LaTeX
Science and Engineering Librarian
740 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
Helpful Resources
- Learn LaTeXLearn LaTeX provides a series of lessons covering many of the basic features and functions of LaTeX for beginners.
- Comprehensive TeX Archive NetworkThe Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN) is home to a variety of materials for LaTeX, including announcements, help getting started, and packages (see Installing Packages box).
What is LaTeX?
LaTeX is a typesetting software, commonly used in the preparation of technical documents. Due to its ability to handle chemical and mathematical notation well, it is frequently used in many science and engineering fields.
Downloading a "Distribution"
In order to get started with LaTeX, you will need to download a set of software called a "distribution." Different distributions have been created based on the computer system you are using. See below for different options.
- MiKTeX Distribution DownloadMiKTeX is a common distribution for Windows systems.
- MacTeX Distribution DownloadMacTeX is a common distribution for Mac systems.
- TeX Live Distribution DownloadTeX Live is a common distribution for Linux/Unix-Like systems.
Don't want to download a distribution? No problem! You can create and edit LaTeX projects online using Overleaf (see Overleaf for details).
Installing Packages
It is common to install packages to help enhance the functionality of LaTeX (see Common Components). Specific packages useful for STEM fields are discussed in the LaTeX-STEM Applications section. Packages can be found, free of charge, on the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN).
- CTAN Packages HomeHomepage for browsing packages available on CTAN.
