create-visualization

Visualization Skill

Create diagrams and animations for explaining STEM concepts

Quick Decision

Need	Tool	Script
Physics FBD	Matplotlib	scripts/physics_fbd.py
Math plots/geometry	Matplotlib	scripts/math_plots.py
Flowcharts	Matplotlib	scripts/flowchart.py
Animations (3b1b style)	Manim	scripts/manim_physics.py

Rule: Static → Matplotlib (fast) | Motion/transform → Manim (powerful)

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1. Physics: Free Body Diagrams

from scripts.physics_fbd import draw_inclined_plane_fbd, draw_two_blocks_rope

# Inclined plane with force decomposition
draw_inclined_plane_fbd(mass=4, angle=30, show_components=True)

# Two blocks connected by rope
draw_two_blocks_rope(mass_A=2, mass_B=3, F_pull=10)

Output: PNG in learning-notes/ folder

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2. Math: Plots & Geometry

from scripts.math_plots import plot_function, draw_unit_circle, draw_coordinate_plane
import numpy as np

# Function plot
plot_function(lambda x: np.sin(x), x_range=(-2*np.pi, 2*np.pi), title="sin(x)")

# Unit circle with angles
draw_unit_circle(angles_deg=[0, 30, 45, 60, 90])

# Coordinate plane with vectors
draw_coordinate_plane(
    vectors=[((0,0), (3,2), "a", "red"), ((0,0), (1,4), "b", "blue")]
)

---

3. Flowcharts

from scripts.flowchart import draw_simple_flowchart, draw_decision_flowchart

# Linear flow
draw_simple_flowchart([
    ("Start", "start"),
    ("Input x", "io"),
    ("Process", "process"),
    ("End", "end"),
])

# Decision branching
draw_decision_flowchart(
    before_decision=[("Start", "start")],
    decision_text="x > 0?",
    yes_branch=[("Positive", "process")],
    no_branch=[("Negative", "process")],
    after_merge=[("End", "end")]
)

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4. Animations (Manim)

For 3Blue1Brown-style animations. See references/manim-guide.md for full guide.

Available Scenes in scripts/manim_physics.py

Scene	Description
VectorAddition	Head-to-tail vector addition
ForcesOnBox	FBD with motion
NewtonThirdLaw	Action-reaction pairs
InclinedPlane	Forces on incline with equations
ProjectileMotion	Parabolic path with velocity vectors
CircularMotion	Centripetal acceleration
AtwoodIncline	Pulley system (customizable m1, m2, θ)

Render Command

# Preview (low quality, fast)
manim -pql scripts/manim_physics.py VectorAddition

# GIF output
manim -ql --format=gif scripts/manim_physics.py VectorAddition

Custom Animation

from manim import *

class MyScene(Scene):
    def construct(self):
        circle = Circle(color=BLUE)
        self.play(Create(circle))
        self.play(circle.animate.shift(RIGHT * 2))

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5. Function Explainer Visualization

Create illustrations explaining how Excel/DAX/Power Query functions work

Quick Start

# 1. Generate visualization
python3 tools/visualize_function.py excel left 1

# 2. Upload to server (--mkdir creates directory if needed)
python3 tools/ftp_upload.py -f media/function-viz/excel/left-1.png -r wp-content/uploads/function-viz/excel/ --mkdir

# 3. Add image_url to JSON example, then publish
python3 tools/smart_publish.py --slugs left --program excel --allow

Output: media/function-viz/{program}/{slug}-{example_number}.png Server: https://www.thepexcel.com/wp-content/uploads/function-viz/{program}/{slug}-{example}.png

Supported Functions

Function	Description
LEFT	Extract characters from the left
RIGHT	Extract characters from the right
MID	Extract characters from the middle
FIND	Find text position
SUBSTITUTE	Replace text

Workflow

1. Generate — python3 tools/visualize_function.py {program} {slug} {example_num}
2. Upload — python3 tools/ftp_upload.py -f {file} -r wp-content/uploads/function-viz/{program}/ --mkdir
3. Update JSON — add "image_url": "https://..." in example
4. Publish — python3 tools/smart_publish.py --slugs {slug} --program {program} --allow

Custom Visualization (Nested Functions)

for complex formulas such as =LEFT(A1, FIND(" ", A1)-1) a separate script must be written:

# ดูตัวอย่างที่ media/function-viz/excel/left-5-custom.py

Note: The main script supports only simple formulas with string literals.

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Workflow

1. Choose tool — Static (Matplotlib) vs Animation (Manim)
2. Run script — python3 scripts/physics_fbd.py or manim -pql ...
3. View output — explorer.exe output.png or use image viewer

Tip: Use run_in_background=true for viewers to avoid blocking conversation.

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Related Skills

• /explain-concepts — Visualize concepts being taught
• /thepexcel-brand-guidelines — Brand-themed visualizations
• /pptx — Embed visualizations in presentations