Set Up
To use LaTeX, you need both a TeX system and an editor.
Usually free editors are included with your TeX system or distribution.
TeX Systems
The following TeX systems are free or offer a free version.
Mac
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MacTeXTailored for Mac computers. MacTeX includes the free editors TeXShop and TeXWorks, as well as LaTeXiT (which creates image files of equations to use in over programs such as presentations such as PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.)
PC
Online
The following online compiler and editors let you use LaTeX from anywhere without downloading or setting up anything on your own computer. You can also collaborate with others on documents. Both have free basic accounts and upgraded accounts are half-price for students.
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OverleafCosts $0-12 per month depending on amount of storage and additional features. Half-price student accounts and discounted group licenses available. Formerly writeLaTex.
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ShareLaTexCosts $0-30 per month depending on number of collaborators. Half-price student plans available.
Compare Overleaf (writeLaTex) and ShareLaTex
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Online LaTeX editors – fancy toys or usable tools? by Pawel LupkowskiPoster comparing Overleaf (writeLaTex) and ShareLaTex. Includes other online LaTex resources.
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Comparison of online LaTeX editors by David Kofoed Wind2014 blog post comparing Overleaf (writeLaTex) and ShareLaTex.
TeX Editors
| Editor | OS | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinEdt | Windows | $40 (student) | Very popular editor, must already have a TeX system installed |
| TeXWorks | Window, Mac, Linux | Free | Included in the MacTex system download. Modeled on TeXShop and designed for LaTex beginners. |
| TeXShop | Mac | Free | Included in the MacTex system download. Very popular with Mac Users. If you use TeXShop go to the Window option at the top and choose "display LaTeX panel" this brings up lots of math symbols and so forth. You just click on the symbol you want and TeXShop puts it in for you! |
| Texmaker | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free | Has helpful tools and wizards (e.g. to create tables, etc.) |
| Overleaf | Online | Free (basic version) | Unlimited projects and unlimited collaborators (with free plan). Half-price paid plans for students. The free version has smaller storage space (1 GB) and not as many accessories (such as syncing with Dropbox). |
| ShareLaTex | Online | Free (basic version) | Improvement on ScribTeX. The basic (or personal) subscription plan is free but allows only one collaborator, a problem if you want to work on documents with others. Includes unlimited projects and compiles, but is lower on the compiling priority (only a problem if you have really long documents). Half-price paid plans for students. |
