TeXworks
TeXworks is a free desktop application for authoring TeX, LaTeX, and ConTeXt documents on Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux.
What TeXworks is
TeXworks is a free desktop application for authoring TeX, LaTeX, and ConTeXt documents on Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux. Its Unicode-based, TeX-aware editor is intended to be approachable for casual and non-technical users. Editing features include syntax highlighting, auto-completion, spell-checking, templates, search and replace, and multiple file encodings. An integrated PDF viewer synchronizes source and preview through SyncTeX; the 0.6.x series also includes continuous scrolling, two-page view, text selection and copying, and a ruler. The usual workflow uses pdfTeX or XeTeX to generate PDFs, and DVI output can be configured. Users can configure TeX commands and run BibTeX or Makeindex. Scripting support includes QtScript, Lua, and Python. Typesetting requires a TeX distribution such as TeX Live or MiKTeX. The code is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, a later version. The project lists version 0.6.11 as its latest release, dated February 10, 2026, and directs users to an issue tracker and mailing list for support and discussion.
Good
- Free desktop application for Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux.
- Integrated PDF preview synchronizes with source through SyncTeX.
- Includes spell-checking, auto-completion, and templates.
- Supports configurable TeX commands and scripting.
Watch out
- Typesetting requires a separate TeX distribution.
- It is a desktop application, not listed for mobile platforms.
Who it suits
TeXworks suits people writing TeX, LaTeX, or ConTeXt documents on a desktop system. Its stated aim of accessibility may also appeal to casual and non-technical users.
Verdict
TeXworks offers an editor and synchronized PDF viewer at no cost, with tools for common document workflows. Plan to install a TeX distribution separately for typesetting.
Plans and prices
From TeXworks's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| TeXworks | Free | Free and open-source software · desktop application |
The facts
Each one read from TeXworks's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Downloads
- The project lists Windows installers, macOS disk images, and GNU/Linux packages including AppImage, Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Flatpak, Gentoo, openSUSE, and Ubuntu.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Editing features
- The project describes syntax highlighting, auto-completion, spell-checking, templates, search and replace, and multiple file encodings among its editor features.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Editor
- It includes a Unicode-based, TeX-aware editor with a clean interface intended to be accessible to casual and non-technical users.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Its scripting support includes QtScript, Lua, and Python, with standalone and hook scripts and custom shortcuts.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- TeXworks can run configurable TeX commands including pdftex, pdflatex, xelatex, and context, and supports running BibTeX and Makeindex.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The code is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2 or, at the user's option, any later version.checked 4 Oct 2026
- PDF viewer
- The integrated PDF viewer supports source and preview synchronization using SyncTeX.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Preview features
- The 0.6.x series includes continuous scrolling, two-page view, PDF text selection and copying, a ruler, and fine-grained source-output synchronization.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- TeXworks is a simple TeX front end for authoring TeX, LaTeX, and ConTeXt documents.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Release
- The latest listed release is TeXworks 0.6.11, released February 10, 2026.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- TeXworks requires a TeX distribution such as TeX Live or MiKTeX to typeset documents; both distributions include it for Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The opened project pages provide no specific security certification or compliance claim.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its issue tracker and mailing list for bug reports, suggestions, and community discussion.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Typesetting
- Its normal workflow uses pdfTeX and XeTeX to generate PDF documents, and it can also be configured for DVI output.checked 4 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,GNU/Linuxchecked 20 Sep 2026
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