LaTeX Tutorial Notes

Introduction to LaTeX

• LaTeX is a typesetting system used for creating professional-looking documents, particularly in academia and scientific publishing.
• Focuses on content rather than appearance.
• Instructor: Michelle Crummell, experienced teacher with multiple mathematics degrees.

Getting Started with LaTeX

• LaTeX is a markup language for consistent document formatting, especially for mathematical notation.
• Common uses include papers, tests, quizzes, homework assignments, slide presentations, and letters of recommendation.

Advantages of LaTeX

• Cross-platform compatibility.
• Backwards compatible.
• Produces small PDF files that can be opened on any device.
• Free, open-source, and highly customizable.

Working Online vs Offline

• Online (e.g., Overleaf):
  • No software installation or updates needed.
  • Allows real-time collaboration.
• Offline:
  • Full control over file organization.
  • No internet connection required.

Using Overleaf

1. Create an account on Overleaf.
2. Log in to create or manage projects.
3. Click "Create New Project" > "Blank Project".
4. Name your project (e.g., "Tutorial 1").

Basic Document Structure in Overleaf

• The project structure consists of:
  • File Structure Panel: Displays your project files.
  • Code Editor Panel: Where you write your LaTeX code.
  • PDF Output Panel: Displays the compiled document.

Compiling Documents

• To see changes, you must click "Recompile" after editing the code.
• The output will not update automatically; you need to compile for changes to appear.

Basic LaTeX Code

• Document Class: \documentclass[11pt]{article}
• Beginning and Ending Document: \begin{document} and \end{document}.
• Example: \documentclass[11pt]{article} \begin{document} Hello, this is my first LaTeX document. \end{document}

Essential Commands

• Document Class:
  • \documentclass{type} (e.g., article, report).
• Sections:
  • Use \section{Title} for sections and \subsection{Title} for subsections.

Math Mode

• Enter Math Mode with $...$ for inline math, or \[...\] for display math.
• Commands for common math symbols (e.g., \frac{...}{...}, \sqrt{...}, \int, \sum).

Formatting and Customization

• Font Styles:
  • \textbf{...} for bold, \textit{...} for italics.
• Font Sizes:
  • Use commands like \large, \small, \footnotesize.
• Justification:
  • Use \begin{center}...\end{center}, \begin{flushleft}...\end{flushleft}, or \begin{flushright}...\end{flushright}.

Including Packages

• Packages extend LaTeX capabilities. E.g., \usepackage{geometry} for margin adjustments.
• Always load packages in the preamble before \begin{document}.

Debugging in LaTeX

• Common errors include:
  • Missing $ for Math Mode.
  • Unmatched braces {} or parentheses ().
  • Ensure all \begin{...} commands have a matching \end{...}.
• Use line numbers and error messages to troubleshoot.
• Comment out sections of code to isolate errors.

Using Tech Maker vs. Overleaf

• Tech Maker:
  • Local installation, integrates with local file system.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., F1 to compile).
• Overleaf:
  • Cloud-based, easy to share and collaborate.
  • Requires internet connection; use link sharing for collaboration.

Tips for Tech Maker User Interface

• Use the structure panel to manage files.
• Utilize the symbol menu for easy insertion of common symbols.
• Adjust preferences for margin sizes and editor functions.
• Use user tags for frequently used snippets of code.

Conclusion

• LaTeX is a powerful tool for typesetting documents, especially in academic settings. Familiarize yourself with the basics, practice formatting, and utilize resources and packages to enhance your documents.