Fun with Beamer

An Epic Quest To Create the Perfect Presentation

Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan

June 28, 2017

 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References

Table of Contents

1 Intro to Beamer
About Beamer
Basic Structure

2 Overlaying Concepts
Specifications
Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables

3 Adding that Sparkle

Sections
Themes

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

Table of Contents

1 Intro to Beamer
About Beamer
Basic Structure

2 Overlaying Concepts
Specifications
Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables

3 Adding that Sparkle

Sections
Themes

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

What Is Beamer?

Beamer is a flexible LATEX class for making slides and

presentations.
It supports functionality for making PDF slides complete with
colors, overlays, environments, themes, transitions, etc.
Adds a couple new features to the commands you’ve been
working with.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

What Is Beamer?

Beamer is a flexible LATEX class for making slides and

presentations.
It supports functionality for making PDF slides complete with
colors, overlays, environments, themes, transitions, etc.
Adds a couple new features to the commands you’ve been
working with.
As you probably guessed, this presentation was made using
the Beamer class.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

Document Template: slides.tex

\documentclass[pdf] %% title frame

{beamer} \begin{frame}
\mode<presentation>{} \titlepage
%% preamble \end{frame}
\title{The title}
\subtitle{The subtitle} %% normal frame
\author{your name} \begin{frame}{Frame title}
The body of the frame.
\begin{document} \end{frame}

\end{document}
athena% make slides.pdf

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

What would you like in your sandwich?

So what can you do between \begin{frame} and

\end{frame}?

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

What would you like in your sandwich?

So what can you do between \begin{frame} and

\end{frame}?
Pretty much anything you can do in a normal LATEX
document:

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

What would you like in your sandwich?

So what can you do between \begin{frame} and

\end{frame}?
Pretty much anything you can do in a normal LATEX
document:
figures, tables, equations, normal text, etc.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts About Beamer
Sparkle Basic Structure
References

Don’t Do This
Here is a well-known formula:
n
X n(n + 1)
k=
2
k=0
Here is a less well-known, but still useful, formula:
n
X n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
k2 =
6
k=0
This is pretty well-known, too:
n
n(n + 1) 2
X  
k3 =
2
k=0
Who knows about
n
this one?
X n(6n4 + 15n3 + 10n2 + 1)
k4 =
30
k=0
Have fun factoring the quartic expression!
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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Table of Contents

1 Intro to Beamer
About Beamer
Basic Structure

2 Overlaying Concepts
Specifications
Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables

3 Adding that Sparkle

Sections
Themes

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!
Hello, Mars!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!
Hello, Mars!
Hello, Alpha Centauri!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Rudimentary pause: Backstage

Watch this slide grow.

\pause
\begin{itemize}
\item Hello, World!
\pause
\item Hello, Mars!
\pause
\item Hello, Alpha Centauri!
\end{itemize}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Specification

Professor: I want you to read the textbook to prepare for

tomorrow’s lecture.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Specification

Professor: I want you to read the textbook to prepare for

tomorrow’s lecture.
Student: Which chapter should I read?

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

The Specification

Professor: I want you to read the textbook to prepare for

tomorrow’s lecture.
Student: Which chapter should I read?
Professor: Specifically, Chapters <1-3, 6, 10->.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Specificationizing the Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Specificationizing the Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Specificationizing the Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!
Hello, Mars!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Specificationizing the Rudimentary pause

Watch this slide grow.

Hello, World!
Hello, Mars!
Hello, Alpha Centauri!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Specificationizing the Rudimentary pause: Backstage

Watch this slide grow.

\begin{itemize}
\item<2-> Hello, World!
\item<3-> Hello, Mars!
\item<4-> Hello, Alpha Centauri!
\end{itemize}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Useful Commands that Work with Specifications

\textbf<>{} controls when to \only<>{} controls when to

bold text reveal text, occu-
pies NO space oth-
erwise
\textit<>{} controls when to \uncover<>{} controls when to
italicize text reveal text, DOES
occupy space oth-
erwise
\color<>[]{} controls when to \alt<>{}{} reveals first argu-
change color of ment when specifi-
text cation is true, oth-
erwise reveals sec-
ond argument
\alert<>{} controls when to \item<> controls when an
highlight text (de- item is shown
fault red)

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?

