q: Can I use different colors for the isolated marker?

A: Yes, you can use different colors for the isolated marker by changing the fill option in the node command. For example:

\documentclass{report}
\usepackage{tikz,pgfplots}
\begin{document}
Consider following graph.
\begintikzpicture}
\begin{axis}[
width=5cm,
height=5cm
]
\addplot [color=blue, mark size=3pt, mark=*] coordinates {(1,1)};
\node at (axis cs1,1) [draw, circle, fill=green, minimum size=3pt] {;
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Conclusion

Drawing isolated markers from pgfplots can be a useful technique for customizing plots. By using a combination of the mark option and the node command, you can create isolated markers, separate from the data point they represent. You can also customize the isolated marker in various ways, including changing its size, shape, and color.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for drawing isolated markers from pgfplots:

Use the minimum size option to change the size of the marker
Use the draw and fill options to change the color and shape of the marker
Use the node command to draw the isolated marker
Use the axis cs coordinate system to position the isolated marker