org-special-blocks.el — turn blocks into LaTeX envs and HTML divs

After loading org-special-blocks, you can begin using blocks in org files. For example, let's look at Fermat's Last Theorem:

#+begin_theorem
If an integer $n$ is greater than 2, then the equation $a^n + b^n = c^n$
has no solutions in non-zero integers $a$, $b$, and $c$.
#+end_theorem

#+begin_proof
I have a truly /marvelous/ proof of this proposition that this margin is too
narrow to contain.
#+end_proof

This is exported into LaTeX as follows:

\begin{theorem}
If an integer $n$ is greater than 2, then the equation $a^n + b^n = c^n$
has no solutions in non-zero integers $a$, $b$, and $c$.
\end{theorem}

\begin{proof}
I have a truly \emph{marvelous} proof of this proposition that this
margin is too narrow to contain.
\end{proof}

Note that the standard org markup works inside the blocks. If you were to use LaTeX environments inside an org file, this would not be true. Also make sure that the name of the environment is something that LaTeX knows about – otherwise it will not be able to compile your file.

The org file can also be exported into HTML. In that case, the exported file would look something like this:

<div class="theorem">
...
</div>

<div class="proof">
...
</div>

It is up to you to make sure that the div classes are styled properly.

The easiest way is by

M-x customize-apropos org-modules

Check the line for special-blocks. This will cause it to be loaded every time you start org-mode.

You'll still have to load it manually the first time.

Of course, you can also just try it out by loading it manually.

If you prefer to manually customize your emacs then make sure that the path to org's contrib directory is in your load-path and add the following to your .emacs.

(require 'org-special-blocks)