Alternatives to Overleaf
Collaborative LaTeX editor that runs in the browser. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Overleaf
Collaborative LaTeX editor that runs in the browser.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Overleaf.
Typst
A typesetting system as capable as LaTeX but far easier to learn, with fast incremental compilation and readable error messages.
Typst replaces LaTeX with its own easier typesetting language and fast live preview, but many journals still require LaTeX and its collaborative editor is a separate paid product.
LyX
Document processor that writes LaTeX for you.
LyX is a free GPL desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux that writes LaTeX visually, but it needs a separate TeX distribution and lacks browser-based collaboration.
TeX Live
The reference cross-platform TeX and LaTeX distribution.
TeX Live is the free reference TeX and LaTeX distribution for local compiling on Linux, macOS and Windows, without browser collaboration, and a full install is several gigabytes.
MiKTeX
TeX distribution that installs missing packages on demand.
MiKTeX is a free TeX distribution for local compiling that installs packages on demand, replacing Overleaf's hosted compiler but without real-time collaboration.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Pandoc
Converts documents between almost any two markup formats: Markdown, Word, LaTeX, EPUB, HTML, PDF and dozens more.
Quarto
Publish technical documents from Markdown and executable code.
JabRef
An open-source reference manager for collecting, organising and citing literature in BibTeX and BibLaTeX.
EndNote
A long-running reference manager for collecting sources and formatting citations in academic writing.
LanguageTool
Grammar, spelling and style checker for more than thirty languages.
LibreOffice
The full free office suite: word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, drawing, database and formula editor.
