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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