Learn LaTeX
Take your first steps with LaTeX, a document preparation system designed to produce high-quality typeset output.
Introduction
LaTeX can be scary for new users as it is not a word processor, and because it is not a single program. Our aim is to help you get started with LaTeX: the basics, installation, writing code, without trying to show you everything in one go. More on our mission …
How it works
We have taken the most important things you will need to know, and made them into 16 short lessons, which should not take long to cover. In each lesson, we give lots of examples of what you would write. You can edit and run the examples in this website. More on examples …
Lessons
We have included a More on this topic page for each lesson. This extra information is there to support you when you need the detail, but should not get in your way if you don't.
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1 LaTeX basics
What LaTeX is and how it works. -
2 Working with LaTeX
TeX systems and LaTeX text editors. -
3 Document structure
The basic structure of a document. -
4 Logical structure
Structure and visual presentation. -
5 Document classes
Setting the general document layout. -
6 Extending LaTeX
Using packages and definitions. -
7 Using graphics
Appearance and positioning of graphics. -
8 LaTeX tables
Fundamentals of working with tables. -
9 Cross-referencing
Refering to figures, tables, etc. -
10 Mathematics
Math mode and mathematical notation. -
11 Fonts & spacing
Text formatting for visual presentation. -
12 Citations & references
Working with reference databases. -
13 Structuring sources
Spliting up sources in a controlled way. -
14 Fonts & Unicode engines
Selecting fonts and file encoding. -
15 Error handling
Dealing with unexpected behaviors. -
16 Help & documentation
Accessing help and documentation.
Additional lessons
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+ English Language-specifics
Typesetting with LaTeX in English. -
+ LaTeX Showcase
Examples for further study.
Going further
Getting a book about LaTeX is the best way to learn the details. We cover getting more information, along with book recommendations, in the last lesson.