Basic and fast install of ‘LaTeX’ on your Mac / Macbook
LaTeX is a document markup language and document preparation system for the TeX typesetting program. In English, LaTeX is like Microsoft Word on steroids. Though it has been used for many years by professionals, it has yet to make it’s transition to the casual user. This is truly unfortunate, since there are many functions offered by LaTeX that aren’t available elsewhere. Read the wiki for more background information!
The advantages of LaTeX include quick formatting, better print resolution, easy creation of PDF files, free downloadable templates for almost any project, and consistency. This is quite evident when creating a resume in LaTeX. The final result is a crisp, attractive, and professional looking document.
Basic install on your Mac computer is outlined below. This will work on iBooks, Macbooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis.
Basic install of LaTeX for Mac computers
- Step 1 : You need to download a LaTeX ‘Distribution’ file. This file contains the list of available commands you can use in LaTeX. If you are a power user, you may require the entire distribution (around 1 gig, a 30 minute download). However for most users, the most basic package will suffice (around 54 megs, a 2 minute download). The distribution files can be found here, while the direct link to the basic package can be found by clicking here.
- Step 2 : Install the package by double clicking it, and following the wizard. At this stage, it may take an awkwardly long time to install. This is normal.
- Step 3 : Download the GUI (Graphical User Interface) to make it easier to work with LaTeK. TeXShop is a convenient GUI, and can be found here, or by following the direct link here (33 meg file) (note : if you downloaded the full distribution in step 1, it included TeXShop)
- Extract TeXShop, and move the application to your ‘Applications’ folder. To begin using LaTeX, simply double click this file. LaTeX has been successfully installed!
To begin using LaTeX, you will probably need to grab a template file (.tex), and simply edit and adjust it so that it works for you.
From the GUI, clicking the ‘typeset’ button quickly produces a PDF of the document you are working on. Be adventurous and play around, there is plenty to learn.
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