LaTeX is a freely available ("open source") software package that simplifies the use of the TeX typesetting system with the help of macros. The creative layout and the writing of content are separated from each other. In LaTeX, you write an input document in plain text in a text editor. Continuous text is written using special LaTeX commands. This results in a formatted output document. Output formats include standards such as PDF, HTML, PostScript and DVI.

LaTeX is very suitable for mathematical formulas and is available for various computer platforms (Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS X, ...).

Incidentally, the name LaTeX means something like Lamport TeX. Development has been continued since the 1990s by the LaTeX Project Team under the leadership of Frank Mittelbach.

BibTeX is a program for creating references and bibliographies in TeX or LaTeX documents. The associated textual file format is now offered as an exchange format by many library catalogs and reference management programs.

Moodle course

TeX/LaTeX is an extremely flexible and powerful typesetting system for creating many different types of documents. The Moodle course provides an introduction to LaTeX, no prior knowledge is required. The course is divided into five sections. The first two modules explain the basic structure as well as text and layout, while the subsequent modules focus on your work. Videos will show you how to create a document in LaTeX, edit texts or insert images, formulas, tables etc.. There are also tips on how to create larger documents, such as theses, and how to create a bibliography. The course concludes with presentations.

Access to the course works via the RUB LoginID or via UAR ID.

Introduction for beginners

At www.learnlatex.org you will find an introduction to LateX in various languages, which was developed for you with the help of the LaTeX project.