Hints:

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?
A James Madison

Hints:
James Madison ate broccoli.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?
A James Madison
B Harry Truman

Hints:
James Madison ate broccoli.
Harry Truman drank milk.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?
A James Madison
B Harry Truman
C Abraham Lincoln

Hints:
James Madison ate broccoli.
Harry Truman drank milk.
Abe Lincoln raised bees.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?
A James Madison
B Harry Truman
C Abraham Lincoln
D Calvin Coolidge
Hints:
James Madison ate broccoli.
Harry Truman drank milk.
Abe Lincoln raised bees.
And Cal Coolidge grew silk.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question

Which president said, “Most folks are about as happy as they

make up their minds to be”?

C Abraham Lincoln

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Lists: The $1,000,000 Question: Backstage

\begin{enumerate}[A]
\item<2-5> James Madison
\item<3-5> Harry Truman
\item<4-> \color<6>[rgb]{0,0.6,0}Abraham Lincoln
\item<5-5> Calvin Coolidge
\end{enumerate}

\uncover<1-5>{Hints:}\\
\uncover<2-5>{James Madison ate broccoli.}\\
\uncover<3-5>{Harry Truman drank milk.}\\
\uncover<4-5>{Abe Lincoln raised bees.}\\
\uncover<5-5>{And Cal Coolidge grew silk.}\\

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks

a
Apologies to Gary Larson

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks

Observation
Simmons Ha
metal and co

a
Apologies to Gary Larson

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks

Observation
Simmons Ha
metal and co

Observation
Simmons Do
of brick.

a
Apologies to Gary Larson

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks

Observation
Simmons Ha
metal and co

Observation
Simmons Do
of brick.

Conclusion
a Simmons Ha
Dormitory.
a
Apologies to Gary Larson

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks: Backstage I

\begin{columns}
\column{0.5\textwidth}
\begin{figure}[ht]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[height=2in]{LarsonGifted.eps}
~\footnote{Apologies to Gary Larson}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Columns and Blocks: Backstage II

\column{0.5\textwidth}
\begin{block}<2->{Observation 1}
Simmons Hall is composed of metal and concrete.
\end{block}
\begin{block}<3->{Observation 2}
Simmons Dormitory is composed of brick.
\end{block}
\begin{block}<4->{Conclusion}
Simmons Hall $\not=$ Simmons Dormitory.
\end{block}
\end{columns}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Math stuff

Easy Theorem
The equation
x n + y n = z n,
has no integer solutions for n > 2 where x, y , z 6= 0.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Math stuff

Easy Theorem
The equation
x n + y n = z n,
has no integer solutions for n > 2 where x, y , z 6= 0.

Remark
This problem was first posed in 10, 000 B.C.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Math stuff

Easy Theorem
The equation
x n + y n = z n,
has no integer solutions for n > 2 where x, y , z 6= 0.

Proof
The proof is trivial and left as an exercise for the reader.

Remark
This problem was first posed in 10, 000 B.C.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Math stuff: Backstage

\newtheorem{thm}{Easy Theorem}
\newtheorem{pf}{Proof}
\newtheorem{rmk}{Remark}

\begin{thm}<1->
$$x^n+y^n=z^n,$$
has no integer solutions for $n>2$
where $x,\,y,\,z\,\neq\,0$.
\end{thm}
\begin{pf}<3->
The proof is trivial and left as an exercise.
\end{pf}
\begin{rmk}<2->
This problem was first posed in $10,000$ B.C.
\end{rmk}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables

Ice Cream Store Location How to Get There

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables

Ice Cream Store Location How to Get There

Toscanini’s Central Square Just walk!

