---
title: "Getting Started with LaTeX"
subtitle: "Documents, Distributions, and Collaborative Writing"
author:
  - name: "Job Schepens"
    id: js
    orcid: 0000-0003-1271-2526
    email: job.schepens@uni-koeln.de
    affiliation:
      - name: Universität zu Köln
        department: CRC 1252 Prominence in Language, Project S
        city: Cologne, Germany
        url: https://jobschepens.github.io/personal-page/
date: "17 June 2026"
date-format: "D MMMM YYYY"
format:
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    theme: [default, ../../stylesheets/mytheme.scss]
    logo: ../../logo.png
    slide-number: true
    scrollable: true
    mouse-wheel: true
    footer: "RDM Workshop Series · SFB 1252 Prominence in Language · Universität zu Köln"
    output-file: slides.html
    embed-resources: true
    transition: none
    background-transition: none
---

## Overview

- **What** LaTeX is — document structure, commands, environments
- **Basic markup** — text formatting, math, figures, tables, cross-references
- **Distributions** — how to install LaTeX on your machine
- **Editors** — Overleaf, Prism (OpenAI), TeXlyre, TeXstudio, VS Code
- **Bibliography basics** — Zotero and BetterBibTeX (preview; more in Session 2)
- **Hands-on:** writing a minimal document together

::: {.callout-tip}
**No prior LaTeX experience required.** We start from scratch.
Session 2 covers thesis document structure, Quarto, TikZ, and advanced bibliography management.
:::


## What Is LaTeX?

LaTeX is a **document preparation system** based on plain-text markup.

```latex
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}

Hello, \textbf{world}!

\end{document}
```

- You write markup in a `.tex` file — LaTeX compiles it to PDF
- Separates **content** from **formatting** — you describe *what* something is, not how it looks
- The standard for academic publishing in linguistics, mathematics, and many sciences

::: {.callout-note}
LaTeX is not a word processor. You never see the final layout while typing — you compile to see the result.
:::


## Document Structure {.smaller}

Every LaTeX document has two parts: the **preamble** and the **body**.

```latex
\documentclass[12pt,a4paper]{article}  % document class + options

% --- Preamble: load packages and configure settings ---
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[english]{babel}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{graphicx}

\title{My Paper}
\author{Jane Doe}
\date{\today}

% --- Body: the typeset content ---
\begin{document}

\maketitle
\tableofcontents

\section{Introduction}
Text goes here.

\end{document}
```

- `\documentclass` sets the layout template (`article`, `report`, `book`, `beamer` …)
- Load packages in the preamble with `\usepackage{name}`
- Everything between `\begin{document}` and `\end{document}` is compiled


## Commands and Environments

**Commands** start with a backslash and take optional `[…]` and required `{…}` arguments:

```latex
\textbf{bold text}
\section{Introduction}
\includegraphics[width=0.8\linewidth]{figure.pdf}
```

**Environments** wrap a block of content between `\begin{name}` and `\end{name}`:

```latex
\begin{itemize}
  \item First point
  \item Second point
\end{itemize}

\begin{equation}
  E = mc^2
\end{equation}
```

**Comments** begin with `%` and are ignored by the compiler:

```latex
% This is a comment
This text \textit{will} appear.  % inline comment
```

::: {.callout-tip}
The most common beginner mistake is forgetting `\end{name}` to close an environment.
:::


## Text Formatting and Lists {.smaller}

**Inline formatting:**

| Syntax | Result |
|---|---|
| `\textbf{text}` | **bold** |
| `\textit{text}` | *italic* |
| `\underline{text}` | underlined |
| `\texttt{text}` | `monospace` |
| `\emph{text}` | *context-sensitive emphasis* |

**Sectioning commands:**

```latex
\section{First Section}       % numbered 1, 2, 3 …
\subsection{A Subsection}     % 1.1, 1.2 …
\subsubsection{Deeper}        % 1.1.1 …
```

**Lists:**

```latex
\begin{itemize}          % unordered (bullets)
  \item First item
  \item Second item
\end{itemize}

\begin{enumerate}        % ordered (numbers)
  \item Step one
  \item Step two
\end{enumerate}
```


## Math in LaTeX {.smaller}

LaTeX's math typesetting is unmatched among document preparation tools.

