Setup Checklist
To follow the workshop you'll need:
- A way to type and compile your LaTeX documents.
You can opt for a local installation of TeX or use the Overleaf service. Before continuing make sure you read bellow to better understand your choice. - A(n existing) paper you've writen in Word or any other WYSIWYG type application that you wish to typeset in LaTeX.
Preferably a semi-complex paper with some figures and references. Documents other then papers, such as reports or thesis, can also be interesting! - Access to this documentation to follow along!
While I make it easy for you to copy and past all the examples in the next sections, you should try and type out the commands we'll be going over. While sections such as the preamble may appear long and descriptive, on the long term they'll be important to get you in the rhythm of typesetting in LaTeX.
Note
While it has its downsides, Overleaf is my recommended way-to-go for beginners.
Overleaf
Overleaf is a web-based LaTeX editor that facilitates the process of typesetting in LaTeX while also providing some quality of life improvements such as real-time collaboration.
Info
Overleaf has somewhat became the standard for collaborating in LaTeX, and many conferences and journals publish their LaTeX templates through Overleaf's (huge) template repository. Nonetheless other, web-based, alternatives such as Papeeria, LaTeX base or CoCalc exist.
While some features are gated behind a subscription model, base functionality is provided in all free accounts.
To follow this course, if you opt for using overleaf, you need to first set up your account at Overleaf.com/register.
Local installation
Depending on your operating system the method for installation vary. You can find a list of recommended distributions maintained by the TeX Users Group here, with TeX Live being one of the most popular ones, available for Linux, MacOS and Windows.
Warning
Be aware that TeX Live distributions are big, 7GB plus, as they include most optional packages.
Read carefully the instructions for your operating system and get to know the requirements.