How to remove random unwanted space in LaTeX-style maths in matplotlib plot?

LaTeX ignores the spaces you type and uses spacing the way it's done in mathematics texts. When working with matplotlib's LaTeX rendering, you might encounter unwanted spacing that can be controlled using specific commands.

LaTeX Spacing Commands

You can use the following four commands to control spacing in mathematical expressions ?

• \; − thick space
• \: − medium space
• \, − thin space
• \! − negative thin space (reduces spacing)

Removing Unwanted Space

To remove random unwanted space in LaTeX-style maths in matplotlib plots, use \! which creates a negative thin space, effectively reducing extra spacing between mathematical elements.

Example

Let's compare different spacing approaches in a mathematical equation. We'll create two subplots showing the same equation with different spacing commands ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [7.00, 3.50]
plt.rcParams["figure.autolayout"] = True

# Subplot with thick space
plt.subplot(211)
plt.text(0.4, 0.4, r'$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\; \frac{-e^{i\pi}}{2^n}!\left[a^2+\delta ^2- \frac{\pi}{2} \right ]$', 
         fontsize=16, color='r')
plt.title("With thick space (\;)")
plt.axis('off')

# Subplot with negative thin space (reduced spacing)
plt.subplot(212)
plt.text(0.4, 0.4, r'$\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\! \frac{-e^{i\pi}}{2^n}!\left[a^2+\delta ^2- \frac{\pi}{2} \right ]$', 
         fontsize=16, color='r')
plt.title("With negative thin space (\!)")
plt.axis('off')

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Key Points

• Thick space (\;) − Adds extra spacing between elements
• Negative thin space (\!) − Reduces spacing, useful for removing unwanted gaps
• No space command − Uses default LaTeX mathematical spacing
• Combination − You can combine multiple spacing commands for fine control

Common Use Cases

Use \! to reduce spacing in these situations ?

• Between summation symbols and fractions
• Before factorial symbols that appear too far from their operands
• Between consecutive mathematical operators
• When LaTeX's default spacing creates visual gaps in your equations

Conclusion

Use \! (negative thin space) to remove unwanted spacing in matplotlib LaTeX equations. Combine different spacing commands like \;, \:, \,, and \! to achieve the desired mathematical typography in your plots.