**Inline math** — wrap in `$…$`:

```latex
Einstein showed that $E = mc^2$.
The mean is $\bar{x} = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n} x_i$.
```

**Display math** — `\[…\]` or `equation` for a numbered equation:

```latex
\[
  \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2}\,dx = \sqrt{\pi}
\]

\begin{equation}
  \label{eq:bayes}
  P(H \mid D) = \frac{P(D \mid H)\,P(H)}{P(D)}
\end{equation}
```

**Common symbols:**

| Syntax | Symbol |
|---|---|
| `\alpha`, `\beta`, `\gamma` | α β γ |
| `\frac{a}{b}` | fraction |
| `x^{2}`, `x_{i}` | superscript, subscript |
| `\sum`, `\int`, `\infty` | Σ ∫ ∞ |

::: {.callout-tip}
The `amsmath` package adds `align`, `cases`, and `pmatrix` environments for complex expressions.
:::


## Figures, Tables, and Cross-references {.smaller}

**Inserting a figure:**

```latex
\begin{figure}[htbp]
  \centering
  \includegraphics[width=0.7\linewidth]{myfigure.pdf}
  \caption{A descriptive caption.}
  \label{fig:myfigure}
\end{figure}
```

**A simple table:**

```latex
\begin{table}[htbp]
  \centering
  \caption{Summary statistics.}
  \label{tab:summary}
  \begin{tabular}{lcc}
    \hline
    Variable & Mean & SD \\
    \hline
    Age & 32.4 & 5.1 \\
    Score & 78.2 & 8.3 \\
    \hline
  \end{tabular}
\end{table}
```

**Cross-references — `\label` to mark, `\ref` to cite:**

```latex
See Figure~\ref{fig:myfigure} and Table~\ref{tab:summary}.
Equation~\ref{eq:bayes} shows Bayes' theorem.
```

LaTeX resolves all numbers automatically — renumbering never breaks references.

::: {.callout-note}
`[htbp]` tells LaTeX where to place the float: **h**ere, **t**op, **b**ottom, or a separate **p**age.
:::


## Advantages of LaTeX {.smaller}

**Consistent, professional typography — automatically**

- Fonts, text sizes, line heights, and layout follow the rules you set once
- No manual reformatting when you restructure a document
- Handles citations, cross-references, figure/table numbering automatically

**Designed for complex documents**

- Mathematical formulas, linguistic examples, tables, figures — first-class support
- Long documents (theses, books) stay manageable
- Style files from journals mean submission-ready formatting with minimal effort

**Plain text — version-control friendly**

- `.tex` files are plain text: diff them, track them in Git, collaborate via pull requests
- No binary format that breaks between software versions

::: {.callout-tip}
Source: [LaTeX/Introduction — Wikibooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX/Introduction)
:::


## LaTeX and Reproducible Research

LaTeX integrates well with reproducible research workflows:

| Approach | How it works |
|---|---|
| **Plain LaTeX** | Write `.tex` by hand; import figures from separate scripts |
| **R Markdown** | Mix R code and LaTeX-style text; compile to PDF via LaTeX |
| **Quarto** | Successor to R Markdown; supports Python, R, Julia; PDF output via LaTeX |
| **Jupyter + LaTeX** | Figures generated in a notebook; imported into the `.tex` manuscript |

::: {.callout-note}
For fully reproducible manuscripts, literate programming tools (R Markdown, Quarto) are often preferred over plain `.tex` files — they keep the analysis and the document in one place.

