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LaTeXiT
What it is
LaTeXiT is a free macOS desktop application that provides a graphical interface over a LaTeX engine for composing equations. Rendered equations are cropped automatically and can be dragged into other applications. PDF is the default export, while MathML and SVG are also available; MathML is experimental and SVG requires pdf2svg. The editor offers syntax coloring, a dictionary, keyboard shortcuts, document templates, and LaTeX-engine log analysis for errors. Equations are saved in a history and can be organized into libraries. Users can select the LaTeX engine, add packages, modify the preamble, and run custom scripts during generation. Compatible formats can retain LaTeX code for later reopening. LinkBack-compatible software can send dropped equations back for editing and update the target. macOS Services can transform equations in compatible applications, and Automator can batch-convert them. The application is open source under the CeCILL license, costs nothing, supports macOS 10.9+, and requires a separately installed LaTeX engine.
For and against
For
- Automatically crops rendered equations
- Exports PDF, MathML, and SVG
- Equation history and libraries
- Custom engine, packages, preamble, and scripts
- LinkBack editing in compatible software
Against
- Requires a separately installed LaTeX engine
- SVG export requires pdf2svg
- MathML export is experimental
- Interface targets equations, not multipage documents
The verdict
LaTeXiT focuses on composing, exporting, and re-editing individual equations within macOS workflows. Its free, open-source desktop model is useful when equation insertion matters more than multipage document authoring.
Who it suits
LaTeXiT suits macOS users who need to create equation graphics and place them in other applications. It is intended for equations rather than multipage documents.
Plans and prices
LaTeXiT
macOS 10.9+ · Requires a separately installed LaTeX engine
Read 9 Oct 2026 · chachatelier.fr
On the record
- Customization
- Users can choose their LaTeX engine, include packages, change the preamble, and run custom scripts during equation generation.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Editing tools
- The editor includes syntax coloring, a dictionary, LaTeX-engine log analysis for errors, keyboard shortcuts, and document templates.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Equation storage
- LaTeXiT automatically saves equations in a history and lets users manage equation libraries.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Equation workflow
- It automatically crops rendered equations and lets users drag and drop them into other applications.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Export limitation
- The FAQ says LaTeX code may be truncated in TIFF, PNG, and JPEG metadata, preventing some exported equations from being reopened.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Exports
- Equations export to PDF by default, with MathML and SVG also available; MathML is experimental and SVG requires pdf2svg.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- macOS Services can transform equations in other applications when those applications support replacing text with an image, and Automator can batch convert equations.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The maker says LaTeXiT is open source and available under the CeCILL license.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- LinkBack
- In LinkBack-compatible software, users can reopen a dropped equation in LaTeXiT, edit it, and update it in the target application.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The site credits Pierre Chatelier as the maker of LaTeXiT.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The maker says the interface is designed for equations rather than multipage documents.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LaTeXiT is a graphical interface above a LaTeX engine for composing equations.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Re-editing
- For compatible formats, the generated equation can be reopened with its LaTeX code retained.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Security and trust
- The FAQ says macOS may block launch because the developer is not identified and recommends checking the download hash.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says he cannot promise a fast response to email, though users are usually satisfied with the service.chachatelier.fr · read 9 Oct 2026
