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MiKTeX vs MacTeX: catalog facts
MiKTeX	MacTeX
Free The open-source distribution is available without a license fee.	Free Free download from the TeX Users Group.
Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS
Installs packages on demand, so the base install is small Integrated updater keeps packages current without manual work	Complete, preconfigured TeX Live in one installer Includes Mac GUI editors such as TeXShop
On-demand installation needs network access while compiling Less commonly assumed by Linux documentation than TeX Live	Full install is very large macOS only; requires macOS 11 or later
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.