See: [The Turing Way — Literate Programming](https://book.the-turing-way.org/reproducible-research/case-studies/case-study-statistical/#literate-programming)
:::


## Key Resource 1: lshort

**"The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX"** (`lshort`)

> *lshort started as a translation and rationalisation of a ground-breaking German-language introduction to LaTeX. It has since taken on a momentum of its own, and has itself been translated into a number of languages.*

- The most widely recommended beginner reference
- Available in many languages
- Covers everything from basic formatting to math, figures, and bibliography

::: {.callout-tip}
Download or read online: [https://www.ctan.org/pkg/lshort](https://www.ctan.org/pkg/lshort)
:::


## Key Resource 2: DKZ.2R Workshop Materials {.smaller}

**"LaTeX for Novices: Academic Publishing"**  
from the Rhine-Ruhr Center for Scientific Data Literacy (DKZ.2R)

- Follows the **Carpentries** workshop template — structured, hands-on lessons
- Tested and refined over **four deliveries**
- Covers the full workflow: from a blank document to a formatted academic paper

| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Lesson website | [dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing](https://dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing/) |
| Source on GitHub | [github.com/dkz2r/latex-novice-academic-publishing](https://github.com/dkz2r/latex-novice-academic-publishing) |
| Past workshops | [dkz2r.de/tags/latex](https://www.dkz2r.de/tags/latex/) |

::: {.callout-note}
Today's hands-on section follows this workshop's materials. You can work through the full lesson at your own pace after today.
:::


## More Learning Resources

**Reference documentation**

- [Overleaf Learn](https://www.overleaf.com/learn) — searchable, example-rich LaTeX documentation
- [LaTeX/Introduction — Wikibooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX/Introduction) — free, community-maintained textbook

**Quick lookup**

- [CTAN](https://ctan.org) — the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network; every LaTeX package with documentation
- [tex.stackexchange.com](https://tex.stackexchange.com) — Q&A for LaTeX questions; most errors are already answered there

::: {.callout-tip}
When you get a LaTeX error, copy the error message into a search engine together with *"tex stackexchange"* — there is almost always a thread with a working answer.
:::


## Collaborative LaTeX: Overleaf

**Overleaf** is a web-based LaTeX editor with real-time collaboration.

- Write and compile LaTeX entirely in the browser — no local installation needed
- Share documents with co-authors; see each other's edits live
- Track changes and add comments
- Directly submit to many journals (e.g., PLOS, IOP, arXiv)

**At the University of Cologne — via Sciebo:**

| | |
|---|---|
| Launch Overleaf via Sciebo | [uni-koeln.sciebo.de → Apps → Overleaf](https://uni-koeln.sciebo.de/apps/overleaf_nextcloud/launcher/launch) |
| Sciebo Overleaf documentation | [docs.sciebo.de → Apps → Overleaf](https://docs.sciebo.de/en/docs/apps/overleaf/) |

::: {.callout-note}
The Sciebo-linked Overleaf instance keeps your files on university infrastructure. Files are stored in your Sciebo (Nextcloud) account, not on Overleaf's servers.
:::


## LaTeX Distributions {.smaller}

A **LaTeX distribution** bundles the compiler, packages, and fonts you need to compile `.tex` files locally.

| Distribution | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **TeX Live** | Linux, macOS, Windows | Most complete; strongly recommended by the VS Code LaTeX extension |
| **MiKTeX** | Windows (also Linux/macOS) | Installs missing packages on the fly; lighter initial install |
| **TinyTeX** | Windows, Linux, macOS | Minimal, R-friendly; install from R with `tinytex::install_tinytex()` |

**Which should I use?**

- **VS Code** users: install **TeX Live** for the smoothest experience
- **R / RStudio** users writing in R Markdown or Quarto: **TinyTeX** is the easiest path
- **Windows** users who want a GUI installer: **MiKTeX** is straightforward

::: {.callout-tip}
If you are unsure, install **TeX Live** — it is the most complete and avoids missing-package errors.
:::


## The Local Installation Problem {.smaller}

Before choosing an editor, it is worth being honest about why many researchers avoid local LaTeX altogether.

