PGFPlots Online Without Overleaf: Gaussian and Activation Plots in the Browser
Draw Gaussian densities, sigmoid, ReLU and tanh curves in TikZ Diagram Studio, with rotated math axis labels, then export TikZ or insert a PNG into a research paper — no Overleaf compile.
6 min read · Updated September 2026
You can plot a Gaussian density or activation curves in the browser without Overleaf or a local TeX install. Open TikZ Diagram Studio, switch the left rail to Plots, and place Gaussian, sigmoid, ReLU, tanh or a multi-curve activations template. Axis labels keep real math — y sits rotated on the left, x centered below.
What you get versus writing axis environments
Classic pgfplots wants an axis environment, addplot coordinates, xlabel/ylabel and a compile cycle. The studio stores sampled polylines as a plot node. Export still emits TikZ draw paths plus node labels (rotate=90 for y), so you can paste into a paper that does have PGF. For IhateLaTeX Paper Builder, the figure is a PNG because the WASM engine has no TikZ.
Build a Gaussian or two-curve compare
- Open Plots in the left library and tap Gaussian, or load the Gaussian density / Two Gaussians templates.
- Select the plot and use the inspector to change curve, x label and y label. Math like $\mathcal{N}(x)$ renders with KaTeX in the editor.
- Copy TikZ if your Overleaf project has pgfplots/tikz, or Insert into paper for a PNG figure in Paper Builder.
| Item | Places | Default y-label |
|---|---|---|
| Gaussian | Filled standard normal | N(x) math label |
| Sigmoid | Logistic curve | sigma(x) |
| ReLU | Rectified linear | ReLU(x) |
| Tanh | Hyperbolic tangent | tanh(x) |
| Activations | Three series + legend | f(x) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I make pgfplots without Overleaf?
You can draft Gaussian and activation plots in TikZ Diagram Studio and export TikZ or PNG. Overleaf is optional for the final compile if you need full pgfplots styling.
Why is the y-label rotated?
Publication plots put the dependent-variable name along the y-axis. The studio rotates that label −90° to the left of the axis instead of parking stripped text above the frame.
Does this replace MATLAB or Python plots?
No. It is for schematic paper figures. For data-heavy charts, generate the series elsewhere and redraw, or paste coordinates into Overleaf pgfplots.
Related guides
Put it into practice
IhateLaTeX applies everything in this article automatically: ATS-safe templates, XYZ-bullet scoring, and pixel-perfect LaTeX — free, private, and compiled in your browser.
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