# \vectorbold

Used in the physics package to typeset vector symbols in bold notation; the starred form selects the alternate bold-italic vector styling path while taking the same argument shape.

https://texform.dev/latex/commands/vectorbold

## Metadata

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Topic | [Physics: vectors](https://texform.dev/latex/topics/physics-vectors) |
| Packages | physics |
| Allowed mode | math |
| Tags | presentation |
| Commonality | low |
| Kind | prefix |

## Syntax

### physics

Argument specification: `s m`

Used in the physics package to typeset vector symbols in bold notation; the starred form selects the alternate bold-italic vector styling path while taking the same argument shape.

## Examples

```latex
\vectorbold x
```

[Open in Playground](https://play.texform.dev/?input=%5Cvectorbold+x)

```latex
\vectorbold*{x+y}
```

[Open in Playground](https://play.texform.dev/?input=%5Cvectorbold*%7Bx%2By%7D)

## Renderer support

| Package | MathJax | KaTeX | XeTeX |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| physics | full | none | full |

## In TeXForm

TeXForm parses this entry as prefix syntax; the package determines its argument specification.

### [physics/vectorbold-to-vb](https://texform.dev/rules/physics/vectorbold-to-vb)

Collapse vectorbold to the short vb helper.

Level: authoring. Fidelity: render.

```latex
\vectorbold{#1}
```

→

```latex
\vb{#1}
```

```latex
\vectorbold{F}=m\vb{a}
```

→

```latex
\vb{F}=m\vb{a}
```

## Equivalent forms

```latex
\mathbf{x}
```

approximate. Standard LaTeX equivalent for non-starred usage

```latex
\boldsymbol{x}
```

approximate. Standard LaTeX equivalent for starred usage

## See also

- [\\vb](https://texform.dev/latex/commands/vb)

## Test cases

### physics

| Input | Case | MathJax | KaTeX | XeTeX |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \vectorbold{a} | Positive: baseline | Pass | Fail | Pass |
| \vectorbold*{a} | Positive: vary:s[0] | Pass | Fail | Pass |
| \vectorbold a | Positive: bare[1] | Pass | Fail | Pass |