**Common complaints (from practitioners):**

> "LaTeX is such a nightmare to work with locally."

> "Just install LaTeX is really not a valid response when the LaTeX toolchain is a genuine nightmare to work with."

- Package version mismatches between collaborators produce different output from the same source file
- Merging collaborative edits in Git is difficult with scientific, nuanced prose
- Installing, updating, and debugging the toolchain takes real effort

**Web-based editors solve most of this:**

- Everyone compiles with the same packages and options — no version drift
- Collaborative editing without merge conflicts
- No local installation required
- Templates are built in; the distribution stays up-to-date automatically

::: {.callout-note}
Using Overleaf, Prism, or TeXlyre is not a compromise — for many workflows it is the right first choice.
:::


## Editors for LaTeX {.smaller}

You can write LaTeX in any text editor, but dedicated tools add compilation, preview, and autocomplete.

| Editor | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| **Overleaf** | Web-based | Collaboration; most popular in academia |
| **Prism** (OpenAI) | Web-based, AI-native | AI-assisted writing, citations, proofreading; free |
| **TeXlyre** | Web-based, open-source | Privacy-first; offline; self-hostable; real-time collaboration |
| **TeXstudio** | Desktop | Dedicated LaTeX GUI; built-in PDF viewer |
| **VS Code + LaTeX Workshop** | Desktop + extension | Researchers already using VS Code |

::: {.callout-note}
All web-based editors require no local LaTeX installation. For local editing, VS Code + LaTeX Workshop or TeXstudio both work well with TeX Live.
:::


## Prism — AI-Native LaTeX Workspace {.smaller}

[**Prism**](https://prism.openai.com) is OpenAI's free, cloud-based LaTeX editor designed for scientific writing.

**Key features:**

- **Free** with unlimited collaborators and unlimited compile time
- **AI assistant** powered by ChatGPT, integrated throughout the writing workflow:
  - Proofreading, summarising, and restructuring your text
  - Literature search with direct citation import
  - Image-to-LaTeX and voice-to-code conversion
- **Project-aware AI** — the assistant understands the full context of your manuscript, including past drafts and revisions
- Zotero integration for citation search and import
- Real-time collaboration with inline comments
- Built-in error checking, citation management, and equation conversion

::: {.callout-tip}
Start writing at [prism.openai.com](https://prism.openai.com) — no local installation needed.
:::


## TeXlyre — Open-Source, Local-First LaTeX {.smaller}

[**TeXlyre**](https://texlyre.github.io/texlyre/) is a free, open-source, browser-based LaTeX and Typst editor with a strong focus on privacy and offline capability.

**Key features:**

- **Local-first** — all documents stored in your browser (IndexedDB); works fully offline
- **Real-time collaboration** via WebRTC peer-to-peer — no central server sees your content
- In-browser LaTeX compilation using TeX Live 2026 (WASM) — supports pdfTeX, XeTeX, LuaTeX
- **SyncTeX** — click source to jump to PDF position and vice versa
- Integrated Draw.io diagram editor for collaborative figures
- Zotero and OpenAlex reference search and import panel
- Inline math preview and editing with MathLive virtual keyboard
- Git backup to GitHub, GitLab, Gitea, or Codeberg
- **Self-hostable** — run your own instance on university or personal infrastructure

| | |
|---|---|
| Try online | [texlyre.github.io/texlyre](https://texlyre.github.io/texlyre/) |
| Source code | [github.com/TeXlyre/texlyre](https://github.com/TeXlyre/texlyre) |
| License | AGPL-3.0 (funded by NLnet / NGI0 Commons Fund) |


