.CLS File Extension

CLS files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: LaTeX Document Class File

General Information

Title CLS File Extension
Extension .cls
Full Form LaTeX Document Class File
File Type Class File
Developer LaTeX Project
MIME Type application/x-latex

File Function

Primary Function Define layout
Additional Functions Customize styling, Provide templates
Features Text formatting, Predefined structures

File Characteristics

Quality Highly structured
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes, Text-based

Use Cases

Academic Papers Yes
Books Yes
Theses Yes
Presentations Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Minimal
Best Practices Version control, Documentation

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early 1980s
Latest Version Varies by class

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .tex, .sty, .bib, .dtx

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
TeX Live Free Windows, Mac, Unix
MiKTeX Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Overleaf Free, Subscription Web-based

Type 2: Program Class File

LaTeX software typically includes CLS files used as templates to generate documents with the same style and structure. For example, a publisher may distribute a CLS file to authors so articles appear ...

General Information

Title CLS File Extension
Extension .cls
Full Form LaTeX Document Class
File Type Text Document
Developer LaTeX Project
MIME Type application/x-latex

File Function

Primary Function Define layout
Additional Functions Provide structure, Specify formatting

File Characteristics

Quality Text-based
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Academic Papers Yes
Books Yes
Theses Yes
Articles Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Version control, Documentation

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1985
Latest Update Varies by distribution

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .tex, .sty, .bib, .dvi

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
TeX Live Free Windows, Mac, Linux
MiKTeX Free Windows, Mac, Linux
Overleaf Free, Subscription Web-based