Yes. Core features including intuitive math input, build, SyncTeX, PDF preview, and on-device equation OCR are free. Optional Basic at $12/month and Pro at $25/month expand Axiom AI usage.

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

Yes. TeX64 works with an existing TeX distribution (TeX Live, MacTeX, or BasicTeX) and can install managed TeX Live after you approve the action. There is no proprietary document format or lock-in.

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. The editor, build system, PDF preview, SyncTeX, and on-device equation OCR work offline, and project data stays on your device by default. Axiom AI and downloading managed TeX Live 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 or later on Apple Silicon or Intel, and Windows 10/11 on x64. Building requires a TeX distribution; use an existing installation or approve a managed TeX Live install. Axiom AI and managed downloads require an internet connection, while equation OCR and other core features work 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.

TeX Environment / TeX Distribution

Overview

TeX64 calls command-line tools like latexmk, lualatex, and latexindent to compile your documents. Use an existing TeX distribution or approve TeX64 to download and install managed TeX Live.

Why TeX Distribution is Needed

TeX64 does not bundle a LaTeX engine inside the app package. It invokes TeX commands from an existing or app-managed distribution on your device. Without a TeX distribution, compilation is unavailable.

TeX64 depends on external TeX tools (latexmk, lualatex, synctex)
Installing a TeX distribution is a prerequisite
Without a distribution, TeX64 will show compilation errors

Options

MacTeX (Recommended)

Size: ~4GB
URL: https://www.tug.org/mactex/
Installation: Download .pkg and run installer
Includes: Everything (latexmk, lualatex, latexindent, synctex, all packages)
For Japanese Users: Includes CJK packages by default
Best for: Beginners, users who want zero configuration

BasicTeX (Minimal Install)

Size: ~100MB
URL: https://www.tug.org/mactex/morepackages.html
After Install: Add missing packages manually with tlmgr
Best for: Experienced users who want minimal disk usage

TeX Live (Manual)

Manage TeX Live directly outside MacTeX
For Homebrew users: brew install texlive

Installation Verification

Open Terminal and run these commands to verify all tools are found:

which lualatex
which latexmk
which latexindent
which synctex

All should return paths. If any return nothing, the tool is not installed or not in PATH.

In TeX64: Settings > Environment shows green/red status for each tool.

Windows 10/11 setup

On Windows x64, choose one TeX environment. TeX64 can use a managed TeX Live install, a normal TeX Live install, or MiKTeX.

Managed TeX Live

Open TeX64 > Settings > Environment and choose the managed TeX Live install action.
Review and approve the download. A full TeX Live installation needs several GB of free disk space and can take time.
Keep TeX64 open until setup completes. The distribution is stored in an app-managed folder and is detected automatically.

TeX Live (manual)

Download the official Windows installer from TeX Users Group and run it.
For the fewest missing-package errors, choose the full scheme if you have several GB available.
Make sure C:\texlive\<year>\bin\windows is on PATH, then fully quit and reopen TeX64.
https://www.tug.org/texlive/acquire-netinstall.html

MiKTeX

Install MiKTeX, then use MiKTeX Console to apply updates and install missing packages.
Enable on-the-fly package installation if you want MiKTeX to resolve missing .sty files during builds.
Confirm the MiKTeX bin directory is on PATH and that lualatex, latexmk, and synctex are available.
https://miktex.org/download

Verify from PowerShell

Run these commands in a new PowerShell window, then check Settings > Environment in TeX64:

Get-Command lualatex
Get-Command latexmk
Get-Command latexindent
Get-Command synctex

If a command is not found, fix PATH in Windows Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables, then fully quit and reopen both PowerShell and TeX64.

Windows troubleshooting

TeX Live: verify the PATH year matches the installed folder and ends in \bin\windows.
MiKTeX: open MiKTeX Console, update packages, and install latexmk or the missing package named in the build log.
Managed install: confirm a stable connection and several GB of free space, retry from Settings > Environment, and include the build/setup log when contacting support.

Package Management (tlmgr)

Update package manager: sudo tlmgr update --self
Update all packages: sudo tlmgr update --all
Install package: sudo tlmgr install <package>
Search packages: sudo tlmgr search --global --file <filename>

PATH Configuration

MacTeX automatically adds /Library/TeX/texbin
Homebrew uses /opt/homebrew/bin
If PATH not set: add export PATH="/Library/TeX/texbin:$PATH" to ~/.zshrc
Restart Terminal and TeX64 after PATH changes

Japanese LaTeX Setup

MacTeX: Includes CJK packages by default
BasicTeX: Install Japanese packages separately: sudo tlmgr install collection-langjapanese
Use lualatexja package with lualatex
Add \usepackage{luatexja} to your .tex file

Common Issues

latexmk not found

Install MacTeX or run sudo tlmgr install latexmk

Missing .sty

Run sudo tlmgr install <package>

PATH issues

Add to shell profile

Permission denied

Use sudo

If you have questions or need support, visit the support page.