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables

Ice Cream Store Location How to Get There

Toscanini’s Central Square Just walk!
Herrell’s Harvard Square Red Line

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables

Ice Cream Store Location How to Get There

Toscanini’s Central Square Just walk!
Herrell’s Harvard Square Red Line
J.P. Licks Davis Square Red Line

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables

Ice Cream Store Location How to Get There

Toscanini’s Central Square Just walk!
Herrell’s Harvard Square Red Line
J.P. Licks Davis Square Red Line
Ben & Jerry’s Newbury Street Green Line

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Specifications
Sparkle Examples
References

Building Tables: Backstage

\begin{table}[bt]
\begin{tabular}{|l|c|c|} \hline
\textbf{Ice Cream Store} & \textbf{Location}
& \textbf{How to Get There} \\ \hline
\uncover<2->{Toscanini’s} & \uncover<2->{Central Square}
& \uncover<2->{Just walk!} \\
\uncover<3->{Herrell’s} & \uncover<3->{Harvard Square}
& \uncover<3->{Red Line} \\
\uncover<4->{J.P. Licks} & \uncover<4->{Davis Square}
& \uncover<4->{Red Line} \\
\uncover<5->{Ben \& Jerry’s} & \uncover<5->{Newbury Street}
& \uncover<5->{Green Line} \\ \hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Table of Contents

1 Intro to Beamer
About Beamer
Basic Structure

2 Overlaying Concepts
Specifications
Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables

3 Adding that Sparkle

Sections
Themes

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Using Sections

Treat sections just like you would in a paper.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Using Sections

Treat sections just like you would in a paper.

Use \tableofcontents[section] to keep audience informed
of your talk’s general plan.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Using Sections

Treat sections just like you would in a paper.

Use \tableofcontents[section] to keep audience informed
of your talk’s general plan.
Use \AtBeginSection[]{specialframe} to help audience
follow the structure of your talk.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Using Sections: Backstage I

\section{Intro to Beamer}
\subsection{About Beamer}
\subsection[Basic Structure]{Basic Structure}
\subsection{How to Compile}

\section{Overlaying Concepts}
\subsection{Specifications}
\subsection[Examples]{Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables}

\section[Sparkle]{Adding that Sparkle}

\subsection{Sections}
\subsection{Themes}

\section*{References}
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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Using Sections: Backstage II

\AtBeginSection[]
{
\begin{frame}{Table of Contents}
\tableofcontents[currentsection]
\end{frame}
}

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

See, I can get a ToC anywhere!

1 Intro to Beamer
About Beamer
Basic Structure

2 Overlaying Concepts
Specifications
Examples: Lists, Graphics, Tables

3 Adding that Sparkle

Sections
Themes

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

Pre-customized Templates

To make your presentation use a shiny theme like ours:

Find \mode<presentation>{} at the top of your file
Insert \usetheme{Warsaw} into the {}
Also available within each Presentation Theme:
Color themes: \usecolortheme{colorthemename}
control colors for bullets, background, text, etc.
Inner themes: \useinnertheme{innerthemename}
control main title, environments, figures and tables, footnotes,
etc.
Outer themes: \useoutertheme{outerthemename}
control head-/foot-lines, sidebars, frame titles, etc.

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts Sections
Sparkle Themes
References

A Sampling of Themes

General themes:
default Antibes Berlin Copenhagen
Madrid Montpelier Ilmenau Malmoe
CambridgeUS Berkeley Singapore Warsaw
Also available:
Color themes:
beetle, beaver, orchid, whale, dolphin
Inner themes:
circles, rectanges, rounded, inmargin
Outer themes:
infolines, smoothbars, sidebar, split, tree
See The Beamer Theme Matrix

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 Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References

Good sites to visit for Beamer help

The Beamer User Guide

The Beamer Homepage
A Quick Tutorial
A Beamer Quickstart
A Long Tutorial
LATEX + Beamer Examples
A Beamer Presentation on Beamer

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