Getting Started
Text Formatting
Mathematical Expressions
Document Structure
Page Layout
Errors & Troubleshooting
LaTeX for Beginners
Welcome to LaTeX! This step-by-step guide will take you from zero to writing your first professional document. No prior experience required.
The fastest way to get started is using an online editor like Underleaf - no installation needed. Just create an account and start writing!
Need Help Writing LaTeX?
Underleaf uses AI to help you write LaTeX faster. Describe what you need in plain English, convert images to LaTeX, or get instant help fixing errors.
Try Underleaf Free
Step 1: Understanding the Basics
LaTeX documents are written in plain text with special commands that tell LaTeX how to format your document. Commands start with a backslash (\).
Command Example
\ extbf{bold text}Makes text bold
Environment Example
\egin{center}...\end{center}Centers content between begin/end
Step 2: Your First Document
Every LaTeX document has two parts: the preamble (settings) and the body (content). Here's the simplest possible document:
What each line does:
\documentclass{article}- Tells LaTeX this is an article (other options: report, book, letter)\begin{document}- Marks where your content starts\end{document}- Marks where your content ends
Step 3: Adding a Title
Add title information in the preamble and generate it in the document:
The \today command automatically inserts the current date.
Step 4: Sections and Structure
Organize your document with sections. LaTeX automatically numbers them:
Output hierarchy:
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Details
2 Methods
Step 5: Basic Text Formatting
Here are the most common formatting commands:
Bold text
Italic text
Underlined text
Typewriter font
Step 6: Writing Math Equations
One of LaTeX's greatest strengths is mathematical typesetting. Use $...$ for inline math and \[...\] for displayed equations:
Inline Math
Output: The equation E = mc² changed physics forever.
Display Math
Step 7: Creating Lists
Bullet Points
Numbered List
Step 8: Adding Packages
Packages extend LaTeX's capabilities. Add them in the preamble with \usepackage:
Essential Packages for Beginners:
amsmath- Essential for math equationsgraphicx- Include imageshyperref- Clickable links and referencesgeometry- Control page marginsbooktabs- Professional tables
Complete Starter Document
Here's a complete document template to get you started:
Common Beginner Mistakes
Missing closing braces
\ extbf{bold→
\ extbf{bold}Forgetting to escape special characters
50% complete→
50\% completeUsing wrong quotes
"quoted text"→
``quoted text''Special characters that need escaping:
# $ % ^ & _ {} ~ \Next Steps
Now that you know the basics, explore these topics to level up:
Quick Reference Card
Text Commands
Math Commands
Practice makes perfect! Start with simple documents and gradually add complexity. Don't try to learn everything at once.
LaTeX for Beginners
Welcome to LaTeX! This step-by-step guide will take you from zero to writing your first professional document. No prior experience required.
The fastest way to get started is using an online editor like Underleaf - no installation needed. Just create an account and start writing!
Need Help Writing LaTeX?
Underleaf uses AI to help you write LaTeX faster. Describe what you need in plain English, convert images to LaTeX, or get instant help fixing errors.
Try Underleaf Free
Step 1: Understanding the Basics
LaTeX documents are written in plain text with special commands that tell LaTeX how to format your document. Commands start with a backslash (\).
Command Example
\ extbf{bold text}Makes text bold
Environment Example
\egin{center}...\end{center}Centers content between begin/end
Step 2: Your First Document
Every LaTeX document has two parts: the preamble (settings) and the body (content). Here's the simplest possible document:
What each line does:
\documentclass{article}- Tells LaTeX this is an article (other options: report, book, letter)\begin{document}- Marks where your content starts\end{document}- Marks where your content ends
Step 3: Adding a Title
Add title information in the preamble and generate it in the document:
The \today command automatically inserts the current date.
Step 4: Sections and Structure
Organize your document with sections. LaTeX automatically numbers them:
Output hierarchy:
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Details
2 Methods
Step 5: Basic Text Formatting
Here are the most common formatting commands:
Bold text
Italic text
Underlined text
Typewriter font
Step 6: Writing Math Equations
One of LaTeX's greatest strengths is mathematical typesetting. Use $...$ for inline math and \[...\] for displayed equations:
Inline Math
Output: The equation E = mc² changed physics forever.
Display Math
Step 7: Creating Lists
Bullet Points
Numbered List
Step 8: Adding Packages
Packages extend LaTeX's capabilities. Add them in the preamble with \usepackage:
Essential Packages for Beginners:
amsmath- Essential for math equationsgraphicx- Include imageshyperref- Clickable links and referencesgeometry- Control page marginsbooktabs- Professional tables
Complete Starter Document
Here's a complete document template to get you started:
Common Beginner Mistakes
Missing closing braces
\ extbf{bold→
\ extbf{bold}Forgetting to escape special characters
50% complete→
50\% completeUsing wrong quotes
"quoted text"→
``quoted text''Special characters that need escaping:
# $ % ^ & _ {} ~ \Next Steps
Now that you know the basics, explore these topics to level up:
Quick Reference Card
Text Commands
Math Commands
Practice makes perfect! Start with simple documents and gradually add complexity. Don't try to learn everything at once.
Getting Started
Text Formatting
Mathematical Expressions
Document Structure
Page Layout
Errors & Troubleshooting