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.

Troubleshooting

Most build failures relate to TeX environment or missing packages. This guide covers common issues and solutions symptom-by-symptom.

Diagnostic Commands

Open Terminal and run:

which lualatex which latexmk which latexindent which synctex

Also check in TeX64: Settings > Environment to verify environment status

TeX Environment Issues

"latexmk not found"

Cause: TeX distribution not installed or not in PATH

Fix:

Install MacTeX from https://www.tug.org/mactex/
Or: sudo tlmgr install latexmk
Verify: which latexmk
Restart TeX64 after installing

"lualatex not found"

Cause: TeX distribution not installed

Fix: Install MacTeX (includes lualatex)

"latexindent not found"

Fix:

sudo tlmgr install latexindent

Note: latexindent is optional (for code formatting), build works without it

"synctex not found"

Fix: included in MacTeX by default, or: sudo tlmgr install synctex

Without synctex, SyncTeX navigation won't work

Missing .sty Package

Error: "File xxx.sty not found"

Fix:

sudo tlmgr install <package-name>

To search:

tlmgr search --global --file <filename>

PATH Issues

Check: echo $PATH

Should include /Library/TeX/texbin for MacTeX or /opt/homebrew/bin for Homebrew

Fix: Add to ~/.zshrc: export PATH="/Library/TeX/texbin:$PATH"

Restart Terminal and TeX64

Build Issues

Build Fails with Errors

Check build output panel for error messages. Click on error to jump to source line.

Common causes: typos in LaTeX commands, mismatched braces, missing packages

Tip: Use AI (Axiom) to diagnose - paste the error or ask in chat

PDF Not Updating

PDF only updates on SUCCESSFUL builds. Check build output for errors.

Click the toolbar build button to rebuild.

Build is Slow

Large projects with many images take longer.

latexmk uses incremental compilation - second builds are faster.

First build may be slow due to package downloads

SyncTeX Issues

SyncTeX Not Working

Verify synctex is installed: which synctex

Rebuild the project with the toolbar build button to generate the .synctex.gz file

Verify green checkmark in Settings > Environment

SyncTeX Jumps to Wrong Location

Some LaTeX packages interfere with source mapping

Multi-file projects: ensure \input/\include paths are correct

macOS Issues

Gatekeeper

Control+click (right-click) → Open Or: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow

Screen Recording Permission (for OCR)

System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording > enable TeX64

May need to restart TeX64 after granting permission

"App is Damaged"

Re-download the DMG. Verify correct architecture (Apple Silicon vs Intel)

AI/Axiom Issues

AI Features Not Available

Make sure you are signed in, then check your account: Account > Billing

AI (chat & completion) is included on every plan, including a small monthly trial on Free. The most common reason it stops working is that your monthly token quota is used up (or a payment is past due) — top up or wait for the next cycle.

Check token quota: Account > Usage

Verify internet connection

AI Responses Slow or Timeout

Check internet connection

Server may be under load - try again in a moment

Rate limit: 30 requests/minute

Account & Login

Google Login Fails

Check internet connection. Try clearing browser cookies/cache. Try signing in again.

Subscription Not Reflecting

Billing changes may take a few minutes

If payment failed, update payment method via Stripe billing portal

Grace period: 3 days after payment failure before features are disabled

Gallery Issues

Post limits: Free=10, Basic=100, Pro=500

Daily post limit: 10 per day

Image size: 20MB max. TeX source: 500,000 chars max. Tags: 8 per post max.

Getting Help

Use AI chat to describe issues (it can read compile logs)

Contact support at /feedback

Include: macOS version, TeX64 version, error message, steps to reproduce

Optional error diagnostics can be enabled in Settings > Privacy

Tip: When diagnosing build issues, start by running diagnostic commands to verify your TeX environment setup. Most issues stem from environment problems.

Support

Contact support