streamlined workflow for Latex annotation within R plots

[Mauricio Calvao]

Hi there,

I have use a bit tikzDevice within RStudio, but somehow my current workflow doesn't feel as streamlined as it should.
I explain the steps I use to take to generate a satisfying figure for publication-quality with Latex high font standards (instead of poor default R ones).

(1) I first rehearse the commands for the Latex-annotated plot I want, within R, saving it under a variable called, e.g., ltx.plot

(2) I print it to a plot window (or rather the plots panel of RStudio)

(3) if that seems satisfactory, only then do I call tikz command to open the corresponding device and generate the .tex file

In fact, I would like, if possible, to see the real pdf file (with all the glorious Latex fonts) from within RStudio itself; is that possible?

I really do not understand why the interaction between R plots and Latex annotation cannot be made more direct and streamlined, including this interactive online visualization.
Just look, as an inspiration, at matplotlib seamless use of Latex expressions, within, for instance, ipython (Jupyter) notebook or qtconsole or even in a barebones python console!

Regards