The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX
This guide covers seven core topics, from document basics and mathematical formulae to bibliographies, graphics, and custom layouts.
Read the chapters in order, or use them as a reference after the beginner’s guide. Each chapter includes copyable examples, with rendered output where the layout matters.
Use XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX to compile the examples, unless a section specifies one of them. See How to Use This Guide for the document skeleton and compilation instructions.
This guide is adapted from The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX by Tobias Oetiker, Marcin Serwin, Hubert Partl, Irene Hyna, Elisabeth Schlegl, and contributors. The adapted text is distributed under GPL-3.0-or-later. See Sources and Licence for attribution, the licence, source files, and the scope of the adaptation.
0. How to Use This Guide
Choose a compiler, run complete documents and code fragments, and learn how to read errors.
1. LaTeX Basics
Understand TeX and LaTeX, write a source file, compile it, and separate content from presentation.
2. Real World LaTeX
Typeset text, languages, lists, code, tables, images, and documents spread over several files.
3. Typesetting Mathematical Formulae
Use Unicode mathematics, aligned equations, units, matrices, theorem environments, and appropriate mathematical spacing.
4. Bibliographies
Create a small manual bibliography or manage a reusable .bib database with biblatex and Biber.
5. Specialities
Build an index, manage packages, create PDF links and bookmarks, and prepare Beamer presentations.
6. Graphics in Your Document
Draw paths, shapes, labelled nodes, reusable pictures, and coordinate-based diagrams with TikZ.
7. Customising LaTeX
Define commands and environments, choose fonts and colours, and control spacing, page layout, headers, and boxes.
B. Older Syntax and Modern Alternatives
Recognise older LaTeX constructs and choose modern alternatives without breaking existing templates.
Sources and Licence
Original authors, edition, chapter mapping, adaptation notes, GPL licence, and downloadable source.