## VS Code — LaTeX Workshop Extension {.smaller}

**VS Code + LaTeX Workshop** is a powerful local setup for researchers already using VS Code.

- Syntax highlighting, snippet completion, build on save
- Side-by-side PDF preview (**SyncTeX**: click source → jumps to PDF position and vice versa)
- Linting via `lacheck` / `chktex`; auto-formatter via `latexindent`
- Works alongside Git for version control of your source files

Install guide: [github.com/James-Yu/LaTeX-Workshop/wiki/Install](https://github.com/James-Yu/LaTeX-Workshop/wiki/Install)

::: {.callout-note}
LaTeX Workshop requires a local TeX Live (or MiKTeX) installation to compile documents.
:::


## Alternatives to LaTeX {.smaller}

LaTeX is the standard in many fields, but other tools are worth knowing:

| Tool | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Typst** | Markup → PDF | Modern typesetting language; much faster compilation; growing package ecosystem; simpler syntax than LaTeX |
| **Quarto / MyST** | Literate programming | R, Python, Julia code + prose in one file; PDF via LaTeX; ideal for reproducible research |
| **Lattics** | Writing app | Markdown-based academic writing environment; knowledge graph for literature notes |
| **Obsidian** | Knowledge management | Markdown; excellent for note-taking and literature review; not a publishing tool |
| **Typora** | Markdown editor | Clean live-preview Markdown editor; limited support for complex academic formatting |

::: {.callout-tip}
**Typst** is the most direct LaTeX alternative for new documents. **Quarto** is often the better choice for researchers who run analysis code alongside their writing.
:::


## Additional Tools

**`latexindent`** — automatic formatting for `.tex` files

- Reformats indentation and spacing in your source code
- Integrated into VS Code LaTeX Workshop (runs on save if configured)
- Documentation: [ctan.org/tex-archive/support/latexindent](https://ctan.org/tex-archive/support/latexindent)

**Other useful utilities**

| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| `biber` / `BibTeX` | Bibliography management; processes `.bib` files |
| `makeindex` / `xindy` | Generates indices |
| `latexmk` | Automates the multi-pass compilation process |
| `pdftk` / `ghostscript` | Post-processing and merging PDF output |

::: {.callout-tip}
TeX Live includes most of these tools by default — you rarely need to install them separately.
:::


## Bibliography Tools: A First Look {.smaller}

LaTeX handles bibliographies through external tools. Two key tools in the academic workflow:

**Zotero — reference manager**

- Free, open-source reference manager
- Browser connector: one-click import from publishers, Google Scholar, PubMed
- Organises your library; generates citations in thousands of styles
- Website: [zotero.org](https://www.zotero.org)

**BetterBibTeX — seamless LaTeX integration**

- Zotero plugin that auto-exports your library to a `.bib` file
- Generates stable, customisable cite keys (e.g. `schepens2024prominence`)
- **Continuous auto-export** — every time you add or edit a reference in Zotero, the `.bib` file regenerates automatically; your LaTeX project always has fresh references

::: {.callout-note}
**Session 2** covers the full BetterBibTeX workflow, `.bib` file structure, `biblatex`/`biber`, and citation commands in depth.
:::


## AI and LaTeX {.smaller}

**The opportunity**

LaTeX's plain-text format makes it unusually well-suited for AI assistance:

- AI tools can generate, edit, and fix `.tex` directly — something not possible with binary word-processor formats
- Useful for: fixing compilation errors, generating boilerplate, converting equations, reformatting tables

**The concern — an editor's perspective**

AI writing tools also lower the barrier to submitting *scientifically empty* manuscripts:

> "From my perspective as a journal editor, these tools cause many more problems than they solve. A significant fraction of submissions are now vibe-written and come from folks looking to boost their CV — this just wastes already-stretched reviewer time."

> "The hard part always has been, and always will be, understanding the research context and producing novel and interesting work. Connecting this together in a paper is a learnable skill, but it is really a minimal part of the process."

