Typst Markup Language

Master this modern alternative to LaTeX in just 2 hours

document-preparation
typesetting
academic
open-source
Learn the basics of Typst, a modern markup-based typesetting system that offers a simpler syntax and faster compilation than LaTeX while producing beautiful documents.
Modified

July 2, 2025

Typst Markup Language

Learn this modern, powerful alternative to LaTeX for document creation in just 2 hours

2 Hours Beginner to Intermediate Hands-on
Typst Workshop

1 Session Overview

This 2-hour microlearning session introduces Typst, a modern markup-based typesetting system designed as a more user-friendly alternative to LaTeX. Typst offers a simpler syntax, faster compilation times, and a more intuitive approach to document creation while still producing beautifully typeset documents with support for mathematics, references, and bibliographies. Whether you’re new to typesetting or looking to transition from LaTeX, this session will give you the essential skills to get started with Typst.

1.1 What You’ll Learn

  • Set up and use Typst (local installation and online options)
  • Understand Typst’s markup syntax and document structure
  • Create structured documents with proper formatting
  • Include mathematical equations and formulas
  • Add figures, tables, and cross-references
  • Manage citations and bibliographies
  • Create custom styles and templates

2 Session Curriculum

2.1 Part 1: Getting Started with Typst (30 minutes)

  • Introduction to Typst and its advantages
  • Setting up Typst (installation options and online editor)
  • Document structure and basic markup
  • Content blocks vs. code blocks
  • Creating a simple document
  • Instant preview and compilation

2.2 Part 2: Essential Typst Features (40 minutes)

  • Text formatting and styling
  • Mathematical notation and equations
  • Creating lists, tables, and figures
  • Cross-referencing within documents
  • Page layout and document organization
  • Working with headings and sections
  • Generating a table of contents

2.3 Part 3: Advanced Document Elements (40 minutes)

  • Creating custom styles and templates
  • Managing citations with bibliographies
  • Advanced mathematics formatting
  • Creating custom functions
  • Page numbering and headers/footers
  • Controlling page breaks and layout
  • Exporting to PDF and other formats

2.4 Part 4: Tips and Best Practices (10 minutes)

  • Typst vs. LaTeX - when to use each
  • Common issues and how to resolve them
  • Performance optimization tips
  • Resources for continued learning
  • The Typst community and package ecosystem

3 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this microlearning session, you will be able to:

  • Set up a working Typst environment
  • Create structured documents with proper formatting
  • Include mathematical equations, figures, tables, and citations
  • Apply custom styles to your documents
  • Compile your documents to professional-looking PDFs
  • Understand the advantages and limitations of Typst compared to LaTeX
  • Know where to find help and resources for advanced Typst features

4 Teaching Methods

This session combines:

  • Live demonstrations
  • Hands-on exercises
  • Template-based learning
  • Comparative examples (LaTeX vs. Typst)
  • Problem-solving challenges

5 Target Audience

This microlearning session is ideal for:

  • Students and researchers who need to create academic documents
  • Professionals who work with technical documentation
  • LaTeX users looking for a more modern alternative
  • Anyone who wants to create professionally formatted documents
  • People who find LaTeX too complex or time-consuming

6 Prerequisites

  • Basic computer skills
  • No prior typesetting experience required
  • LaTeX experience is helpful but not necessary
  • Bring your laptop with internet access

7 Materials

All participants will receive:

  • Typst cheat sheet with key syntax and commands
  • Sample templates for various document types
  • Comparison guide between LaTeX and Typst
  • Bibliography management examples
  • List of recommended Typst packages and resources

Your Instructor

Instructor
Dr. Martin Weber

Document Typesetting Specialist

Dr. Weber has extensive experience with document preparation systems including LaTeX, ConTeXt, and Typst. He has published numerous academic papers and books using these tools and specializes in helping people transition to modern typesetting workflows.

Register Now

Next session: August 3, 2023, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CEST

Fee: €49 (Academic discount available)

Location: Online via Zoom

Register for This Session

What Participants Say

"After struggling with LaTeX for years, Typst feels like a breath of fresh air. This workshop got me up to speed quickly, and I've already converted several of my documents to Typst."

Sophia R.

Mathematics Professor

"The instant preview feature of Typst is game-changing. The instructor's examples were clear and practical, and I appreciated the comparison with LaTeX to help understand the differences."

Jamal K.

PhD Student

"I came in with no experience in typesetting, and within 2 hours I was creating professional-looking documents with equations and references. The learning curve is so much gentler than LaTeX."

Linda P.

Technical Writer

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