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Head-to-head · Math Equation Editor Software

LyX vs GNU TeXmacs

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score LyX #2 in Math Equation Editor Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit LyX
GNU TeXmacs #3 in Math Equation Editor Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit GNU TeXmacs

LyX leads on 0 checks, GNU TeXmacs on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreLyX · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth

LyX scores higher on our rubric for math equation editor software: 9.1 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

LyX is the better fit for structured math-heavy document authoring. GNU TeXmacs is the better fit for free mathematical typesetting and scientific documents.

  • LyX fits best

    Structured math-heavy document authoring

  • GNU TeXmacs fits best

    Free mathematical typesetting and scientific documents

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Side by side

Feature LyX 9.1/10 Visit ↗ GNU TeXmacs 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #2 in Math Equation Editor Software #3 in Math Equation Editor Software
Best for Structured math-heavy document authoring Free mathematical typesetting and scientific documents
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features LyX 0/6 · GNU TeXmacs 0/6
OCR to equation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Office add-in Not checked yet Not checked yet
Web editor Not checked yet Not checked yet
Handwriting input Not checked yet Not checked yet
MathML export Not checked yet Not checked yet
LaTeX export Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Primary deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Integrated formula editor with structured WYSIWYM document authoring
  • Change tracking, revision tracking, and external version-control integration
  • Imports and exports LaTeX, PDF, HTML, OpenDocument, RTF, and Word
  • Structured WYSIWYG editing combines text, mathematics, graphics, and presentations
  • Exports to formats including LaTeX, HTML, XML, PDF, and PostScript
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with scientific-software interfaces
Cons
  • Desktop-only deployment does not support browser-based editing workflows
  • Community and documentation channels are the listed support options
  • Its broad document workflow may exceed needs of simple equation editing
  • Broader document environment than a dedicated equation editor
  • Desktop-only deployment limits access to the editor
  • Scheme-based extensions and user-defined styles may require technical familiarity
Our verdict

LyX is free, open-source desktop software for structured and technical document authoring. Its WYSIWYM interface combines automated document structure with TeX/LaTeX typesetting, making it suited to academic articles, theses, books,…

Read the review →

GNU TeXmacs is a free, open-source desktop editor for structured technical and scientific documents. Its WYSIWYG interface supports mathematical typesetting alongside text, graphics, interactive content, multilingual documents, and…

Read the review →
  1. LyXMath Equation Editor Software 9.1Free plan
  2. GNU TeXmacsMath Equation Editor Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • LyX — where it wins

    • Integrated formula editor with structured WYSIWYM document authoring
    • Change tracking, revision tracking, and external version-control integration
    • Imports and exports LaTeX, PDF, HTML, OpenDocument, RTF, and Word

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only deployment does not support browser-based editing workflows
    • Community and documentation channels are the listed support options
    • Its broad document workflow may exceed needs of simple equation editing

  • GNU TeXmacs — where it wins

    • Structured WYSIWYG editing combines text, mathematics, graphics, and presentations
    • Exports to formats including LaTeX, HTML, XML, PDF, and PostScript
    • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with scientific-software interfaces

    Where it doesn't

    • Broader document environment than a dedicated equation editor
    • Desktop-only deployment limits access to the editor
    • Scheme-based extensions and user-defined styles may require technical familiarity
  • LyX9.1/10 · Free plan

    Free, cross-platform authoring with integrated math, references, revisions, and format flexibility.

    Visit LyXFull verdict →
  • GNU TeXmacs9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source WYSIWYG editor for mathematical and scientific documents.

    Visit GNU TeXmacsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All math equation editor software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update