The first command of LaTeX source file is \documentclass that basically declares class of document. There are many types of classes which are defined and ready-to-use. The basic form of \documentclass command is shown below.
\documentclass[options]{class}
There are two parts of this line, one of which is options and other one ise class. The first part is a place that author declares size of font, paper type etc. We are not going to widely go into that part today. We want to explain class part. There are five main defined classes which are article, book, letter, report and slides.
article
The article class is a fundamental tool for crafting well-organized and professional articles across various fields of study. It provides users with a flexible framework for structuring content and presenting information in a clear and concise manner. With LaTeX’s powerful typesetting capabilities, users can easily manage complex article layouts, including sections, subsections, figures, tables, equations, and citations. The article class offers extensive customization options for formatting text, page layouts, headers, footers, and section headings, allowing users to tailor their articles to specific publication requirements. Additionally, LaTeX’s built-in features for cross-referencing, indexing, and bibliographies streamline the writing and editing process, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the article. Whether writing a research paper, technical report, or magazine article, the LaTeX article class empowers users to produce polished and professional articles that effectively communicate their ideas to readers. There is an example of usage of this class (paper type is A4 and font size is 12pt):
\documentclass[a4paper,12pt]{article}
book
The book class is a valuable resource for authors and publishers seeking to create high-quality, professional-looking books. This package offers a comprehensive set of tools and templates specifically designed for typesetting books, enabling users to produce beautifully formatted manuscripts with ease. With LaTeX’s robust typesetting capabilities, authors can effortlessly handle complex layout requirements, including multiple chapters, sections, figures, tables, and footnotes. The package provides flexible customisation options for fonts, page layouts, headers, footers, and other stylistic elements, allowing users to tailor the appearance of their books to suit their preferences. Additionally, LaTeX’s built-in features for cross-referencing, indexing, and bibliographies streamline the writing and publishing process, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the book. Whether creating a novel, textbook, or technical manual, the LaTeX book package empowers authors to produce professional publications that stand out in both print and digital formats.
\documentclass{book}
letter
The letter class is a versatile tool commonly used for crafting professional correspondence. It provides users with a structured and customisable framework for creating various types of letters, such as formal business letters, personal letters, or academic communications. With LaTeX’s powerful typesetting capabilities, users can easily format their letters with precise control over elements like font styles, margins, and spacing. Additionally, the package offers features for inserting logos, headers, footers, and other branding elements to ensure consistency across all communications. Its flexibility allows users to tailor letters to specific requirements while maintaining a polished and professional appearance. Whether drafting a simple thank-you note or a complex formal letter, the LaTeX letter package streamlines the process, enabling users to focus on the content of their message.
\documentclass{letter}
report
The report class is a versatile and powerful tool for crafting structured and professional reports across various disciplines. It provides users with a comprehensive framework for organising and presenting information in a clear and organised manner. With LaTeX’s advanced typesetting capabilities, users can easily manage complex report layouts, including sections, subsections, figures, tables, equations, and citations. The report class offers extensive customization options for formatting text, page layouts, headers, footers, and chapter headings, allowing users to tailor their reports to specific requirements. Additionally, LaTeX’s built-in features for cross-referencing, indexing, and bibliographies streamline the writing and editing process, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the report. Whether compiling research findings, documenting project progress, or presenting analysis results, the LaTeX report class empowers users to produce professional-quality reports that meet the highest standards of presentation and readability.
\documentclass{report}
slides
The LaTeX slide class is an essential tool for creating visually appealing and professional presentations. With its customizable features and robust typesetting capabilities, the slide class allows users to design slides that effectively convey information in a clear and engaging manner. Users can easily define the layout, formatting, and style of their slides, including options for text alignment, bullet points, fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Additionally, the slide class supports the integration of images, tables, equations, and other multimedia elements to enhance the presentation’s content. LaTeX’s built-in support for animations, transitions, and overlays further enables users to create dynamic and interactive slideshows. Whether delivering a lecture, presenting research findings, or pitching a project, the LaTeX slide class empowers users to craft professional presentations that captivate audiences and effectively communicate their message. However, it is seldomly used nowadays. Modern version of this class is beamer package with many templates and themes.
\documentclass{slides}
That’s all for today’s lesson. If you find it challenging to write more complex formulas, feel free to leave a comment, and we will try to assist you. Our online course today was about writing LaTeX formulas. Another one of our courses explained how to number the equations you write. If you have any problems during the thesis, article, assignment, or project writing stage, feel free to ask us in the comments section below. You can also explore articles in the Course category to access similar materials. If you don’t have enough time to learn how to write articles with LaTeX, or even if you do, but prefer assistance, we can help you write your thesis, article, assignment, project, presentation, or any other document in LaTeX on your behalf, whether it’s handwritten or written in another text editor. You can see what we do by visiting the page at the link. You can access the list of schools and journals we have previously worked with on the Previous Works page. Please feel free to visit our pricing page, or contact us regarding pricing, job acquisition and delivery, or any other questions you may have.
