TeXShop
TeXShop: A focused, free Mac editor for local TeX and LaTeX writing and typesetting. Ranked #8 of 31 in LaTeX Editors by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users wanting a focused free editor.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users wanting a focused free editor
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Editor typeDesktop
- Founded2000
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Local typesetting with PDF preview, printing, and SyncTeX synchronization
- Syntax coloring, completion, configurable engines, and BibTeX support
- Free, open-source desktop editor for Intel and Apple silicon Macs
Where it doesn't
- Requires a separate TeX distribution for typesetting
- Available only on macOS
- Designed for local work rather than collaboration
Our verdict on TeXShop
TeXShop is a native macOS front end for writing and compiling TeX and LaTeX documents. It is aimed at researchers, students, educators, and technical authors who want a focused desktop editor for local document production. The application combines source editing with local typesetting, PDF preview, printing, syntax coloring, command completion, and SyncTeX source-to-PDF synchronization. It is distributed under GPLv2 and supports Intel and Apple silicon Macs running supported macOS versions.
TeXShop is free and open source, with no paid tier described. Its main setup requirement is a separate TeX distribution for typesetting. MacTeX includes TeXShop and TeX Live, giving Mac users a direct route to the required local compilation environment. This model suits people who prefer files, engines, and document generation to remain on their computer, but it places more responsibility on the user than a browser-based editor that bundles its compilation environment. Configurable typesetting engines and BibTeX support through those engines add flexibility for different TeX and LaTeX workflows.
The editor’s strongest feature set is its connection between source and output. PDF preview, annotation tools, HTML preview for TeX4ht output, command completion, syntax coloring, and SyncTeX cover editing, navigation, review, and alternate output needs in one Mac application. TeXShop is a good choice for Mac users who want a focused, no-cost local editor and are comfortable installing or maintaining a TeX distribution. Users who need cross-platform access or built-in collaboration should choose a different type of LaTeX editor.
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TeXShop pricing
TeXShop fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Editor type | Desktop |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Offline editing | Not verified |
| Visual editor | Not verified |
| Git integration | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | macOS |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pages.uoregon.edu |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to TeXShop
- OverleafA capable collaborative LaTeX workspace for teams that need editing, review, and citations together.9.3
- TeXstudioA capable free LaTeX desktop editor with strong document-production tools.9.1
- LyXA capable LaTeX-based editor for academic, mathematical, and technical documents.8.9
See all TeXShop alternatives →
TeXShop vs the competition
- TeXShop vs Overleaf
- TeXShop vs TeXstudio
- TeXShop vs LyX
- TeXShop vs Texmaker
- TeXShop vs Kile
- TeXShop vs TeXworks
Compare TeXShop with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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