Guide to LaTeX & Typesetting
LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system designed to produce beautiful technical and scientific documents, especially involving mathematical equations.
It is widely used in typesetting science and mathematics journals.
Tutorials
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LaTeX Template (175K Download)
Our compact LaTeX template is an excellent starting point for REU, Modern Physics, or Jr. I.S. papers. It employs REVTeX,
the LaTeX designed by the American Physical Society for its journals. (For additional templates, including a comprehensive Sr. I.S. template, visit Wooster LaTeX.)
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Not So Short Guide
This is a good introduction to LaTeX, not too short yet not too long.
Free Software for Mac OS X
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TeXShop
TeXShop is a nice TeX editor and previewer for Mac OS X, written in Cocoa. It is easy to install and use. We recommend it as your base of operation for LaTeX.
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TeX FoG
TeX FoG (= TeX Formula Graphic user interface) is a tool that helps TeX and LaTeX users type equations
without the need to remember all the commands. It is very helpful when learning LaTeX.
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LaTeXiT
LaTeXiT is a small utility that allows you to quickly typeset LaTeX equations, without bothering with file creation, preambles, and so on.
The PDF image obtained can then be exported by drag'n drop to any supporting application, such as Keynote.
Free Software for Windows
Other Software
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LyX
Free WYSIWYM document processor, designed for scientists by scientists, which uses LaTeX, the open source, industrial strength typesetting engine, in the background.
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MathType
When typesetting mathematical equations, this is the most popular alternative to LaTeX. It is very intuitive and fun to use. A lesser version called Equation Editor ships with many word processors, such as Microsoft Word.
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Publicon
From the makers of Mathematica, this is an easy-to-use commerical WYSIWYG front-end to LaTeX, and much more.
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Word
Our Word template is a good non-LaTeX alternative, especially for short articles, if you have the Equation Editor properly installed.