Article Illustrator

Analyze articles, identify illustration positions, generate images with Type × Style consistency.

Two Dimensions

Type × Style can be freely combined. Example: --type infographic --style blueprint

Type Gallery

Style Gallery

Full styles: references/styles.md

Auto Selection

Workflow

Copy this checklist and track progress:

Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Pre-check
- [ ] Step 2: Setup & Analyze
- [ ] Step 3: Confirm Settings ⚠️ REQUIRED
- [ ] Step 4: Generate Outline
- [ ] Step 5: Generate Images
- [ ] Step 6: Finalize

Step 1: Pre-check

1.1 Determine Input Type

1.2 Determine Output Directory (file path input only)

Check default_output_dir in preferences:

AskUserQuestion (when no preference):

• •{article-dir}/ - Same directory as article
• •{article-dir}/imgs/ - Images subdirectory
• •{article-dir}/illustrations/ - Illustrations subdirectory (Recommended)
• •illustrations/{topic-slug}/ - Independent directory
• •Save as default - Remember this choice for future runs

1.3 Check Existing Images

Scan target directory for .png/.jpg/.webp files.

If images exist → AskUserQuestion: How to handle?

• •supplement - Keep existing, generate only new positions
• •overwrite - Overwrite same-name files
• •regenerate - Clear all and regenerate

1.4 Confirm Article Update Method (file path input only)

AskUserQuestion: How to update article?

• •update - Modify original file directly
• •copy - Create {name}-illustrated.md copy

1.5 Load Preferences (EXTEND.md)

test -f .baoyu-skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/EXTEND.md && echo "project"
test -f "$HOME/.baoyu-skills/baoyu-article-illustrator/EXTEND.md" && echo "user"

Supports: Watermark | Preferred type/style | Custom styles | Language | Output directory

Step 2: Setup & Analyze

2.1 Analyze Content

2.2 Extract Core Arguments

• •Main thesis
• •Key concepts reader needs
• •Comparisons/contrasts
• •Framework/model proposed

CRITICAL: If article uses metaphors (e.g., "电锯切西瓜"), do NOT illustrate literally. Visualize the underlying concept.

2.3 Identify Positions

Illustrate:

• •Core arguments (REQUIRED)
• •Abstract concepts
• •Data comparisons
• •Processes, workflows

Do NOT Illustrate:

• •Metaphors literally
• •Decorative scenes
• •Generic illustrations

Step 3: Confirm Settings ⚠️

Do NOT skip. Use AskUserQuestion with 3-4 questions in ONE call.

Q1: Illustration Type

• •[Recommended based on analysis] (Recommended)
• •infographic / scene / flowchart / comparison / framework / timeline / mixed

Q2: Density

• •minimal (1-2) - Core concepts only
• •balanced (3-5) (Recommended) - Major sections
• •rich (6+) - Comprehensive support

Q3: Style (ALWAYS ask, even with preferred_style in EXTEND.md)

If EXTEND.md has preferred_style:

• •[Custom style name + brief description] (Recommended)
• •[Top compatible built-in style 1]
• •[Top compatible built-in style 2]
• •[Top compatible built-in style 3]

If no preferred_style:

• •[Best compatible from matrix] (Recommended)
• •[Other ✓✓ style 1]
• •[Other ✓✓ style 2]
• •[Other ✓ style]

Style selection based on Type × Style compatibility matrix (references/styles.md). Full specs: references/styles/<style>.md

Q4 (only if source ≠ user language):

• •Language: Source / User language

Step 4: Generate Outline

Save as outline.md:

---
type: infographic
density: balanced
style: blueprint
image_count: 4
---

## Illustration 1

**Position**: [section] / [paragraph]
**Purpose**: [why this helps]
**Visual Content**: [what to show]
**Type Application**: [how type applies]
**Filename**: 01-infographic-concept-name.png

## Illustration 2
...

Requirements:

• •Each position justified by content needs
• •Type applied consistently
• •Style reflected in descriptions
• •Count matches density

Step 5: Generate Images

5.1 Create Prompts

Follow references/prompt-construction.md. Save to prompts/illustration-{slug}.md.

5.2 Select Generation Skill

Check available skills. If multiple, ask user.

5.3 Apply Watermark (if enabled)

Add: Include a subtle watermark "[content]" at [position].

5.4 Generate

1. •Generate sequentially
2. •After each: "Generated X/N"
3. •On failure: retry once, then log and continue

Step 6: Finalize

6.1 Update Article

Insert after corresponding paragraph:

![description](illustrations/{slug}/NN-{type}-{slug}.png)

Alt text: concise description in article's language.

6.2 Output Summary

Article Illustration Complete!

Article: [path]
Type: [type] | Density: [level] | Style: [style]
Location: [directory]
Images: X/N generated

Positions:
- 01-xxx.png → After "[Section]"
- 02-yyy.png → After "[Section]"

[If failures]
Failed:
- NN-zzz.png: [reason]

Output Directory

illustrations/{topic-slug}/
├── source-{slug}.{ext}
├── outline.md
├── prompts/
│   └── illustration-{slug}.md
└── NN-{type}-{slug}.png

Slug: 2-4 word topic in kebab-case. Conflict: Append -YYYYMMDD-HHMMSS if exists.

Modification

References

Extension Support

Custom configurations via EXTEND.md. See Step 1.5 for paths and supported options.