Title

thesis_diagram - Generate LaTeX code for thesis framework diagrams with 5 templates

Syntax

thesis_diagram, filename(string) [template(integer 1) title(string) author(string) university(string) language(string) simple replace]

filename(string) Output LaTeX filename (required)

template(integer 1) Template number 1-5 (default: 1)

title(string) Diagram title

author(string) Author name

university(string) University/institution name

language(string) Language: english or chinese (default: english)

simple Use simplified version for templates 2 and 3

replace Overwrite existing file

Description

thesis_diagram generates professional LaTeX code for thesis and dissertation
framework diagrams. It supports 5 different templates suitable for various
research designs and methodologies. The program creates a standalone LaTeX
file that can be compiled to produce high-quality vector graphics for
academic publications.

The generated diagrams include proper figure captions and are optimized
for clarity and visual appeal. The program supports both English and
Chinese languages, making it suitable for international and Chinese
academic contexts.

Options

filename(string) specifies the output LaTeX filename. If no
.tex extension is provided, it will be added automatically.

template(integer 1) selects the diagram template. Valid values are
1 through 5:

1: Classic hierarchical structure

2: Flowchart diagram

3: Modular design

4: Three-column research framework

5: Logical thinking diagram (What-Why-How framework, Chinese only)

title(string) sets the main title of the diagram. If not specified,
default titles are used based on the language setting.

author(string) includes the author name in the diagram.

university(string) includes the university/institution name in the diagram.

language(string) sets the language for the diagram. Use "english"
or "chinese" (or "c"/"中" for Chinese). Default is English. Note: Template 5
is Chinese-only regardless of language setting.

simple creates simplified versions of templates 2 and 3 without
additional decision points or timeline elements. This option is only
effective for templates 2 and 3.

replace allows overwriting an existing file with the same name.

Templates

Template 1: Classic Hierarchical Structure

A traditional top-down hierarchical framework showing research chapters
or sections in sequential order. Suitable for standard dissertation
structures.

Template 2: Flowchart Diagram

A process-oriented flowchart showing research steps with optional
decision points. Ideal for methodological research designs.

Template 3: Modular Design

A modular approach with four interconnected components (theory, method,
empirical, conclusion) around a central research question. The simple
version omits the timeline.

Template 4: Three-Column Research Framework

A three-column layout with Literature Review (left), Research Questions
(center), and Research Methods (right). Optimized for clarity and
minimal text overlap.

Template 5: Logical Thinking Diagram

A comprehensive "What-Why-How" research framework based on logical
thinking processes. Includes four levels: What (connotation), Why
(motivation), How (implementation), and Policy Recommendations.
This template is Chinese-only.

Examples

Template 3 Examples

`"thesis_diagram, filename("template3_simple.tex") template(3) title("Modular Research Design") author("Jane Smith") university("Research University") language(english) simple replace"'

Generates Template 3 simplified version in English with centered layout.

`"thesis_diagram, filename("模块化设计.tex") template(3) title("模块化研究设计") author("张三") university("研究大学") language(chinese) simple replace"'

Generates Template 3 simplified version in Chinese with centered layout.

Template 4 Examples

`"thesis_diagram, filename("template4_research.tex") template(4) title("Three-Column Research Framework") author("John Doe") university("University of Example") language(english) replace"'

Generates Template 4 in English with improved layout.

`"thesis_diagram, filename("三栏框架.tex") template(4) title("双碳战略与企业社会责任耦合研究") author("李四") university("示例大学") language(chinese) replace"'

Generates Template 4 in Chinese with improved layout.

Template 5 Examples

`"thesis_diagram, filename("逻辑思路图.tex") template(5) title("双碳战略与企业社会责任耦合机制研究") author("王教授") university("科技大学") language(chinese) replace"'

Generates Template 5 (Chinese-only) with improved layout.

Basic Examples

`"thesis_diagram, filename("my_thesis.tex") template(1) title("My Dissertation Framework") author("Your Name") university("Your University") replace"'

Generates a basic hierarchical framework.

`"thesis_diagram, filename("quick_flowchart.tex") template(2) simple replace"'

Generates a quick simplified flowchart.

Compilation Commands

After generating the LaTeX file, compile it using one of these methods:

For English documents:

pdflatex --interaction=nonstopmode filename.tex

For Chinese documents:

xelatex --interaction=nonstopmode filename.tex

or

lualatex --interaction=nonstopmode filename.tex

Troubleshooting

If you encounter compilation errors:

1. Ensure you have a complete LaTeX distribution installed (TeX Live, MiKTeX, or MacTeX)
2. For Chinese documents, ensure you have the necessary Chinese fonts installed
3. Use the replace option if you need to regenerate the file
4. Check that the generated .tex file does not contain any special characters that might cause issues

Authors

Wu Lianghai, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT)

Email: agd2010@yeah.net

Wu Hanyan, School of Economics and Management,

Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA)

Email: 2325476320@qq.com

Jin Xuening, Anhui University of Technology (AHUT)

Email: 1418924481@qq.com

Version

Version 6.1.8, 09Feb2026

This program is distributed under the MIT License.

For updates and bug reports, contact the authors.

Compilation requires a LaTeX distribution (TeX Live, MiKTeX, etc.).

Chinese language support requires XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX.