LyX

When working on complex documents like academic papers, technical reports, or books, traditional word processors often fall short. I always used to struggle when I had to do intricate formatting, mathematical formulas, and managing extensive bibliographies.

LaTeX could be a solution in this case, as it provides precise control over document layout and formatting. If you find it rather complex, then perhaps you could use a third-party tool, such as LyX, a document processor that blends the flexibility of a word processor with the advanced capabilities of LaTeX.

When I launched the tool, I noticed right away that it takes a different approach from standard word processors. Simply put, it relies on a WYSIWYM approach, meaning that instead of focusing on the final appearance of your document, you concentrate on its structure and content.

One of its standout features is its ability to typeset complex mathematical equations and scientific notation. Needless to say, the app can make it easier for you to include detailed formulas in your projects.

Moreover, the tool offers integrated bibliography management, which simplifies the process of managing references and citations, making it particularly well-suited for academic writing. In fact, the program can come in handy for creating a wide variety of structured documents, including books.

The app allows you to work with numerous types of document formats, so you can import and export to numerous formats such as LaTeX, PDF, Postscript, DVI, ASCII, HTML, OpenDocument, RTF, MS Word, and more,

The app includes a source code viewer for instant viewing of LaTeX and DocBook code, which is particularly useful for users who need to verify or edit their code directly. It supports exporting to DocBook 5 and ePub, catering to users who need to create eBooks or structured documents for web publishing.

LyX also supports literate programming through noweb and Sweave, enabling the integration of code and documentation seamlessly.