LyX review (2026): is it any good?
Structure-based document processor built on LaTeX
LyX report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 12, 2026
Best for documents with math and structure, on LaTeX
LyX is a free document editor built on LaTeX, with an equation editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. You need a TeX system installed, Python on recent Macs, and its first launch can be blocked by Gatekeeper. There's no web version or live collaboration.
Who LyX is for
- Fits if you write papers with lots of equations
- Works for people who already use LaTeX and want a friendlier editor
Who LyX is not for
- Not for you if you don't want to install a TeX system before it works
- Skip it if you want people editing live, because it has no collaboration
- Watch out: recent Macs don't ship Python, which the download page says LyX needs
- Watch out: Gatekeeper may block the first launch on a Mac
Why LyX gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree and open source. Writing tools charge $5.83 to $12.50 a month.
- AFree plan and trialThe whole program is free, and the Donate page is optional.
- CFeaturesAn equation editor, structured documents, document classes, tables, languages and revision tracking. No web version or real-time collaboration.
- DEase of useOn Windows and macOS you install a TeX system first, such as MiKTeX or MacTeX, and recent Macs need Python too. That's setup work.
- CPlatforms and integrationsWindows, Mac and Linux, which is computers only, with links to BibTeX, Maple, Maxima, Octave and Mathematica.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from The LyX Team's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/lyx#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/lyx.svg" alt="LyX: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where LyX stands among writing tools
LyX's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 52 of the 100 other writing tools we grade, and level with 14.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 81 of 100) and worst on ease of use (D, above 0).
LyX has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 101 writing tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. LyX’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 65 of 100, level with 35
- AFree plan and trialAbove 81 of 100, level with 19
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 100, level with 63
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 100, level with 4
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 5 of 100, level with 45
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 79 writing tools. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep LyX, or make your own?
Keep it
LyX is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could make
- Documents: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Citation records for millions of papers.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
- It plugs into other products, BibTeX, Maple and Maxima among them.
What this rests on. LyX’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is LyX?
LyX is a free document processor that works from the structure of a document rather than its appearance. It combines LaTeX with a graphical interface and a built-in equation editor, aimed at articles, theses and books. It runs on Linux and Unix, Windows and macOS.
Worth knowing
- A TeX system such as MiKTeX or MacTeX must be installed before LyX works for output on Windows and macOS.
- Recent macOS releases do not ship Python, which the download page says LyX needs.
- Mac Gatekeeper may block the first launch, and the download page explains the workaround.
- The site lists no web version and no real-time collaboration.
Key features
- Equation editor
- Formulas are entered by point-and-click or LaTeX commands and show rendered on screen as you type.
- Structured documents
- Labels, cross-references, index and bibliography are built in, including BibTeX support, along with an outliner for moving whole chapters.
- Document classes
- Text classes cover letters, articles, books, slides and movie scripts, plus classes for AMS, APS and IEEE and some journals.
- Graphics and tables
- Many image formats are supported, with cropping, rotation and scaling, floating figures and interactive tables.
- Languages
- Right-to-left scripts and CJK are supported, and a document can mix several languages through Unicode.
- Revision tracking and spellchecking
- It offers track changes, a thesaurus and spellchecking through aspell or hunspell.
LyX pricing
As of Nov 12, 2026, LyX is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- LyX is free software under a free and open source license. The site has a Donate page but nothing is required to use it.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The full document processor for Windows, macOS and Linux. A TeX distribution is installed separately. |
Read from lyx.org on Nov 12, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with LyX before you buy.
Works with
- BibTeX
- Maple
- Maxima
- Octave
- Mathematica
LyX alternatives
- LyX vs Texmaker
Free
- LyX vs TeXstudio
Free
- LyX vs Overleaf
Free plan · from $16.75/mo
Common questions
Does LyX have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. LyX is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does LyX have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. LyX is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is LyX open source?
Yes. LyX is open source, according to its own site.
Does LyX work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 12, 2026.