Compare
Online LaTeX or a local install?
Both produce the same PDF. The difference is where TeX runs, who maintains it, and how you work with other people.
Side by side
Each has its strengths
Many people use both: a local install for offline work, Tex.ink to write with others.
A local install
TeX Live or MiKTeX on your computer, with the editor of your choice.
- Works offline
- Full control over the distribution, packages and tools
- Any editor you like, and your own scripts
- You install, update and debug it on each computer
- Collaboration goes through your own tools: Git, shared folders or email
Tex.ink
A LaTeX editor in the browser, compiling on our servers.
- Nothing to install: TeX Live 2026 is already set up and maintained
- Everyone on a project compiles with the same distribution
- Real-time co-editing, comments, suggesting mode and history
- An AI assistant that reads your document and its compile log
- Needs an internet connection
Both
Use them together
Your project is never locked in: it stays a folder of plain LaTeX files.
- Two-way GitHub sync: edit locally, push, and pull the changes into Tex.ink (and back)
- Download the sources as a .zip or the PDF at any time
- Upload an existing project as a .zip; the main document and compiler are detected
How compiling works on Tex.ink: compilation.
Your next paper starts here.
Create a free account and compile your first document in under a minute.
Start writing — it’s free