Free LaTeX Packages for Writing in Microsoft Word

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of LaTeX packages, particularly MiKTeX, for writing documents in Microsoft Word and other environments. Participants explore various LaTeX applications, their functionalities, and the integration of LaTeX with word processing software, focusing on mathematical symbols and document formatting.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about using LaTeX programs like MiKTeX for writing in Microsoft Word, expressing interest in note-taking capabilities.
  • Others mention various free LaTeX packages available online, including MiKTeX and ProTeXt, and suggest that users explore options based on their specific needs.
  • One participant notes the need for an editor to work with LaTeX, mentioning preferences for WinEdt and TeXnic Center, while also acknowledging that basic text editors can be used.
  • There is a discussion about whether MiKTeX can be used directly within Microsoft Word or if it operates independently, with some asserting that LaTeX files save as .pdf or .ps formats.
  • Participants discuss the compatibility of LaTeX with OS X, with some expressing uncertainty about available packages for Mac users.
  • One participant shares a snippet of their LaTeX code, illustrating the structure and complexity of a typical LaTeX document.
  • Another participant highlights the availability of templates online as a resource for beginners learning LaTeX.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best approach to using LaTeX with Microsoft Word, and there is no consensus on whether MiKTeX can be seamlessly integrated into Word. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for using LaTeX across different operating systems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for specific packages and editors depending on the operating system, indicating that the discussion may be limited by individual experiences and preferences. There are also unresolved questions about the compatibility of LaTeX with Microsoft Word and the specifics of file formats used.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals interested in using LaTeX for document preparation, particularly those looking for guidance on integrating LaTeX with Microsoft Word or exploring LaTeX options on different operating systems.

_Mayday_
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Hey,

Is there a way of using this program or a similar one to write in microsoft word, or is it only available online? I'm just interested as I have heard people taking notes on their laptops using it.

Thank you.
 
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there's lots of free LaTeX packages online. http://miktex.org/About.aspx" is one for example.

I use http://www.tug.org/protext/" which is a package of a few different LaTeX applications.
 
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Kurdt, yes it was you who I heard talking about how you used it. I really just need one for simple mathematical symbols and basic equations. Am I correct in saying MiKTeX would be best for me?
 
Well it depends specifically on your needs. Like I say there are lots of free latex programs out there. I don't know them all. Maybe you could wait for a few more suggestions or have a search yourself and see what you like. Quite often your institution will suggest a package as well.
 
I've downloaded MiKTeX but don't know how to start it up...
 
_Mayday_ said:
I've downloaded MiKTeX but don't know how to start it up...

You don't "Start up" mikTex like you would start up Word for instance.

There are two aspects of LaTeX writing. One is the packages (i.e. miktex), that allow for the plain text coding, to be compiled into beautifull documents, But in order to do that, you will need an editor. There are many options, some are free, some aren't, you may even use the notepad in windows and the command promt, but that's only if you are hardcore.

Personally, I prefere WinEdt as my editor. It has a great GUI and good debugging. TeXnic center is also popular. Google around and find one that suits you :)
 
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Anyone run any kind of Latex on OS X?
 
_Mayday_ said:
Hey,

Is there a way of using this program or a similar one to write in microsoft word, or is it only available online? I'm just interested as I have heard people taking notes on their laptops using it.

Thank you.


Mayday, get Miktex

then you dowload texmaker, an IDE for TeX files.

Then use these two references as start, and if you need more, ask here or find a pure latex-forum (there are plenty of those) and/or get more tutorials :)

http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/info/lshort/english/lshort.pdf

ftp://ftp.ams.org/pub/tex/doc/amsmath/short-math-guide.pdf

Good luck
 
Hello Mayday,

for an introduction on how to install Latex for windows see my post #3 in this thread.
 
  • #10
So, can miktex run out of ms word? Or do you have to use miktex itself as the document?

I am not sure if I am wording that correctly. What I mean is, can I open an MS Word document, start typing a report, and then when it comes time to put in the mathematics use miktex?

