Documentation

Getting Started with Typst

Typst is a modern markup language for academic writing. It compiles instantly, has clean syntax, and produces beautiful PDFs. TypeTeX supports Typst natively.

Why Typst?

Instant Preview

Typst compiles in milliseconds. See changes as you type—no waiting.

Clean Syntax

Write *bold* instead of \textbf. Markdown-like but powerful.

Publication Quality

Math, tables, figures, citations—everything you need for papers.

Quick Start Guide

Basic Document

= My First Document

This is a paragraph.

== Introduction

Typst uses simple markup:
- *bold* text
- _italic_ text
- `code` inline

= creates headings, == subheadings. Markdown-like formatting works.

Math Equations

Inline math: $E = m c^2$

Display math:
$ integral_0^infinity e^(-x^2) d x = sqrt(pi) / 2 $

Fractions: $a / b$
Greek: $alpha, beta, gamma$

Single $ for inline, $ on own line for display math. Clean, readable syntax.

Figures & Tables

#figure(
  image("diagram.png", width: 80%),
  caption: [A descriptive caption],
) <fig:diagram>

Reference: @fig:diagram

#table(
  columns: 3,
  [Header 1], [Header 2], [Header 3],
  [A], [B], [C],
  [D], [E], [F],
)

#figure and #table are built-in functions. Labels with <> and reference with @.

Citations

// bibliography.bib file
@article{einstein1905,
  author = {Albert Einstein},
  title = {Relativity},
  year = {1905},
}

// In your document:
#set bibliography(style: "apa")
According to @einstein1905...

#bibliography("bibliography.bib")

Standard BibTeX files work. Use @key to cite. Built-in citation styles.

LaTeX vs Typst Syntax

Feature	LaTeX	Typst
Bold text	\textbf{bold}	bold
Italic	\textit{italic}	_italic_
Heading	\section{Title}	= Title
List item	\item Text	- Text
Fraction	\frac{a}{b}	$a/b$
Image	\includegraphics{img}	#image("img")