This guide walks you through creating your first LaTeX document on Sarmate.net. No installation required: everything happens in your browser.
What is LaTeX?
LaTeX is a document preparation system used by scientists, researchers, students, and professionals to create high-quality typographic documents. Unlike word processors, LaTeX separates content from formatting, allowing you to focus on writing.
Create your first .tex file
Let's start by creating a new LaTeX file on Sarmate.net.
Access your space
Log in to your account and open the File Manager.
Create a new file
Click on New file and select the LaTeX (.tex) type.
Name your file
Enter a name, for example my-document.tex, then click Create.
The LaTeX Editor
Click on your file to open it in the LaTeX editor. The interface is divided into two parts:
- On the left: the code editor where you write your LaTeX document
- On the right: the PDF preview that updates after each compilation
LaTeX Document Skeleton
Every LaTeX document follows a basic structure. Here is a minimal template you can copy and paste:
\documentclass[11pt]{article}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[french]{babel}
\title{Mon premier document LaTeX}
\author{Votre Nom}
\date{\today}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\section{Introduction}
Bienvenue dans votre premier document LaTeX !
Ceci est un paragraphe. LaTeX gère automatiquement
les espaces et les retours à la ligne.
\section{Formule mathématique}
Voici l'équation d'Einstein : $E = mc^2$
\end{document}\documentclass defines the document type. Use article for short articles, report for reports, or book for books. Compile to PDF
Once your code is written, you need to compile it to generate the PDF.
Save your file
Use Ctrl + S (or Cmd + S on Mac).
Start compilation
Click the Compile button or use Ctrl + Enter.
Check the result
The PDF appears in the right panel. You can download or share it.
Compiler Choice
Sarmate.net offers several compilers:
- pdfLaTeX: the most common, recommended for beginners
- XeLaTeX: supports system fonts and Unicode
- LuaLaTeX: the most modern, with built-in Lua scripting
Keyboard Shortcuts
Save time with these essential shortcuts:
- Ctrl + S : Save
- Ctrl + Entrée : Compile
- Ctrl + Z : Undo
- Ctrl + F : Find
What's Next?
Congratulations, you've created your first LaTeX document! Here are the next steps to learn more:
- Structure a document: sections, chapters, table of contents
- Write formulas: equations, matrices, symbols
- Insert images: figures, graphics, captions