- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Research Guides
- LaTeX Guide
- Getting Started
LaTeX Guide : Getting Started
This guide includes links to software, tutorials, and templates to get you started using LaTeX typesetting and citing souces with BibTeX.
Guides for beginners
Online tutorials
- Learn LaTeX in 30 minutesAn introductory tutorial from Overleaf that assumes no prior knowledge of LaTeX.
- Learn LaTeX16 beginner-level tutorials covering a variety of common tasks, from structuring a document to formatting citations and references.
- ShareLaTeXVideo tutorials covering LaTeX basics, a "how to write a thesis in LaTeX" series, and more.
- Getting to Grips with LaTeXTutorials for some common tasks in LaTeX, including images, captions, tables, and math.
Ebooks
Selected ebooks that provide a good introduction to LaTeX typesetting. Many more can be found using the Library Catalog.
LaTex Beginner's Guide by With the help of fully explained examples, this book offers a practical introduction to LaTeX with plenty of step-by-step examples.
The LaTeX Companion by Call Number: Z253.4 L38 G66 2004The LaTeX Companion has long been the essential resource for anyone using LaTeX to create high-quality printed documents. Available online or at Steenbock Library.
More Math into LaTeX by For over two decades, this comprehensive manual has been the standard introduction and complete reference for writing articles and books containing mathematical formulas.
Choosing a LaTeX editor
LaTeX files can be edited with any text editor you like. However, it can help to use a specialized editor that provides extra features useful for working with LaTeX, such as command completion, parenthesis matching, and compiling the document or a preview in the background. There are now many options for editing LaTeX beyond a basic text editor, including several that offer a graphical user interface.
- Comparison of TeX editorsQuickly compare features of many (La)TeX editors. From Wikipedia.
Editors
Below are links to a variety of LaTeX editors. Many more exist and most are free or open source, so try another if one lacks features you are looking for.
- OverleafProvides a LaTeX editor, real-time collaboration, and the fully compiled output is produced automatically in the background as you type. Math Department affiliates get the professional license when using Overleaf; a UW-Madison dissertation template is available.
- LyXProvides a graphical user interface for LaTeX, with an emphasis on document structure rather than appearance. Works with Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- TexWorksA graphical user interface for TeX and LaTeX. Works with Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- TeXstudioAn editor for LaTeX that includes syntax-highlighting and reference checking, among other features. Works with Linux, Windows, and Mac.
- KileWorks best in Linux, but there are versions for Windows and Mac.
Additional LaTeX resources
- r/LaTeXSubreddit for LaTeX users of all levels. Tips, tricks, and answers to questions.
- LaTeX DocumentationDocumentation and guides from the LaTeX team.
- LaTeX:PackagesInformation about a few common LaTeX packages, plus instructions on how to make your own package.
- How to install LaTeX for VS Code on WindowsStep by step directions for getting Visual Studio Code set up to work with LaTeX.
- DetexifyDraw the symbol you need, get the LaTeX command and information on any required packages for that symbol.