If you want to have more control over the general layout of your document, you should consider using LaTeX. It is well-known for its cost-effectiveness, structured style representation, and scalable features.
Working in a team can present unique challenges in terms of producing consistent and timely results. As a result, most technical writers and scientists rely on LaTeX. The software system can make it easier to write books, articles, and letters. This LaTeX compiler online guide will show you the best online LaTeX compilers and online LaTeX editors.
What Is LaTeX?
LaTeX is a tool used in the creation of documents. The tool is often utilized by technical writers and scientists to create official documents. It’s used in theses, official reports, and journals. The user does not style the document as they would in Apple Pages or Microsoft Word. They write the document in plain text and then compile it into a PDF output. It’s highly reliable in the creation of typeset documents.
The main purpose of LaTeX is to distinguish between the content of a document and its style. It is effective for typesetting, referencing, creating reference tables, bibliographies, and math input. It can also be used to insert footnotes, draw schematics, and create tables. Furthermore, it lets you discuss your content with collaborators.
What Is an Online LaTeX Compiler?
An online LaTeX compiler is a software system that can build a PDF from a GIT repository or URL. Since LaTeX documents are plain, you will need a compiler to generate specific outputs. There are various tools available for testing LaTeX code typesetting directly on your browser.
A compiler for LaTeX includes a textbox where you can enter your text. You will see the LaTeX command or code output when you click run. The platforms often include a command-line utility, APIs, and stand-alone versions. The most common LaTeX online services are Overleaf, Tex Live, MacTex, and MikTex.
How to Run LaTeX Online: Compilers, Interpreters, Code Editors, and IDE
There is a fine line between latex compilers, interpreters, code editors, and integrated development environments (IDEs). Each of these platforms is used to support the document editor. As a result, mastering the major and minor differences can significantly impact your work. Find out how to run LaTeX online in the section below.
Online LaTeX Compiler vs. Online LaTeX Interpreter
Titles, labels, and texts can feature a special control sequence in an online LaTeX interpreter. It has three properties: none, latex, and tex. None displays the text verbatim, LaTeX produces none, and tex supports Greek and a collection of LaTeX math characters.
Online LaTeX Compiler vs. Online LaTeX Editor
An online LaTeX editor is a document preparation system. It has multiple features used in the preparation of scientific and technical documents. The editors often feature a PDF viewer where the output is displayed. You can insert a table, image, or mathematical symbol using the platform.
Online LaTeX Compiler vs. Online LaTeX IDE
An integrated development environment features an editor, compiler, interpreter, and output viewer. Users rely on it to write, compile, and debug program code. Online LaTeX IDEs have multiple tools and functions that help in the process. Developers rely on these tools to autocomplete, insert, forward search, and collect documents that belong together.
Top 5 Online LaTeX Compilers
| Online LaTeX Compiler | Price | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Overleaf | $10 to $30 a Month | Editor and Compiler |
| CoCalc | $70 to $1,788 per Year | Editor |
| Tutorials Point | Free | Editor |
| GitHub | Free | Compiler |
| Papeeria | Free | Editor |
There aren’t many online LaTeX Compilers, but these online LaTeX editors will do an excellent job. The editors we’ve listed below are used by beginners, bootcamp students, and professionals worldwide.
Overleaf
With over nine million users globally, Overleaf prides itself on providing transparent, open, and fast research. This online interactive LaTeX editor supports collaborative editing of thesis, reports, and documents based on LaTeX markup language. It is widely used in over 180 countries to create over 70 million documents. This collaborative LaTeX editor is popular among scientists and text editors.
Overleaf Features
- Overleaf includes a simple LaTeX environment that is complete and easy to use for beginners. The platform supports image insertion and equations.
- Overleaf allows real-time collaboration. You do not need your partner to send you the final draft for you to keep working. You can see where they left off on the document. All changes will be reflected in the earlier version without difficulty. Additionally, they will be productive and pick up small amounts of LaTex as they progress.
- Overleaf provides the entire document history. You can easily keep track of the changes on the document. This will help you keep track of any minor or major changes to the document.
- When it comes to Overleaf, you are not restricted to working in a single location. You can access the file from anywhere and use GitHub or Dropbox to sync files.
