LaTeX quick start

January 12, 2007 10:00 pm GMT-0700 | In Tech

There are many different ways to compile a LaTeX source file to a PDF. Following is one of the many ways to create a such LaTeX working environment on a completely new Windows box:

  1. Without saying, you need a PDF viewer, e.g. Adobe Reader.
  2. Install Ghostscript and GSview
  3. Install MiKTeX. A basic MiKTeX system is enough for most purpose.
  4. Install TeXnicCenter. This is an integrated LaTeX editor, by which you will compile your LaTeX source and view result using tools installed above.
  5. When you start TeXnicCenter:
    1. A configuration wizard may ask for a LaTeX distribution location, select where file latex.exe is. In my case, it’s “C:\Program Files\MiKTeX 2.6\miktex\bin”.
    2. Next, wizard may ask PDF viewer location, select your viewer. Mine is “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe”.
    3. Wizard will then create output profiles (compile/view commands) for DVI/PS/PDF.
  6. Compile your first LaTeX:
    1. Create a new file and save to a new directory.
    2. Type in a simple document, like:
      \documentclass{article}
      \begin{document}
      \[
      x_{1,2}=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}.
      \]
      I can do math!
      \end{document}
    3. In the toolbar, select “LaTeX => PDF” output profile, and click “Build current file” right next to it.
    4. Click “View Output” in the same toolbar. You should have math in your PDF. Congratulation!

LaTeX: easy to start, hard to master…

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  1. Thanks, i needed the startup syntax :)

    Comment by fmolivierh — October 19, 2009 2:32 am GMT-0700 #

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