Usage Basics

The basic loop

For most writing sessions, repeat the same four actions:

1. Edit the source.
2. Build the document.
3. Check the PDF.
4. Return to the source and continue.

The goal is not to memorize commands — it is to make this loop feel routine.

Use preview early

Open PDF preview early, not after the document is already large. Layout issues, errors, and section flow stay visible as you write.

Frequent checks also prevent small errors from accumulating unnoticed.

Use SyncTeX both ways

LaTeX Workshop is most useful when you jump between source and PDF in both directions.

• jump from source to the corresponding location in the PDF
• jump from a position in the PDF back to the corresponding source line

This is especially helpful once a paper becomes long and navigation slows down.

Before proceeding

Confirm that you can edit, build, preview, and jump between source and PDF without pausing to rediscover the interface.