**A useful distinction for workshop participants:**

| Use of AI | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Fix a LaTeX error, reformat a table | Generally fine |
| Improve clarity of your own text | Fine with care |
| Generate scientific content, arguments, or citations | Problematic |


## Coming in Session 2 {.smaller}

The next workshop builds on today's foundations:

| Topic | What you will learn |
|---|---|
| **Thesis document structure** | `\input`, `\include`, multi-file projects, `report`/`book` class |
| **Bibliography deep dive** | `.bib` files, `biblatex`, `biber`, citation commands |
| **Zotero + BetterBibTeX** | Auto-export, cite keys, keeping references in sync |
| **Quarto** | Literate programming: R/Python + LaTeX in a single source file |
| **TikZ** | Programmatic vector figures and diagrams directly in LaTeX |
| **Templates** | Journal submission files; university thesis templates |
| **Debugging** | Reading error messages; common pitfalls |

::: {.callout-tip}
All materials will be posted at [dkz2r.de/tags/latex](https://www.dkz2r.de/tags/latex/) after the workshop.
:::


## Hands-On Exercise {.smaller}

Work through the DKZ.2R lesson at [dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing](https://dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing/):

**Step 1 — Set up your editor (choose one):**

- **Overleaf (no install):** log in via [Sciebo → Apps → Overleaf](https://uni-koeln.sciebo.de/apps/overleaf_nextcloud/launcher/launch) → New Project → Blank
- **Local (VS Code):** confirm TeX Live is installed, open an empty folder, create `main.tex`

**Step 2 — Write a minimal document:**

```latex
\documentclass{article}
\title{My First Document}
\author{Your Name}
\date{\today}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
Hello, LaTeX!
\end{document}
```

**Step 3 — Compile and explore:**

- Add a section, a list, and a simple equation
- Try importing a figure or adding a bibliography entry

::: {.callout-tip}
Stuck? Check [tex.stackexchange.com](https://tex.stackexchange.com) or ask — most errors have a known fix.
:::


## Summary

:::: {.columns}
::: {.column}
**Concepts**

- LaTeX separates content from formatting
- Preamble sets up packages; body holds the content
- Commands and environments structure the document
- Math, figures, tables, and cross-references all built in
- Plain-text source is version-control friendly
:::
::: {.column}
**Practical choices**

| Goal | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| AI-assisted writing; free | Prism (OpenAI) |
| Privacy-first / offline | TeXlyre |
| Sciebo integration | Overleaf via Sciebo |
| Local + VS Code | TeX Live + LaTeX Workshop |
| R / Quarto | TinyTeX |
| Dedicated LaTeX GUI | TeXstudio |

::: {.callout-note .smaller}
**Start here:** [dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing](https://dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing/)
:::
:::
::::


## Resources

- [lshort — The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX](https://www.ctan.org/pkg/lshort)
- [DKZ.2R: LaTeX for Novices — Academic Publishing](https://dkz2r.github.io/latex-novice-academic-publishing/)
- [Overleaf Learn — LaTeX documentation](https://www.overleaf.com/learn)
- [Prism — OpenAI's AI-native LaTeX workspace](https://prism.openai.com)
- [TeXlyre — Open-source, local-first LaTeX editor](https://texlyre.github.io/texlyre/)
- [LaTeX/Introduction — Wikibooks](https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/LaTeX/Introduction)
- [CTAN — Comprehensive TeX Archive Network](https://ctan.org)
- [LaTeX Workshop extension for VS Code](https://github.com/James-Yu/LaTeX-Workshop/wiki/Install)
- [latexindent documentation](https://ctan.org/tex-archive/support/latexindent)
- [Zotero — Reference Manager](https://www.zotero.org)
- [BetterBibTeX for Zotero](https://retorque.re/zotero-better-bibtex/)
- [tex.stackexchange.com](https://tex.stackexchange.com)