Yes. Core editor features (intuitive math input, build, SyncTeX, PDF preview) are completely free. AI writing assistant Axiom and equation OCR are optional paid features. The Basic plan at $12/month includes AI writing and OCR, and the Pro plan at $25/month provides full access to all features.

Can I use my existing TeX distribution (TeX Live, etc.) with TeX64?

Yes. TeX64 works with your existing TeX distribution (TeX Live, MacTeX, BasicTeX) without any proprietary formats or lock-in. You can open and build your existing LaTeX projects as-is.

What is Axiom, the AI writing assistant in TeX64?

Axiom is the AI writing assistant built into TeX64. Describe your intent in natural language — "write the definition of a Fourier transform" or "complete this proof" — and Axiom instantly drafts the LaTeX code. The suggest → review diff → apply → undo workflow keeps you in full control of the AI output.

What is intuitive math input in TeX64?

TeX64's intuitive math input lets you pick symbols (fractions, integrals, matrices, vectors, etc.) from a visual palette and preview equations in real time as you build them. No need to memorize LaTeX syntax. Dramatically faster than traditional LaTeX input for beginners and experts alike.

Can TeX64 convert equations from images to LaTeX?

Yes. TeX64's equation OCR automatically converts photos of handwritten notes, PDF equations, and textbook screenshots into editable LaTeX code. Just take a screenshot to start the conversion, then edit and build the result directly in the editor.

Does TeX64 work offline?

Yes. TeX64 is a local-first native macOS app. The editor, build system, PDF preview, and SyncTeX all work completely offline. Your data stays on your Mac. Only AI writing assistant Axiom and equation OCR require an internet connection.

Is TeX64 an alternative to Overleaf?

TeX64 takes a local-first approach with offline operation and easy Git integration, plus unique features like AI writing assistant Axiom, intuitive math input, and equation OCR that Overleaf doesn't offer. Ideal for those who prioritize speed, privacy, and Git workflows. Overleaf remains the better choice if you need real-time collaboration.

What are the system requirements for TeX64?

TeX64 runs on macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, with native support for both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) and Intel. A TeX distribution (TeX Live, MacTeX, or BasicTeX) is required separately. AI features and OCR require an internet connection, but core features work fully offline.

What is the best LaTeX editor for macOS?

TeX64 is the most advanced LaTeX editor for macOS. It offers AI-powered LaTeX generation from natural language with Axiom, fast equation building with intuitive math input, and automatic conversion from notes and PDFs with equation OCR — all at native app speed. Other options include TeXShop (free, simple), Texifier (live preview), VS Code + LaTeX Workshop (extensibility), and Overleaf (collaboration), but TeX64 leads in AI integration and math input innovation.

Install on macOS

System Requirements

macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or later
Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4 and compatible) or Intel-based Mac
Approximately 150 MB of free disk space
Administrator access (required to place app in Applications folder)
TeX distribution installed separately (MacTeX recommended)

Check Your Architecture

Before downloading TeX64, determine whether your Mac uses Apple Silicon or Intel:

Open Terminal and run: uname -p — If output is "arm", you have Apple Silicon. If "i386", you have Intel. Alternatively, click the Apple menu > About This Mac and check the Chip or Processor line.

You can also visit Apple menu > About This Mac to see your processor information listed under "Chip" (Apple Silicon) or "Processor" (Intel).

Download TeX64

Visit the download page and select your architecture and preferred format:

Go to the /download page
Toggle between Apple Silicon (recommended for M-series) and Intel versions
Choose download format: DMG (recommended) or ZIP
Direct download links are available:Download page — Apple Silicon DMG, Apple Silicon ZIP, Intel DMG, and Intel ZIP options provided.

Install from DMG

Step 1: Open the downloaded .dmg file by double-clicking it.
Step 2: Drag the TeX64.app icon to the Applications folder inside the DMG window.
Step 3: Eject the DMG by clicking the eject icon next to the volume in Finder sidebar, or by dragging it to Trash.
Step 4: Launch TeX64 from your Applications folder or search for it using Spotlight (Cmd+Space).

Install from ZIP

Step 1: Extract the ZIP file by double-clicking it. The TeX64.app will appear in the same folder.
Step 2: Move TeX64.app to your Applications folder.
Step 3: Launch TeX64 from Applications or use Spotlight (Cmd+Space) to find and open it.

Gatekeeper and Security

macOS may show a security dialog the first time you launch TeX64: "TeX64 cannot be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software." This is normal for apps distributed outside the Mac App Store and can be easily resolved.

Solution 1 (Recommended): Control+click (or right-click) on TeX64.app in the Applications folder, select "Open", and then click "Open" in the security dialog that appears. This bypasses the restriction for that one launch, and subsequent launches will work normally.

Solution 2: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down to find TeX64, and click "Open Anyway". This permanently allows TeX64 to run without the prompt.

This is a one-time process. After the initial approval, TeX64 launches normally without additional security prompts.

macOS Permissions

TeX64 requests minimal permissions to function properly. Here is what you may encounter:

Screen Recording: Required for OCR and screenshot capture features. You will be prompted to grant this permission the first time you use OCR. Enable it via System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording > enable TeX64.
File Access: TeX64 accesses only the workspace folder you explicitly open. It does not have blanket access to your entire file system.
Other Permissions: No additional system permissions are required for core editing and building functionality.

Updating TeX64

In-app: Open TeX64, go to Settings > Runtime > Check for Updates to see if a newer version is available.
Manual: Download the latest version from the download page and replace your current TeX64.app in Applications with the new one. See the updates guide for detailed update instructions.

Uninstalling TeX64

Drag TeX64.app from the Applications folder to Trash.
Optional: Remove preferences by running rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/TeX64 in Terminal.
Optional: Remove caches by running rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/TeX64 in Terminal.

Troubleshooting Installation

"App is damaged" error: This usually means the DMG was corrupted during download. Try downloading TeX64 again and ensure the download completes fully before opening the DMG.
Gatekeeper blocks the app: Use the Control+click method described above to approve the app for execution. If issues persist, try moving TeX64 to the Applications folder manually.
Wrong architecture downloaded: Double-check your Mac architecture using uname -p in Terminal. Ensure you have downloaded the correct version (Apple Silicon or Intel) that matches your system.
Still having issues?: Detailed solutions for other problems are available at our troubleshooting page

Need help? Visit our troubleshooting page