Getting Started
Text Formatting
Mathematical Expressions
Document Structure
What is LaTeX?
LaTeX (pronounced "LAY-tek" or "LAH-tek") is a document preparation system and markup language used for creating high-quality typeset documents. It's the gold standard for academic and scientific writing, particularly for documents containing complex mathematical equations.
LaTeX in a Nutshell
Unlike word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs where you see your document as you type (WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get), LaTeX uses a different approach. You write plain text with special commands, then compile it to produce a beautifully formatted PDF document.
You write this:
$x = \ rac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$And LaTeX produces this beautiful equation:
A Brief History
LaTeX was created by Leslie Lamport in the 1980s as a set of macros built on top of TeX, a typesetting system developed by Donald Knuth. Knuth created TeX because he was dissatisfied with the quality of typesetting in his books. Today, LaTeX is maintained by the LaTeX Project and remains the de facto standard for academic publishing.
Why Use LaTeX?
Professional Quality
LaTeX produces publication-ready documents with superior typography, consistent formatting, and professional layouts.
Mathematical Typesetting
No other system comes close to LaTeX's ability to render complex mathematical equations beautifully.
Version Control Friendly
Since LaTeX files are plain text, they work perfectly with Git and other version control systems for collaboration.
Automatic Formatting
LaTeX handles numbering, cross-references, table of contents, and bibliographies automatically.
LaTeX vs Word Processors
| Feature | LaTeX | Word Processors |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Equations | Excellent | Limited |
| Learning Curve | Steeper | Easier |
| Typography Quality | Professional | Variable |
| Large Documents | Excellent | Can struggle |
| Collaboration (Track Changes) | Via Git | Built-in |
| Academic Journals | Widely accepted | Sometimes accepted |
Who Uses LaTeX?
- Academics and Researchers - For writing papers, theses, and dissertations
- Scientists and Engineers - For technical documentation with equations
- Publishers - Many academic journals require LaTeX submissions
- Students - For homework, lab reports, and academic projects
- Professionals - For creating polished resumes, presentations, and reports
Basic LaTeX Document Structure
Every LaTeX document follows a basic structure with a preamble and a body:
\documentclass{article} % Document type
% Preamble: packages and settings go here
\usepackage{amsmath} % For advanced math
\title{My First Document}
\author{Your Name}
\begin{document} % Start of content
\maketitle % Generate title
\section{Introduction}
This is my first LaTeX document!
\section{Math Example}
The Pythagorean theorem: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$
\end{document} % End of contentGetting Started with LaTeX
There are two main ways to use LaTeX:
Online Editors
The easiest way to start. No installation required.
- Overleaf (most popular)
- Underleaf (AI-powered assistance)
- CoCalc
Local Installation
Full control and offline access.
- TeX Live (cross-platform)
- MiKTeX (Windows)
- MacTeX (macOS)
Struggling with LaTeX Syntax?
Underleaf's AI can write LaTeX for you. Describe equations in plain English, convert handwritten notes or images to LaTeX, and get instant error fixes.
Try Underleaf Free
Ready to Learn More?
Now that you understand what LaTeX is, start with our beginner guide to write your first document.
LaTeX for Beginners Guide
Common Misconceptions
"LaTeX is only for math"
While LaTeX excels at math, it's excellent for any professional document including resumes, books, and letters.
"LaTeX is outdated"
LaTeX is actively maintained and widely used. Modern tools like Overleaf have made it more accessible than ever.
"You need to be a programmer"
While LaTeX uses markup, it's not programming. Most users learn the basics within hours.
LaTeX is free and open-source software. You can use it without any cost for personal, academic, or commercial purposes.
What is LaTeX?
LaTeX (pronounced "LAY-tek" or "LAH-tek") is a document preparation system and markup language used for creating high-quality typeset documents. It's the gold standard for academic and scientific writing, particularly for documents containing complex mathematical equations.
LaTeX in a Nutshell
Unlike word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs where you see your document as you type (WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get), LaTeX uses a different approach. You write plain text with special commands, then compile it to produce a beautifully formatted PDF document.
You write this:
$x = \ rac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$And LaTeX produces this beautiful equation:
A Brief History
LaTeX was created by Leslie Lamport in the 1980s as a set of macros built on top of TeX, a typesetting system developed by Donald Knuth. Knuth created TeX because he was dissatisfied with the quality of typesetting in his books. Today, LaTeX is maintained by the LaTeX Project and remains the de facto standard for academic publishing.
Why Use LaTeX?
Professional Quality
LaTeX produces publication-ready documents with superior typography, consistent formatting, and professional layouts.
Mathematical Typesetting
No other system comes close to LaTeX's ability to render complex mathematical equations beautifully.
Version Control Friendly
Since LaTeX files are plain text, they work perfectly with Git and other version control systems for collaboration.
Automatic Formatting
LaTeX handles numbering, cross-references, table of contents, and bibliographies automatically.
LaTeX vs Word Processors
| Feature | LaTeX | Word Processors |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Equations | Excellent | Limited |
| Learning Curve | Steeper | Easier |
| Typography Quality | Professional | Variable |
| Large Documents | Excellent | Can struggle |
| Collaboration (Track Changes) | Via Git | Built-in |
| Academic Journals | Widely accepted | Sometimes accepted |
Who Uses LaTeX?
- Academics and Researchers - For writing papers, theses, and dissertations
- Scientists and Engineers - For technical documentation with equations
- Publishers - Many academic journals require LaTeX submissions
- Students - For homework, lab reports, and academic projects
- Professionals - For creating polished resumes, presentations, and reports
Basic LaTeX Document Structure
Every LaTeX document follows a basic structure with a preamble and a body:
\documentclass{article} % Document type
% Preamble: packages and settings go here
\usepackage{amsmath} % For advanced math
\title{My First Document}
\author{Your Name}
\begin{document} % Start of content
\maketitle % Generate title
\section{Introduction}
This is my first LaTeX document!
\section{Math Example}
The Pythagorean theorem: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$
\end{document} % End of contentGetting Started with LaTeX
There are two main ways to use LaTeX:
Online Editors
The easiest way to start. No installation required.
- Overleaf (most popular)
- Underleaf (AI-powered assistance)
- CoCalc
Local Installation
Full control and offline access.
- TeX Live (cross-platform)
- MiKTeX (Windows)
- MacTeX (macOS)
Struggling with LaTeX Syntax?
Underleaf's AI can write LaTeX for you. Describe equations in plain English, convert handwritten notes or images to LaTeX, and get instant error fixes.
Try Underleaf Free
Ready to Learn More?
Now that you understand what LaTeX is, start with our beginner guide to write your first document.
LaTeX for Beginners Guide
Common Misconceptions
"LaTeX is only for math"
While LaTeX excels at math, it's excellent for any professional document including resumes, books, and letters.
"LaTeX is outdated"
LaTeX is actively maintained and widely used. Modern tools like Overleaf have made it more accessible than ever.
"You need to be a programmer"
While LaTeX uses markup, it's not programming. Most users learn the basics within hours.
LaTeX is free and open-source software. You can use it without any cost for personal, academic, or commercial purposes.
Getting Started
Text Formatting
Mathematical Expressions
Document Structure