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Circled numbers in text

Martin Tapankov asked on TeX.SX:

 
What is a good way to make circled numbers in text?
 

I’m trying to make some good-looking numbers in a circle, using the simple command:

\textcircled{1}

However, the circle is misaligned vertically with the number, and look a bit sloppy:

Any suggestions how can I adjust the vertical alignment so that the numbers look more centered w.r.t to the circles? Or, if that’s not an option, what other ways to achieve the same results are possible?

I will use those only for numbers, and in very few places, so manual adjustment per glyph is an option.

I’m using pdfLaTeX with Computer Modern, if that matters.

Answer:

Here’s a TikZ solution:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{tikz}
\newcommand*\circled[1]{\tikz[baseline=(char.base)]{
  \node[shape=circle,draw,inner sep=2pt] (char) {#1};}}
\begin{document}
  Numbers aligned with the text:
  \circled{1} \circled{2} \circled{3} end.
\end{document}

It’s just a node. TikZ options are used to align the base line, to adjust the size and to get the circle shape. You’re free to choose further options regarding size or circle thickness (option thick). There’s more: for example you could even name the nodes by another argument to connect them by arrows later.

If one like to use it for an enumerated list, for example, it’s easy but has to be protected:

\usepackage{enumitem}
...
\begin{enumerate}[label=\protect\circled{\arabic*}]
  \item First item
  \item Second item
  \item Third item
  \item Fourth item
\end{enumerate}

13. December 2010 by stefan
Categories: Fonts and Symbols, Graphics, pgf/TikZ, Questions & Answers, TeX.SX, TikZ | 3 comments