The Texmaker Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Texmaker in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Texmaker
The Insider’s Guide
Free LaTeX editor for Windows, macOS and Linux
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among writing tools, read from Texmaker’s own pages.
Made by Pascal Brachet · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Texmaker’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Texmaker’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 52 of the 100 other writing tools we grade
Texmaker is a desktop editor for writing LaTeX documents. It puts a code editor, a built-in PDF viewer, a structure view and one-click compilation in a single window. It is released under the GPL license and costs nothing.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Texmaker, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It's only the editor, so you install a LaTeX distribution yourself.
- 1
Best for a free LaTeX editor with a built-in PDF viewer
Texmaker is a free LaTeX editor for Windows, Mac and Linux with a built-in PDF viewer and one-click compiling.
- 2
It is free
Texmaker has no paid plan at all. The whole editor is free to download and use under the GPL license, with no account or subscription.
- 3
It runs on 3 platforms
Windows, macOS and Linux.
- 4
Integrated PDF viewer
A built-in viewer with continuous scrolling and SyncTeX support jumps between the source and the compiled page.
- 5
One-click compilation
Predefined Quick build commands compile the document, and errors and warnings from the log file link back to the matching lines.
- 6
Code completion and folding
Common LaTeX commands are inserted while typing, and parts, chapters, sections and environments can be collapsed.
- 7
A 2.6 GPA, above 52 of 100
That is against the other writing tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Texmaker is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Texmaker at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- Pascal Brachet, since 2003
- Category
- Writing Tools
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
Best for a free LaTeX editor with a built-in PDF viewer
Texmaker is a free LaTeX editor for Windows, Mac and Linux with a built-in PDF viewer and one-click compiling. It's only the editor, so you install a LaTeX distribution yourself. It lists no collaboration or cloud storage, and Intel Macs get an older build.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free under the GPL, with no account. A program anyone can download and run. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The whole editor is free, with no account and no caps. |
| Features | C | Editor, PDF viewer, completion, structure view and wizards. The listing says no collaboration and no cloud storage. |
| Ease of use | D | Needs a separate LaTeX distribution, and Mac users who see a damaged-app warning are told to run a terminal command. No store rating on record. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | Windows, Mac and Linux only, no web or phone versions. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Texmaker is for
- Fits if you write LaTeX papers or theses on your own computer
- Works for people who want an editor that has been around since 2003
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want to write with others live, as no collaboration is listed
- Not for you if installing TeX Live or MiKTeX sounds like a chore, because it comes separately
- Watch out: Intel Macs are offered only the older 5.1.4 package
- Too light for tablets and browsers, with only desktop builds
Good to know
Good for
- Writers of theses, papers and reports who already use LaTeX
- People who want a local editor with no account or subscription
- Users who work on Windows, macOS and Linux and want the same editor on each
Worth knowing
- It is only an editor: a LaTeX distribution (TeX Live or MiKTeX on Windows, TeX Live on Linux, MacTeX on Mac) has to be installed separately.
- The macOS build is for Apple silicon on macOS 11 or later; Intel Macs are offered only an older 5.1.4 package.
- The download page tells Mac users who see a damaged-app warning to run a terminal command to clear the quarantine flag.
- The site lists no real-time collaboration or cloud storage.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Texmaker is free to use.
The whole editor is free, with no account and no caps.
Free
$0
The complete editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. You also install a separate LaTeX distribution.
The free plan
The whole editor is free to download and use under the GPL license, with no account or subscription.
Read from xm1math.net on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
Free LaTeX editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, documents.
Editor, PDF viewer, completion, structure view and wizards.
- Integrated PDF viewer
- A built-in viewer with continuous scrolling and SyncTeX support jumps between the source and the compiled page.
- One-click compilation
- Predefined Quick build commands compile the document, and errors and warnings from the log file link back to the matching lines.
- Code completion and folding
- Common LaTeX commands are inserted while typing, and parts, chapters, sections and environments can be collapsed.
- Structure view and master mode
- The structure view updates as you type, and master mode lets a document split across several files be built from one.
- Symbols, wizards and snippets
- 370 mathematical symbols insert in one click, wizards generate quick documents, Beamer presentations and tables, and snippets can use keyboard triggers.
- Search tools
- Regular-expression search and replace, and a find-in-folders search across all LaTeX files in a directory and its subfolders.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
Texmaker is made by Pascal Brachet, and has been around since 2003.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
52/100
Other writing tools it is graded above
Texmaker'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).
Texmaker 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. Texmaker’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 65 of 100
- AFree plan and trialAbove 81 of 100
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 100
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 100
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 5 of 100
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 79 writing tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Texmaker is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
Texmaker is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could make
- Documents: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Texmaker’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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
TeXstudio, LyX, Overleaf and Typst
The 4 tools Texmaker is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
TeXstudio
Free
- 2.6GPA
LyX
Free
Structure-based document processor built on LaTeX.
- LyX also covers citations.
- 2.4GPA
Overleaf
Free plan · from $16.75/mo
Collaborative online LaTeX editor for papers and theses.
- Only Texmaker lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- Only Overleaf lists a web app.
- Texmaker is open source, according to its own site.
- 3.2GPA
Typst
Free plan · from $7.99/mo
Markup-based typesetting system with a collaborative web app.
- Only Typst lists a web app.
- Typst is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Texmaker also covers documents.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Texmaker free?
Yes. Texmaker is free to use.
How much does Texmaker cost?
Texmaker lists one plan. Free: $0.
What platforms does Texmaker work on?
Texmaker is available on Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Texmaker have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Texmaker is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Does Texmaker have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Texmaker is listed for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is Texmaker open source?
Yes. Texmaker is open source, according to its own site.
Does Texmaker 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.
Who makes Texmaker?
Texmaker is made by Pascal Brachet. It dates from 2003.
What are the alternatives to Texmaker?
The closest alternatives to Texmaker in our directory are TeXstudio, LyX, Overleaf and Typst.
How does Texmaker compare with other writing tools?
Texmaker's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 52 of the 100 other writing tools we grade, and level with 14.
Is Texmaker good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Texmaker A for value for money. Texmaker has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Texmaker?
Texmaker is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Texmaker’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Texmaker's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Pascal Brachet. Prices change, so check xm1math.net before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Texmaker, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/texmaker
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Texmaker: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/texmaker
Know someone choosing between writing tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/texmaker/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded writing tools after Texmaker, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Writing Tools Insider's GuideEvery one of the 101 writing tools we grade, compared
- FreeOffice TextMaker Insider's GuideFree word processor that opens and saves Microsoft Word files3.4 GPA
- Microsoft Word Insider's GuideWord processor sold with Microsoft 365, free in the browser3.4 GPA
- Beat Insider's GuideFree, open-source Fountain screenwriting app for Mac and iOS3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Texmaker’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Texmaker is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Pascal Brachet. Prices and plans change: check xm1math.net before you buy.