LaTeX: Figures - Side-by-Side Subfigures

Document 1

Side-by-Side Subfigures

LaTeX Source Ready

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{subcaption}

\begin{document}

\section{Maxwell's Vector Fields: Flux and Circulation}

Maxwell's equations in vacuum illustrate the dual nature of vector fields through differential divergence and curl operations:

\begin{figure}[htbp]
    \centering
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.48\textwidth}
        \centering
        \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{gauss_flux.png}
        \caption{Outward flux: $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{E} = \frac{\rho}{\varepsilon_0}$}
        \label{subfig:flux}
    \end{subfigure}
    \hfill
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.48\textwidth}
        \centering
        \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{curl_field.png}
        \caption{Vortical circulation: $\nabla \times \mathbf{B} = \mu_0 \mathbf{J}$}
        \label{subfig:curl}
    \end{subfigure}
    \caption{Topological comparison of fundamental vector fields in electrodynamics.}
    \label{fig:maxwell_duality}
\end{figure}

As shown in Figure~\ref{subfig:flux}, the divergence represents net flux exiting an infinitesimal volume, while Figure~\ref{subfig:curl} shows line integrals circulating around closed loops following Stokes' theorem.

\end{document}

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Formulation Guide

Include subcaption package: \usepackage{subcaption}
Nest \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.48\textwidth} ... \end{subfigure} within figure
Insert horizontal spacing: \hfill
Label individual panels: \label{subfig:flux} for sub-references

The modern subcaption package provides the subfigure environment. Multiple subfigures are placed horizontally using width fractions (e.g., 0.48\textwidth) and separated by \hfill. Each subfigure receives an automatic letter index (a, b) and its own caption.

Document 2

Side-by-Side Subfigures

.tex

LaTeX Source Ready

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{subcaption}

\begin{document}

\section{Coupled Oscillators: Normal Modes of Vibration}

For two identical masses $m$ coupled by three springs of stiffness $k$, the equations of motion in generalized displacement coordinates $(x_1, x_2)$ are:
\begin{align}
    m\ddot{x}_1 &= -2kx_1 + kx_2 \
    m\ddot{x}_2 &= kx_1 - 2kx_2
\end{align}

\begin{figure}[htbp]
    \centering
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.45\textwidth}
        \centering
        \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{fig2.png}
        \caption{Symmetric mode: $\omega_1 = \sqrt{k/m}$}
        \label{subfig:mode1}
    \end{subfigure}
    \hfill
    \begin{subfigure}[b]{0.45\textwidth}
        \centering
        \includegraphics[width=\linewidth]{fig3.png}
        \caption{Anti-symmetric mode: $\omega_2 = \sqrt{3k/m}$}
        \label{subfig:mode2}
    \end{subfigure}
    \caption{Normal modes of vibration for a coupled symmetric mechanical system.}
    \label{fig:normal_modes}
\end{figure}

In the symmetric mode shown in Figure~\ref{subfig:mode1}, the coupling spring is unstretched ($x_1 = x_2$). In the anti-symmetric mode (Figure~\ref{subfig:mode2}), the masses move in exact anti-phase ($x_1 = -x_2$).

\end{document}

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Formulation Guide

Decompose multi-degree-of-freedom vibrations into eigenmodes
Present mode shapes in adjacent subfigures with independent labels
Cross-reference specific vibration modes in technical prose

Subfigures allow clear scientific comparisons between paired states, such as normal modes, phase-portrait bifurcations, or before/after experimental measurements.

LaTeX 8.4 Side-by-Side Subfigures

Side-by-Side Subfigures

Rendered Output Preview

Formulation Guide

Side-by-Side Subfigures

Rendered Output Preview

Formulation Guide