LaTeX for Publications: Getting Started

Overleaf is a collaborative, cloud-based LaTeX editor. Overleaf is a great way to get started in LaTeX document creation. No special software is needed—just a Web browser. The basic version of Overleaf is free.

With no software to download or install, Overleaf is probably the easiest first step into document creation with LaTeX. You can set it up so that changes you make are immediately visible in your document, without having to manually compile. Overleaf also simplifies collaboration between two or more persons, although a free account allows only one collaborator.
 

The LaTeX Project is a useful resource for the beginning LaTeX user. Learn about LaTeX, find documentation, and more. One of the best resources is the "Get" tab, which is a great place to look for TeX distributions to download.

A downloaded TeX distribution brings some advantages with it, especially for anyone using a slower computer or working in areas with spotty WiFi. LaTeX is a "plain text" markup language, so it will run on an older or low-cost computer with minimal issues. Although the TeX software may need to download "packages" the first time you use them in a document, it does not require constant, high-speed internet connection.