LaTeX Latex Guide Link: Easily Accessible Toolbar Option

  • Thread starter Thread starter erobz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Latex
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the need for a more accessible "insert latex guide" link within the toolbar of the forum to assist newcomers in utilizing LaTeX for mathematical expressions. Users frequently mention the existing link located in the lower left corner of the reply box, but many newcomers overlook it. Suggestions include placing the link in the header or integrating it with the create link icon for better visibility. Additionally, users recommend using AutoHotKey on Windows and AutoKey on Linux to streamline the process of sharing the link with others.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with LaTeX syntax for mathematical expressions
  • Understanding of forum interface navigation
  • Basic knowledge of AutoHotKey for Windows or AutoKey for Linux
  • Experience with hyperlink creation in online forums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to implement AutoHotKey scripts for quick text insertion
  • Explore the features of AutoKey for Linux users
  • Learn about effective hyperlink placement in user interfaces
  • Investigate best practices for guiding newcomers in online communities
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for forum moderators, educators, and users who frequently assist newcomers with LaTeX, as well as anyone looking to enhance user experience in online mathematical forums.

erobz
Gold Member
Messages
4,459
Reaction score
1,846
A link to the latex guide. I feel like I insert it (and see others linking it) often enough that it is worth asking about having it a fixed option in the tool bar. An “insert latex guide” link. It seems like most newcomers don’t bother to look at at, unless you point it out.

Just an idea. Don’t hurt me.
 
  • Like
Likes scottdave, BillTre and Greg Bernhardt
Physics news on Phys.org
Different from the existing link? (lower left of the Edit window)

1684680606265.png
 
berkeman said:
Different from the existing link? (lower left of the Edit window)

View attachment 326851

Yeah, I was thinking in the header (maybe within the create a link icon).

The way I see it one can either tell the poster, "hey there is a link in the lower left corner of the reply box that shows how to learn Latex" I'm sure you've typed that sentence a few hundred times or so by now. Or, I like to be more direct and open the link, copy the address, and create a link directly in the body of the reply so it is practically inescapable that they do not find it, or consider it. I see others doing that as well.
 
Last edited:
To me it seems like people that make the posts with math like "z= x^2+3/y-4 " don't know about "latex" so they aren't looking for it, nor are they seeing the existing link. I suspect most newcomers don't immediately read all the site info before making a post, they just make it. That leaves "helpers" saying "here are the hw forum rules, here is the latex guide ect...over and over. I don't think that will ever change. So my only hope was that a few steps could be cut out of the process programmatically each time we must perform "the nudge".
 
If you are on Windows, you can make use of AutoHotKey. Configure it such that a certain key combination will paste these sentences with the necessary links. On Linux, you can use AutoKey.
 
Wrichik Basu said:
If you are on Windows, you can make use of AutoHotKey. Configure it such that a certain key combination will paste these sentences with the necessary links. On Linux, you can use AutoKey.
Thanks, I'll probably just configure my brain to stop worrying about it.
 
  • Haha
  • Sad
Likes berkeman and Wrichik Basu
erobz said:
Yeah, I was thinking in the header (maybe within the create a link icon).

The way I see it one can either tell the poster, "hey there is a link in the lower left corner of the reply box that shows how to learn Latex" I'm sure you've typed that sentence a few hundred times or so by now. Or, I like to be more direct and open the link, copy the address, and create a link directly in the body of the reply so it is practically inescapable that they do not find it, or consider it. I see others doing that as well.
You can copy the link from the lower left corner of the comment interface while writing your answer. It's even conveniently located right next to the text input. Right-click, copy link address (or similar), paste. Drag&Drop works, too.

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/
 
  • Like
Likes erobz and Greg Bernhardt
mfb said:
You can copy the link from the lower left corner of the comment interface while writing your answer. It's even conveniently located right next to the text input. Right-click, copy link address (or similar), paste. Drag&Drop works, too.

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/
I didn't think of doing that. Drag and Drop solves the issue completely!

Thank You!
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
13K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
22K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K