Word is a WYSIWYG program, while LaTeX is a typeset program in which you are compiling code to create a .pdf. It takes a little while to get use to LaTeX, but there are a ton of resources online to help you. Once you do understand it, you will not have to worry about formatting ever again.  It will be helpful in MMAE 305, 319, 419, and 432.  

Windows Installation:
  1. Download and install MiKTeX from here first! MiKTeX is a compiler that comes with its own editor.
  2. Download TeXnicCenter, here. This is the program that I like to use and can help you out with if you have problems. There are other programs that are also open source, including one that comes with the MiKTeX installation file. Feel free to use any program that you like; however, I can only help you with TeXnicCenter if you are having technical issues.
  3. You can get help with writing mathematical symbols in LaTeX from Codecogs.

Figures
Whether you are using Word or LaTeX, figures are best done in a vector-based edtior.  I use CorelDraw, which is relatively cheap for an educational version.  Adobe Illustrator is also popular.  Inkscape is probably the best free software, although I do not have experience with it.
  • All drawings should be done in Corel Draw. This allows others in the lab to make changes if necessary.
  • Draw your figures the correct size for the publication. This allows you to ensure the fonts sizes are correct and uniform across all of your figures.
  • From Corel Draw choose "Publish to PDF" in the File menu. If you make sure that the paper size is just big enough to fit your drawing, then you should be fine. Otherwise open your .pdf file and select Crop (ctrl-shift-t) to remove the white edges spaces from you figure.
A few useful tips and techniques.

  • The wikipedia entry for TeX is here.
  • Set the output of TeXnicCenter to output .pdf files (as opposed to .dvi or .ps files). This can be set in a white box pull-down menu.
  • LaTeX uses BibTeX to create the reference. Wikipedia has a great description of BibTex.
  • You have to build the file three times to get the references correct.