Typst Tutorial for Academics
Learn Typst in under an hour. Modern academic typesetting with instant preview, cleaner syntax, and 100x faster compilation.
Typst compiles in milliseconds, not seconds. See changes instantly.
No more backslashes and braces. Typst syntax is intuitive and readable.
Built-in scripting, better error messages, and consistent behavior.
Similar concepts to LaTeX, so your knowledge transfers quickly.
Tutorial Outline
Basic syntax, paragraphs, and document structure
Bold, italic, headings, and lists
Inline and display math, symbols, and alignment
Images, captions, and data tables
BibTeX import, citation styles, and references
Using and customizing academic templates
Total time: ~50 minutes
Typst vs LaTeX Syntax
| Typst | Result | LaTeX equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| *bold* | bold text | \textbf{bold} |
| _italic_ | italic text | \textit{italic} |
| = Heading | H1 heading | \section{Heading} |
| == Subheading | H2 heading | \subsection{Subheading} |
| $x^2 + y^2$ | inline math | $x^2 + y^2$ |
| @cite | citation | \cite{} |
= My Paper Title
== Introduction
This is a paragraph with *bold* and _italic_ text.
=== Math Example
The quadratic formula is $x = (-b plus.minus sqrt(b^2 - 4a c)) / (2a)$.
== Methods
+ First step
+ Second step
+ Third step
== Results
#figure(
table(
columns: 3,
[Method], [Accuracy], [Speed],
[Ours], [98%], [Fast],
[Baseline], [85%], [Slow],
),
caption: [Comparison of methods],
)Frequently Asked Questions
No! Typst concepts map directly to LaTeX. Most researchers become productive in under an hour. The main differences are cleaner syntax and faster compilation.
Yes, Typst reads .bib files directly. Just import your bibliography and use @citekey syntax.
Yes, Typst has comprehensive math support including all common symbols, alignment, and equation numbering.
Yes, Typst exports to PDF. Many journals accept PDF submissions, and we also provide LaTeX export for journals that require source files.
Ready to Learn Typst?
Start with a template and learn as you write. The best way to learn is by doing.