LaTeX How to Create Basic LaTeX Documents Efficiently?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges of learning LaTeX, particularly for users who can generate PDF files but struggle with creating .tex files. Users express a need for concise tutorials that cover essential elements like headers, line spacing, and equations without overwhelming detail. Suggestions include utilizing specific resources such as a brief introduction to LaTeX and practical guides that focus on commands needed for specific tasks, like inserting images. A recommendation is made to look at sample .tex documents that include key features like tables of contents and formulas, which can provide a quicker understanding of LaTeX functionality. Additionally, the LaTeX project website is highlighted as a valuable starting point for new users.
amcavoy
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I know basic formulas / symbols in LaTeX, but I'm not too good with the whole PDF thing. I mean, once I have a .tex file I can make a PS, DVI, or PDF file no problem, but the .tex file is the hard part. Every tutorial I read is like 100 pages long. Does anyone have a brief tutorial that gives the basics (headers, line-spacing, equations, etc.) without all the extras?

Thanks.
 
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I think I'm looking for the short introduction to LaTeX.
 
apmcavoy said:
I think I'm looking for the short introduction to LaTeX.

What I did was use the projects that I wanted done and then looked up the commands I needed using google and the operation I wanted to perform.

like:

"Insert picture latex"
 
Try this: http://www.copernicus.org/guidelines/GSWLaTeX.pdf

The first ten pages (less even) show you how to write a small latex file, and then it goes into equations and symbols etc.

PS
 
If you have a look at a sample .tex document with some essential elements like TOC, pictures, and formulae, then it will be the fastest way you can get these features to work.
 
You don't have to go through the whole not-so-short... It has an index and you can just go to the page relevant to your current problem. And it's not that much of a read anyway. Especially if you use a bit of selective reading.
 

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