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LaTeX Coffee Stains (2021) [pdf] (ctan.math.illinois.edu)

392 points by zahrevsky · 288 days ago · 93 comments on HN

Article summary

The article appears to be about a LaTeX package that generates coffee stains, but the actual article text is not available. The discussion revolves around the package and its comparison to Typst, a typesetting system. Some commenters appreciate the creativity of the coffee stain package, while others discuss the limitations and features of Typst. The conversation also touches on the differences between LaTeX and Typst, with some users preferring one over the other.

Main themes

  • LaTeX coffee stain package
  • Typst vs LaTeX
  • Typesetting systems
  • Document formatting
  • Coffee stains as design element

What commenters say

  • Typst is a viable alternative to LaTeX, offering faster compilation and better syntax, but still lacks some features and has rough edges.
  • The coffee stain package is a creative and interesting application of LaTeX, but its usefulness is limited.
  • Some users prefer Typst's ability to parameterize target page size, while others find absolute coordinates sufficient.
  • The ability to place images freely on a page is a key feature for some users, but Typst's current implementation is not ideal.
  • The distinction between absolute positioning of background images and floating figures is important, and Typst's implementation is not fully understood by all users.
  • The web-based Typst editor requires a login, but the core application is open-source and can be run locally.
  • The choice between LaTeX and Typst ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences, with some users finding Typst's advantages outweigh its limitations.