# How do I use Overleaf?

## LaTeX users

**If you are familiar with LaTeX** then using Overleaf couldn’t be simpler because we provide full support for direct LaTeX editing and automatically compile your document for you on our servers—there’s nothing to install! All you need to do is create a document, select the **Code Editor** and begin writing your LaTeX code:

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/Wocnx9lnpPbZxVPXdfvH" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/BDrVkCyvr78E86jX6DPi" alt="New editor image showing the Code Editor and Visual Editor toggle, located above the editor area on the left."></picture><figcaption><p>Image showing the Code Editor and Visual Editor toggle.</p></figcaption></figure>

## New to LaTeX

**If you are new to LaTeX** and need some help to get started, our [tutorials](https://www.overleaf.com/tutorial) page lists a wide range of learning materials to jump-start your LaTeX journey. We’ve also pre-loaded a range of [templates and examples](https://www.overleaf.com/latex/templates) into Overleaf to help you create your first document.

**Another option for beginners** is to start with a [sample document](https://www.overleaf.com/docs?template=overleaf\&rich_text=true) using the **Visual Editor** and use that to explore Overleaf. The **Visual Editor** lets you write and edit your document using a rich-text, Word-like interface—no need to know or use LaTeX code. It's ideal for those who are new to LaTeX or prefer a more intuitive writing experience.

The **Code Editor,** on the other hand, is the traditional LaTeX environment where you write and edit your document using LaTeX commands.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/6q3QcITLGr3X6xL6S3rQ" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/5nV8sF5tlMDjJUr5pE2v" alt="New editor image showing how to use Overleaf. It highlights the Code Editor and Visual Editor toggle, the editor area for writing and editing your document, the Recompile button to view the typeset result, and the display of the typeset document."></picture><figcaption><p>Image showing how to use Overleaf.</p></figcaption></figure>

We hope you enjoy using Overleaf, and if you have any comments or questions, please get in touch via our [contact page](https://www.overleaf.com/contact).


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.overleaf.com/getting-started/how-do-i-use-overleaf.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.