LaTeXiT
LaTeXiT is a macOS desktop application for composing equations through a graphical interface to a LaTeX engine.
What LaTeXiT is
LaTeXiT is a macOS desktop application for composing equations through a graphical interface to a LaTeX engine. It renders and automatically crops equations so they can be dragged into other applications. PDF is the default export format, with MathML and SVG also available; MathML is experimental, and SVG export requires pdf2svg. The editor includes syntax coloring, a dictionary, keyboard shortcuts, document templates, and analysis of LaTeX-engine logs to help locate errors. It saves equations in a history and supports equation libraries. Users can select a LaTeX engine, include packages, change the preamble, and run custom scripts during equation generation. In compatible formats, equations can be reopened with their LaTeX code retained. LinkBack-compatible applications can return a dropped equation to LaTeXiT for editing and receive an update. macOS Services can transform equations in applications that support replacing text with an image, while Automator can batch-convert them. LaTeXiT is free and open source under the CeCILL license. It requires macOS 10.9 or later and a separately installed LaTeX engine; its interface is designed for equations rather than multipage documents.
Good
- Automatically crops rendered equations for drag and drop
- Exports PDF, MathML, and SVG
- Keeps an equation history and supports libraries
- LinkBack-compatible apps can return equations for editing
Watch out
- Requires a separately installed LaTeX engine
- MathML export is experimental
- SVG export requires pdf2svg
- Designed for equations, not multipage documents
Who it suits
LaTeXiT suits macOS users who need to create and reuse equations in other applications. It is less suited to composing multipage documents.
Verdict
LaTeXiT focuses on an equation-oriented workflow, with reusable history and several export options. Check its engine requirement and the extra conditions for MathML and SVG before choosing an export format.
Plans and prices
From LaTeXiT's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| LaTeXiT | Free | macOS 10.9+ · Requires a separately installed LaTeX engine · Free |
The facts
Each one read from LaTeXiT's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Customization
- Users can choose their LaTeX engine, include packages, change the preamble, and run custom scripts during equation generation.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Editing tools
- The editor includes syntax coloring, a dictionary, LaTeX-engine log analysis for errors, keyboard shortcuts, and document templates.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Equation storage
- LaTeXiT automatically saves equations in a history and lets users manage equation libraries.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Equation workflow
- It automatically crops rendered equations and lets users drag and drop them into other applications.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Export limitation
- The FAQ says LaTeX code may be truncated in TIFF, PNG, and JPEG metadata, preventing some exported equations from being reopened.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Exports
- Equations export to PDF by default, with MathML and SVG also available; MathML is experimental and SVG requires pdf2svg.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Integrations
- macOS Services can transform equations in other applications when those applications support replacing text with an image, and Automator can batch convert equations.checked 9 Oct 2001
- License
- The maker says LaTeXiT is open source and available under the CeCILL license.checked 9 Oct 2001
- LinkBack
- In LinkBack-compatible software, users can reopen a dropped equation in LaTeXiT, edit it, and update it in the target application.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Notable limit
- The maker says the interface is designed for equations rather than multipage documents.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- LaTeXiT is a graphical interface above a LaTeX engine for composing equations.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Re-editing
- For compatible formats, the generated equation can be reopened with its LaTeX code retained.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Security and trust
- The FAQ says macOS may block launch because the developer is not identified and recommends checking the download hash.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Support
- The maker says he cannot promise a fast response to email, though users are usually satisfied with the service.checked 9 Oct 2001
The company
- Maker
- The site credits Pierre Chatelier as the maker of LaTeXiT.checked 9 Oct 2001
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