Square symbols are commonly used in mathematical and technical documents, but LaTeX does not provide a built-in command for them. To generate these symbols, you need to use specific packages.
Basic Square Symbols with amssymb
The amssymb package enables the \square and \Box commands, allowing you to display empty box symbols in your document.
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\begin{document}
\[ \Box \]
\[ \square \]
\end{document}Output :
Filled Square Symbols with stix
For solid square symbols in various sizes, use the stix package. This package provides commands for different sizes, making it easy to your document’s style.
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{stix}
\begin{document}
\[ \smblksquare \]
\[ \mdblksquare \]
\[ \mdlgblksquare \]
\[ \lgblksquare \]
\end{document}Output :
The stix package provides small, medium, and large black square symbols, useful in mathematical proofs, graphical elements, or UI representations.
Adding Color to Square Symbols
Want to make your squares stand out? LaTeX allows you to customize colors using the color package. You can even define custom colors with HTML codes for consistency.
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{stix}
\definecolor{boxcolor}{HTML}{108f64}
\begin{document}
\[ {\color{red}\smblksquare} \]
% Use HTML color code
\[ {\color{boxcolor}\mdblksquare} \]
\[ {\color{orange}\mdlgblksquare} \]
\[ {\color{violet}\lgblksquare} \]
\end{document}Output :
This approach is particularly useful for highlighting key points, marking checkboxes, or differentiating elements visually.
Unique Square Symbol Styles with stix
Beyond basic filled squares, the stix package includes various styles half-filled, cross-filled, and quadrant-filled symbols. These are especially useful in technical documents, diagrams, or symbolic logic.
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{stix}
\begin{document}
\[ \squarebotblack\quad \squarerightblack\quad \squaretopblack\quad \squareleftblack \]
\[ \squarellblack\quad \squarelrblack\quad \squareulblack\quad \squareurblack \]
\[ \squarecrossfill\quad \squarehvfill\quad \squareneswfill\quad \squarenwsefill \]
\[ \squarellquad\quad \squarelrquad\quad \squareulquad\quad \squareurquad \]
\[ \blackinwhitesquare\quad \squarehfill\quad \squarevfill\quad \boxonbox \]
\end{document}Output :