CoCalc
CoCalc is another online editor that can provide you with convenience and reliability. This online tool has excellent features to ensure that your collaborative work runs smoothly. Learn about CoCalc’s features in the sections below.
CoCalc Features
- This editor features a side-by-side preview.
- You can automatically compile once you hit the save button. It also highlights errors in the source file.
- The editor also features embedded calculations in the document.
- It comes with multi-file support side-by-side that fosters all included files and records each change as it happens.
- You will have full access to the computational environment. This means you can easily publish your results.
- The editor also allows unlimited sharing of documents. You can share your document as widely as possible in real-time. Each collaborator can see viewers and the movement of cursors in real-time.
- CoCalc’s time travel feature helps identify changes made to the document in fine detail. You can easily go back and forth to identify any compilation error.
- The editor also comes with an automatic backup. Your file will be saved in standard read-only format. This makes it easy to recover previous versions in case of deletion or corruption.
Tutorials Point
This is another platform for learners who want to read at their own pace to master different tools, techniques, and technologies. Tutorials Point, which has over 40 million readers, provides 100 million pages per month for the user’s learning needs. It also offers a collaborative environment with no preconditions. Find out more about the platform’s editor below.
Tutorials Point Features
- The document editor comes with a side-by-side view.
- It also features syntax highlighting and formatting
- You can also change the theme of your editor and font size.
GitHub
This popular code hosting platform is ideal for collaboration among professionals, serving as a kind of public repository. The platform offers an excellent service that allows you to generate a PDF file from the GIT repository using TeX sources.
GitHub Features
- GitHub has a command-line interface. The CLI tool is useful for compiling local documentation. You can easily compile the TeX documents from the command line at any point. You will require a Laton to edit and compile.
- It also boasts a REST API which allows users to compile GIT repositories.
Papeeria
You can opt for the free or paid version of Papeeria. The free version offers you unlimited access to public projects and templates. It also features a limitless number of collaborators and one active private project. You will also have access to file edit history and a simple plot builder.
The Delta version has over ten active projects, auto compiling, private templates, full-text search, and priority compiling. You can also expect GIT sync, backup snapshots, integration with Gnuplot, and auto synchronization with Google Drive and Dropbox.
Papeeria Features
- Papeeria has a simple environment that is ready to use and run. You will access its editor with real-time collaboration, spell checking, code for LaTeX math previewer, and discussions.
- The platform will automatically compile your work in the background. The platform is compatible with different systems. You can use it on desktops or mobile phones.
- Papeeria features multiple ready-to-use LaTeX templates for your documents.
- You can access your documents from two Papeeria servers. You will not lose all your data from the master server.
- It features project snapshots so you can easily backtrack if something goes wrong.
Which Online LaTeX Compiler Should I Choose?
You should choose a compiler for LaTeX based on your needs and convenience. You should check on reliability, compatibility, quality, stability, and cost. Often, the platforms charge relatively affordable fees depending on the number of collaborators accessing the document. It’s vital that you read through the features before committing your thesis or project to the platform.
It is best to choose a compiler that includes various templates and tutorials. This will provide you with the necessary information to utilize the document editor’s features. Consider using Overleaf, which is one of the most popular document editors for beginners.
Online LaTeX Compiler FAQ
To convert a LaTeX file into readable content, save it as a text file. You can use a LaTeX editor or compiler to compile the document or simply use the command line. Each specific editor will provide a step-by-step process of compiling the file.
You can save your LaTeX file in Google Docs or Microsoft Word and then edit it using track changes. It is critical that the developer does not change the coding. When you’re finished, convert the word document back to LaTeX. You could also use Lyx, a document processor, or online collaboration tools.
LaTeX has numerous advantages over Word. Its incredible ability to land large files with multiple graphics makes it a user favorite. When using LaTeX, you do not need to be concerned about the layout. It comes with a high-quality standard that can be easily customized if necessary. LaTeX also allows you to share projects with your colleagues so you can all work together on a single version.
The basic LaTeX document structure features preamble and body. Preamble dictates the type of document being created. It can be a book, article, or slide. It also displays available options. The body contains two lines of code that represent the start and end of the document.
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