Install a LaTeX distribution such as TeX Live, MiKTeX, or MacTeX
Choose a LaTeX editor such as Overleaf, TeXstudio, VS Code, or TeXworks
Create a `.tex` file
Start with `documentclass{article}`
Add `usepackage{…}` lines for needed packages
Begin the document with `begin{document}`
Write text normally in the document body
Use commands like `section{}`, `subsection{}`, and `paragraph{}`
Use math mode with `$…$` for inline math
Use `[ … ]` or `equation` for displayed math
Use `textbf{}` for bold text
Use `textit{}` for italic text
Create lists with `itemize` or `enumerate`
Insert figures with `includegraphics{…}`
Add tables with the `tabular` environment
Add citations with `cite{…}`
Add references in a `.bib` file or manually in `thebibliography`
End the document with `end{document}`
Compile the file with LaTeX to produce a PDF