# Typst — Modern Markup-Based Typesetting System

> Typst is a new markup-based typesetting system that is powerful and easy to learn. A modern alternative to LaTeX with fast incremental compilation, friendly error messages, and a scripting language built in. Write beautiful papers, theses, and documents without the LaTeX pain.

## Install

Save the content below to `.claude/skills/` or append to your `CLAUDE.md`:

## Quick Use

```bash
# Install
brew install typst                          # macOS
cargo install --locked typst-cli            # Rust
scoop install typst                         # Windows
```

Create `paper.typ`:
```typst
#set page(paper: "a4", margin: 2cm)
#set text(font: "New Computer Modern", size: 12pt)
#set heading(numbering: "1.1")

= Introduction

This paper explores how *Typst* can replace LaTeX for academic writing.
Compilation is _instant_ — no more waiting 30 seconds.

== Background

Here is a citation @doe2024.

$ E = m c^2 $

#figure(
  table(
    columns: 3,
    [*Framework*], [*Language*], [*Stars*],
    [React], [JavaScript], [230K],
    [Vue], [JavaScript], [210K],
  ),
  caption: [Popular frameworks comparison],
)

#bibliography("refs.bib")
```

Compile:
```bash
typst compile paper.typ                    # PDF output
typst watch paper.typ                      # Live reload
typst compile paper.typ paper.svg          # SVG output
```

## Intro

Typst is a new markup-based typesetting system designed as a modern alternative to LaTeX. Written in Rust by Martin Haug and Laurenz Maedje (started as a master thesis project at TU Berlin). Typst compiles incrementally in milliseconds (vs LaTeX minutes), has friendly error messages, and includes a built-in scripting language for templates and automation.

- **Repo**: https://github.com/typst/typst
- **Stars**: 52K+
- **Language**: Rust
- **License**: Apache 2.0

## What Typst Does

- **Markup** — lightweight syntax for headings, emphasis, lists, links
- **Math** — `$ ... $` for equations with intuitive syntax
- **Scripting** — built-in programming language (variables, loops, functions)
- **Templates** — create and share reusable document templates
- **Bibliography** — BibTeX and Hayagriva support
- **Figures and tables** — numbered, captioned, cross-referenced
- **Incremental compilation** — sub-second rebuilds
- **Error messages** — human-readable with line/column info
- **PDF output** — production-quality PDF
- **typst.app** — collaborative online editor

## Architecture

Rust compiler: source → AST → layout → PDF. Incremental: only recomputes changed pages. Scripting engine evaluates Typst code at compile time for dynamic content generation. Font subsetting and PDF/A compliance built in.

## Self-Hosting

CLI tool + optional typst.app (collaborative SaaS).

## Key Features

- Millisecond compilation
- Readable markup syntax
- Built-in math typesetting
- Scripting language
- Templates and packages
- Bibliography support
- Friendly errors
- PDF output
- Live watch mode
- Collaborative editor (typst.app)

## Comparison

| System | Compilation | Syntax | Scripting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typst | Milliseconds | Easy | Built-in |
| LaTeX | Seconds-minutes | Complex | TeX macros |
| Markdown + Pandoc | Fast | Simple | Limited |
| Asciidoc | Fast | Medium | Macros |
| Groff | Fast | Arcane | Macros |

## FAQ

**Q: Can it replace LaTeX?**
A: For 80% of academic writing, yes. A few advanced LaTeX features (specific journal templates, complex TikZ graphics) are not yet supported. Typst is catching up fast.

**Q: How is math formula support?**
A: Excellent. The syntax is more intuitive than LaTeX: `$sum_(i=1)^n i = (n(n+1))/2$`, no need to memorize `\frac{}{}`.

**Q: Template ecosystem?**
A: typst.app has a community template library (IEEE, ACM, thesis, resume, letter). You can also customize and share your own `.typ` templates.

## Sources

- Docs: https://typst.app/docs
- GitHub: https://github.com/typst/typst
- License: Apache 2.0

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/typst-modern-markup-based-typesetting-system-9033216a
Author: Script Depot