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
About Beamer
Basic Structure
What Is Beamer?
Beamer is a flexible L
A
T
E
X 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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 3 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
What Is Beamer?
Beamer is a flexible L
A
T
E
X 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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 3 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
Document Template: slides.tex
\documentclass[pdf]
{beamer}
\mode<presentation>{}
%% preamble
\title{The title}
\subtitle{The subtitle}
\author{your name}
\begin{document}
%% title frame
\begin{frame}
\titlepage
\end{frame}
%% normal frame
\begin{frame}{Frame title}
The body of the frame.
\end{frame}
\end{document}
athena% make slides.pdf
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 4 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
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 L
A
T
E
X
document:
figures, tables, equations, normal text, etc.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 5 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
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 L
A
T
E
X
document:
figures, tables, equations, normal text, etc.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 5 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
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 L
A
T
E
X
document:
figures, tables, equations, normal text, etc.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 5 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
About Beamer
Basic Structure
Don’t Do This
Here is a well-known formula:
n
X
k=0
k =
n(n + 1)
2
Here is a less well-known, but still useful, formula:
n
X
k=0
k
2
=
n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
6
This is pretty well-known, too:
n
X
k=0
k
3
=
n(n + 1)
2
2
Who knows about this one?
n
X
k=0
k
4
=
n(6n
4
+ 15n
3
+ 10n
2
+ 1)
30
Have fun factoring the quartic expression!
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 6 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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->.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 10 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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->.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 10 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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->.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 10 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 12 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
Useful Commands that Work with Specifications
\textbf<>{} controls when to
bold text
\only<>{} controls when to
reveal text, occu-
pies NO space oth-
erwise
\textit<>{} controls when to
italicize text
\uncover<>{} controls when to
reveal text, DOES
occupy space oth-
erwise
\color<>[]{} controls when to
change color of
text
\alt<>{}{} reveals first argu-
ment when specifi-
cation is true, oth-
erwise reveals sec-
ond argument
\alert<>{} controls when to
highlight text (de-
fault red)
\item<> controls when an
item is shown
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 13 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 14 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.}\\
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 15 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
Columns and Blocks
a
a
Apologies to Gary Larson
Observation 1
Simmons Hall is composed of
metal and concrete.
Observation 2
Simmons Dormitory is composed
of brick.
Conclusion
Simmons Hall 6= Simmons
Dormitory.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 16 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
Columns and Blocks
a
a
Apologies to Gary Larson
Observation 1
Simmons Hall is composed of
metal and concrete.
Observation 2
Simmons Dormitory is composed
of brick.
Conclusion
Simmons Hall 6= Simmons
Dormitory.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 16 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
Columns and Blocks
a
a
Apologies to Gary Larson
Observation 1
Simmons Hall is composed of
metal and concrete.
Observation 2
Simmons Dormitory is composed
of brick.
Conclusion
Simmons Hall 6= Simmons
Dormitory.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 16 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
Columns and Blocks
a
a
Apologies to Gary Larson
Observation 1
Simmons Hall is composed of
metal and concrete.
Observation 2
Simmons Dormitory is composed
of brick.
Conclusion
Simmons Hall 6= Simmons
Dormitory.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 16 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 17 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 18 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 19 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 19 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 19 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 20 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 21 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 21 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 21 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 21 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 21 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Specifications
Examples
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 22 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 24 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 24 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 24 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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}
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 25 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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.
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 28 / 30
Intro to Beamer
Overlaying Concepts
Sparkle
References
Sections
Themes
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
Prathik Naidu and Adam Pahlavan Fun with Beamer 29 / 30