I.e., will these files save as .doc or some other whacky extension that nobody but myself can open.
 
  • #11
Saladsamurai said:
So, can miktex run out of ms word? Or do you have to use miktex itself as the document?

I am not sure if I am wording that correctly. What I mean is, can I open an MS Word document, start typing a report, and then when it comes time to put in the mathematics use miktex?

I.e., will these files save as .doc or some other whacky extension that nobody but myself can open.

nope you do all in LaTeX and saves as .pdf or .ps (so you never have a problem when swiching between different OS)

LaTeX is surperior Word in everything :P

LaTeX is about "programming" your text, it is not "what you see is what you get".
 
  • #12
So does it operate like PF threads? That is, I can write regular old text and then use Tex commands for the maths? Are the tex codes the same as here at PF? In Miktex that is.

And you say it works on OS X? Like if I downloaded http://miktex.org/About.aspx" to my macbook I should be all set?

Thanks for the advice by the way! Latex does rock.
 
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  • #13
you dowload the correct package for your mac and an editor for mac, then all files (pdf and ps) and code (tex files) that you create you can send to anyone, just like Java for instance.

I don't think miktex have packages for machintosh. And I am not an expert on machintosh, try this forum: http://www.latex-community.org/
Same for texmaker, better ask someone how uses latex on mach, I only use it on Windowns and linux =)

This is some parts of one of my real .tex files:

###############
\documentclass[12pt,a4paper,titlepage]{article}


\usepackage{fancyhdr} %Formating headers
\pagestyle{fancy}
\usepackage{calc}
\fancyheadoffset[LE,RO]{\marginparsep}
\renewcommand{\sectionmark}[1]{\markright{\thesection\ #1}}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[

...

#############


\begin{center}
\begin{large}\textbf{Abstract}\\
\end{large}
\end{center}

In this laboration excited states of $ ^{166}$Er were studied. These were obtained from $ \beta ^- $decay of $^{166m}$Ho by using the $ \gamma \gamma $- coincidence technique. With this technique, finding the $ \gamma $-rays belong to the same cascade is possible. The relative energy states were obtained and a level scheme was constructed. To this scheme, nuclear spin and parity were adressed by comparing the energy levels with those predicted by a peculiar nuclear model. Also the electronics and data collecting system for this experiment were reviewed and studied. Results obtained can be seen on page 8.
\vspace{2.5cm}
\begin{center}
Typesetting in \LaTeX , of course.
\end{center}

\end{titlepage}

\section{Introduction}
This laboration was a part of the Nuclear Physics curriculum during the fall semester of 2007. The purpose of the laboration was to learn about gamma-ray spectroscopy and the collective model o

...

###################

one. Using $\gamma \gamma$-coincidences one can also see the weak transition, and constructing a detailed level scheme of the nucleus.

\begin{figure}[h!]
\centering
\subfigure[Decay branches]
{
\scalebox{.75}{\includegraphics{branch.png}}
}
\hspace{1cm}
\subfigure[Strong and weak peak]
{
\label{under:b}
\scalebox{.6}{\includegraphics{peaks.png}}
}
\caption{This figure shows the concept of decay branches and how a strong peak can cloak a weaker.}
\end{figure}

\subsection{The Rotational Model}

In an even-even nucleus such as $^{166}$Er, th


...

#############

eigenvalue equation:

\begin{equation}
E_{J,K} = \frac{\hbar ^2}{2\mathscr{I}}J(J+1) + K^2(\frac{\hbar ^2}{2\mathscr{I_3}}-\frac{\hbar ^2}{2\mathscr{I}}).
\end{equation}

where $\mathscr{I}_x $ is the moment of inert

...

############


It is bit tricky in the beginning, especally getting pictures work smoth. But once you get over that, you'll be addicted to LaTeX :D
 
  • #14
Cool! I'll start a new thread instead hijacking this one a longer! Thanks MG!
 
  • #15
Another good thing when you're a beginner is that there are lots of templates available online for all sorts of document types. Studying these and seeing what they put out is a great way to learn.
 

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