MacTeX

MacTeX

MacTeX is a free, open source TeX/LaTeX distribution for macOS based on TeX Live. It includes TeX engines, macro packages, fonts, documentation, and GUI applications like TeXShop.
Office & Productivity Document Preparation
MacTeX image
tex latex typesetting document-preparation
MacTeX alternatives ➤

MacTeX: Free TeX/LaTeX Distribution for macOS

A free and open source TeX/LaTeX distribution specifically designed for use on macOS, featuring TeX engines, macro packages, fonts, documentation, and GUI applications like TeXShop.

What is MacTeX?

MacTeX is a comprehensive TeX/LaTeX distribution for macOS that is based on TeX Live. It includes the major TeX engines (pdfTeX, XeTeX, LuaTeX), an extensive collection of macro packages, reference works, documentation, and fonts. MacTeX also bundles useful graphical applications like TeXShop, TeXworks, BibDesk, LaTeXiT, and Excalibur.

Some of the key features of MacTeX include:

  • Easy one-step installation of a complete TeX setup
  • Always up-to-date with the latest releases of TeX Live packages
  • Over 3GB of included macros, fonts, and utilities
  • Powerful TeX engines like LuaTeX and XeTeX for advanced typesetting
  • Integrated access to CTAN for installing additional packages
  • Bundled frontend editors like TeXShop for writing and compiling LaTeX documents
  • Extensive documentation and reference works about TeX included

With its simplicity and breadth of included software and content, MacTeX takes the hassle out of getting an optimized, ready-to-use TeX installation. Whether you just need to write the occasional mathematical paper or want to produce complete books and journals, MacTeX has you covered with everything LaTeX in one convenient package.

MacTeX Features

Features

  1. Complete TeX Live distribution
  2. TeXShop editor
  3. TeXworks editor
  4. BibDesk reference manager
  5. LaTeXiT equation editor
  6. TeX Live Utility for managing the TeX distribution

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Easy installation and management of TeX on macOS

Includes major TeX editors and tools

Active development and support community

Cons

Large storage footprint

Annual updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues

Less customizable than manual TeX Live installation

Official Links

Official Website
https://tug.org/mactex

The Best MacTeX Alternatives

Top Office & Productivity and Document Preparation and other similar apps like MacTeX

Here are some alternatives to MacTeX:

TeXstudio icon
TeXstudio
Texmaker icon
Texmaker
TexitEasy icon
TexitEasy
Texpad icon
Texpad
TeX Live icon
TeX Live
Suggest an alternative ❐

TeXstudio icon

TeXstudio

TeXstudio is a feature-rich, open-source LaTeX editor that runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides an intuitive interface and advanced editing capabilities for working with LaTeX documents.Some of the key features of TeXstudio include:Syntax highlighting and code completion for LaTeX commands and environmentsConfigurable build tools for compiling LaTeX to...
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Texmaker icon

Texmaker

Texmaker is a feature-rich, open-source LaTeX editor that allows users to efficiently write and compile LaTeX documents. As an integrated writing environment, Texmaker includes many useful tools for authoring with LaTeX, such as:Built-in PDF viewer to see compiled document alongside the source codeSyntax highlighting for error detectionReference checker to easily...
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TexitEasy icon

TexitEasy

TexitEasy is a free and open source cross-platform text editor designed to be user-friendly while still providing robust text editing capabilities. Some key features of TexitEasy include:Lightweight and fast, with low memory usageSupport for syntax highlighting of multiple programming languages like Python, JavaScript, CSS, etcCustomizable interface with different color schemes...
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Texpad icon

Texpad

Texpad is a feature-rich LaTeX editor designed specifically for working with LaTeX documents. Some key features of Texpad include:Beautiful and clean user interface optimized for writing LaTeXLive preview that renders equations and diagrams for rapid document creationPowerful auto-completion of LaTeX commands, citations, cross-references, etc.Robust syntax highlighting and error detectionSupports major...
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TeX Live icon

TeX Live

TeX Live is a distribution of the TeX typesetting system that includes major TeX-related programs like TeX, LaTeX, ConTeXt, Metafont, BibTeX, and many supporting programs and macro packages. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems.TeX Live is developed and maintained by the TeX user groups worldwide. The main goals...
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