Packages are used to extend LaTeX's functionality and to define (or
redefine) ways of typesetting. They are sometimes calles style files, and are given the extension .sty
. To include a package in your LaTeX document you use the \usepackage
command before the document
environment begins, e.g.
\documentclass[12pt,draft]{book}
% Use the graphicx package for graphics
\usepackage{graphicx}
\begin{document}
There are many packages available, including:
graphicx
for images and graphics
makeidx
for creating indices and glossaries
multicols
lets you span multiple columns in tables
citesort
improves the way multiple citations are typeset
rotating
allows large tables to be set sideways on
the page, amongst other things
pstricks
for diagrams
fancyhdr
defines \pagestyle{fancy}
for
nice page headers
color
(note US spelling) allows you to use coloured text
palatino
includes the palatino font family
The beamer
package is designed not for written
documents, but for presentations to accompany talks. It changes a lot
of LaTeX's typesetting rules, changes the style dramatically, and adds
lots of new commands. It is very flexible and powerful, but does take
some time to learn.
\usepackage
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