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Typst: a faster latex alternative

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tagstypst, resume, latex, documentation, tools

3 min read

What is Typst?

Typst is a modern, open-source markup language for typesetting documents. Designed as a fast, intuitive alternative to LaTeX, Typst compiles complex documents into pixel-perfect PDFs in milliseconds.

I use Typst to design and build my personal resume because it combines the typographic precision of LaTeX with the simplicity of Markdown and the power of a modern programming language.

Why Choose Typst Over LaTeX?

  • Instant Preview & Fast Compile: Compiles in milliseconds rather than seconds.
  • Clean Syntax: No more endless \begin{itemize} and \end{itemize} blocks.
  • Built-in Layout System: Grid layouts, columns, margins, and custom headers are built natively into the syntax.
  • Programmable & Reusable Templates: Define reusable functions for resume headers, experience entries, and skill badges.

1. Syntax Basics

Text Formatting

Writing in Typst feels as natural as Markdown:

= Heading 1
== Heading 2
=== Heading 3
 
This is *bold* text, _italic_ text, and `raw code`.
You can also highlight #highlight[important details].

Lists

- Bullet item 1
- Bullet item 2
 
+ First numbered step
+ Second numbered step

Mathematics & Formulas

Typst features built-in math syntax that is far simpler than LaTeX:

Inline math: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$
 
Display math:
$ integral_0^\infty e^(-x^2) dx = sqrt(pi) / 2 $

2. Page Configuration & Styling

Typst allows you to configure document-wide rules using #set and #show rules:

// Set page dimensions and margins
#set page(
  paper: "a4",
  margin: (x: 1.5cm, y: 1.5cm),
)
 
// Set global font and size
#set text(
  font: "Liberation Sans",
  size: 10pt,
  fill: rgb("#2b2b2b"),
)
 
// Customize heading styles
#show heading: set text(fill: rgb("#284b63"))

3. How I Build My Resume in Typst

Below is a complete, working Typst template that structures a clean, professional one-page resume:

#set page(
  paper: "us-letter",
  margin: (x: 1.25cm, y: 1.25cm),
)
#set text(font: "PT Sans", size: 10pt)
 
// Define a reusable entry function
#let resume-item(title, location, role, date, body) = [
  #grid(
    columns: (1fr, auto),
    [*#title* - _#role_], [#date],
  )
  #v(-4pt)
  #text(size: 9pt, fill: luma(100))[#location]
  #v(2pt)
  #body
  #v(8pt)
]
 
// Header
#align(center)[
  #text(size: 20pt, weight: "bold")[HervΓ©] \
  #text(size: 9pt)[
    #link("mailto:[email protected]")[contact\@example.com] | 
    #link("https://notosansdiary.com")[notosansdiary.com] | 
    #link("https://github.com")[github.com/user]
  ]
]
 
#v(10pt)
 
// Section: Education
== Education
 
#resume-item(
  "Ajou University",
  "Suwon, South Korea",
  "B.S. in Software Engineering (4th Year)",
  "2021 – Present",
  [
    - Focused on Systems Programming, Web Development, and Computer Architecture.
  ]
)
 
// Section: Technical Skills
== Technical Skills
 
- *Languages:* Rust, JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML/CSS, C
- *Frameworks & Tools:* Typst, Quartz, Git, Raylib, Node.js, Linux
- *Specializations:* Full-Stack Web Development, CLI Tools, Interactive Software
 
// Section: Projects
== Key Projects
 
#resume-item(
  "Personal Digital Garden",
  "notosansdiary.com",
  "Creator & Developer",
  "2026",
  [
    - Built an interactive, personal portfolio and digital garden using Quartz and SCSS.
    - Implemented custom typography, search, and graph visualization.
  ]
)

4. How to Compile Typst Documents

Option A: Official Web App

You can sign up for free at typst.app to edit documents in your browser with real-time visual preview and PDF download.

  1. Install the CLI:

    • macOS (Homebrew): brew install typst
    • Cargo (Rust): cargo install --locked typst-cli

  2. Compile to PDF:

    typst compile resume.typ resume.pdf

  3. Live Watch Mode (Auto-recompile on save):

    typst watch resume.typ

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