Feynman Diagram Studio Enter math source directly
Select a vertex, propagator, momentum arrow, or independent label and type into its TeX field. For example, \gamma displays γ and e^{-} displays e⁻. The field already uses math notation, so omit the $...$ delimiters used in a LaTeX document.
| You want | Type | Editor preview |
|---|---|---|
| Photon | \gamma | γ |
| Electron | e^{-} | e⁻ |
| Muon neutrino | \nu_{\mu} | νμ |
| Anti-up quark | \bar{u} | ū |
| W boson | W^{+} | W⁺ |
| Four-momentum | p_{1} | p₁ |
p_{in} keeps “in” together as a subscript. An unbraced underscore applies to the next character.
Symbols and Greek letters
A backslash introduces a named command. Command names are case-sensitive: \gamma produces γ, while \Gamma produces Γ.
| Lowercase | Source | Uppercase | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| α β γ δ | \alpha \beta \gamma \delta | Γ Δ | \Gamma \Delta |
| ε ζ η θ | \epsilon \zeta \eta \theta | Θ | \Theta |
| λ μ ν ξ | \lambda \mu \nu \xi | Λ Ξ | \Lambda \Xi |
| π ρ σ τ | \pi \rho \sigma \tau | Π Σ | \Pi \Sigma |
| φ χ ψ ω | \phi \chi \psi \omega | Φ Ψ Ω | \Phi \Psi \Omega |
The visual renderer supports the commands in this table. The LaTeX exporter preserves other commands as source even when the on-canvas preview shows a readable approximation or the command text.
For a broader symbol catalog, use Overleaf’s Greek letters and math symbols (opens in a new tab) or the official LaTeX documentation (opens in a new tab).
Charges, superscripts, and subscripts
Use ^ for a superscript and _ for a subscript. A single letter, number, plus sign, or minus sign can follow directly. Braces group a longer expression.
e^- e^{-} \pi^0
p_1 p_{in} \nu_{\mu}
q^2 q^{2} W^{-}_{\mu}Both compact and braced forms work for one character. Braces make the source easier to extend and copy into a paper. Overleaf’s subscript and superscript guide (opens in a new tab) covers nested and full-document use.
Antiparticles and small formulas
Overbars
Write \bar{q} or \overline{q} for q̄. The editor draws an overbar above simple content. LaTeX export retains the command.
Fractions and text styles
The editor recognizes \frac{a}{b} as a readable inline approximation and removes wrappers around \mathrm{...}, \mathbf{...}, \mathit{...}, and \text{...}. A LaTeX export retains the original source, so TeX produces the full typeset result.
Useful particle labels
\bar{q}
\nu_{e}
\bar{\nu}_{e}
K^{0}
\pi^{+}
Z^{0}Useful momentum labels
p_{1}
p^{\prime}
q^{2}
k_{\mu}
\frac{p}{2}\prime is preserved for TeX output; use a literal apostrophe if you need a close visual preview in the editor.
Choose the appropriate label type
| Label type | Attached to | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Vertex label | A vertex | Interaction names, coupling symbols, or labels that must move with a vertex. |
| Propagator label | A propagator | Particle names and quantum numbers placed near the middle of a line. |
| Momentum label | A propagator’s momentum arrow | Four-momentum symbols such as p_{1}, q, or k^{\prime}. |
| Independent label | The page | Process equations, headings, scale notes, legends, and other text with an absolute page position. |
Momentum labels
Select a propagator, enable Momentum arrow, and enter the source in Momentum label (TeX). Set Momentum direction from the propagator’s start and end vertices. Set Momentum side independently. Fine placement sets the arrow segment’s start and end percentages. Drag the label or enter Momentum label X/Y to move it separately from the arrow.
Independent labels
Open Annotate → Label and click the page. The new label appears in the Objects list and can be selected, dragged, recolored, deleted, undone, or restored with redo. Its X and Y coordinates range across the full 720 × 480 page. Independent labels remain separate from nearby vertices and propagators when those objects move.
Position labels with geometry controls
Use dragging or numeric controls for placement; spaces belong to the label content.
- Propagator Label offset moves the label perpendicular to the path at its midpoint. Positive and negative values choose opposite sides.
- Label X and Label Y add Cartesian offsets to a propagator or vertex label. Vertex labels can move until their visible edges reach the page boundary.
- Vertex label defaults place labels above vertices in the top half of the page and below vertices in the bottom half.
- Momentum side chooses the side of the path; start and end percentages set the arrow segment. Momentum label X/Y moves its text independently.
- Independent-label X and Y give an absolute page position.
Project files and export formats preserve these positions.
Renderer limits
The browser preview uses a lightweight math renderer for the Greek commands listed above, single-level scripts, simple overbars, and readable approximations of fractions and style wrappers. Packages, environments, matrices, nested fractions, custom macros, and general math layout may appear approximate on the canvas.
LaTeX exports retain the label source. A command supported by TeX and the packages in the generated document can compile with full typesetting. SVG, PDF, PNG, and JPEG use the browser preview, so use the supported subset for those formats.
Labels become part of generated LaTeX source. Use trusted label text and check special characters such as %, #, &, and unbalanced braces before compiling.