RandomPlaceHodler for LaTeX

LaTeX package. Available for locally installed LaTex on Unix systems and Overleaf. Tested on Ubuntu 20.04 x86_64 and Overleaf.

Not yet available for Windows. Last tested with TeXLive version 2024.

Want to add bit of fun to your writing process?

Insert a random image into your article by typing \placeholder.

The images are selected at random from a user appointed directory, so you can use any image you like. Use this package for drafting scientific papers or a fun calendar. Entirely up to you.

User manual

For detailed instructions and all available command, please see RandomPlaceHolder.pdf.

Here are some simple instructions to get you started.

1. make sure your compiler is pdfLatex and shell-escape is enabled. For Overleaf, this is the default, just make sure TeXLive version is no older than 2022.
2. To use with a single LaTeX project, install the package by placing the randomplaceholder.sty (located in randomplaceholder/) next to your main.tex. For Overleaf, try the add file from external URL option and link it to the raw content of the .sty.
3. Include the package by adding \usepackage{randomplaceholder}.
4. Initialise by adding \placeholderinit{$PATH}. $PATH needs to point to a folder containing the images (and only those images) you want to use as placeholders. For example, placeholderimage/.
5. Write your document as normal. Use \placeholder to insert a placeholder image.

To-do:

• Windows system.