GitLeaf
Write without the clutter.
A lightweight app with a bundled editor and PDF viewer. No separate web server, Rust or Node.js setup. Write with tabs and autosave, then Compile with one button.
Free & open source · Mac, Windows & Linux
A free, lightweight
offline LaTeX editor.
Write papers on your own computer, with Git history
and a PDF preview beside your source. No account or subscription needed.
Offline compilation needs cached or installed LaTeX packages. Prepare for offline writing.
Your papers stay with you.
Every project is a plain Git repository on your computer. Commit milestones, review history and push to GitHub or another remote when you choose.
Work offline after setup.
Edit, autosave and commit locally without internet. Compile with cached Tectonic packages or an installed MacTeX or TeX Live distribution.
Start writing
Choose your computer.
Published release: v0.3.3. Install Git first, then follow the setup guide.
Mac · Apple silicon
M1, M2, M3 and newer Apple chipsStandalone executable
Mac · Intel
Macs with an Intel processorStandalone executable
Windows
64-bit Windows PCsStandalone executable
Linux · x86_64
Most Intel and AMD PCsStandalone executable
Linux · ARM64
64-bit ARM computersStandalone executable
This release provides standalone executables. Mac app / DMG packaging is in the source and will appear here once published in a release.
GitLeaf opens in your browser and runs locally. The Mac app requires macOS 13+. Mac downloads are not yet notarized and may need first-launch approval. Setup help · All assets & checksums
Write wherever you are
Prepare for offline LaTeX writing.
Your files, editor, PDF viewer and local Git history stay available without a connection.
- Set up while online.
Download GitLeaf, install Git, then install Tectonic or a full LaTeX distribution with latexmk.
- Compile your paper once.
Include its bibliography and figures. Tectonic downloads and caches needed packages; full LaTeX uses packages installed on your computer.
- Test without a connection.
Try compiling that paper without internet. New packages may still need a download; remote Git operations, online templates and updates need a connection.
From download to PDF
Your first paper,
in three steps.
- Install Git and open GitLeaf.
Download for your computer. GitLeaf starts a local server and opens the editor in your browser.
- Create or import a project.
Choose a built-in article template, import a source ZIP, or clone a Git repository.
- Write, then Compile.
If you need a compiler, accept the Tectonic installation prompt. Your PDF appears beside your writing.
A few useful details
Before you begin.
Can I use GitLeaf instead of Overleaf?
GitLeaf offers a similar source-and-PDF workflow on your computer. Import an Overleaf source ZIP, or use Overleaf’s Git bridge if your account supports it. Collaboration uses Git; live simultaneous editing is not included.
Is GitLeaf free?
Yes. GitLeaf is free and open source under the MIT license. Local writing needs no account or subscription. Optional third-party services such as Overleaf’s Git bridge have their own access requirements.
Do I need to install LaTeX?
You need Git, but you can start without a LaTeX installation. On your first Compile, GitLeaf offers to install Tectonic if no compiler is found. You can also install MacTeX or TeX Live with latexmk. See compiler options.
Can I edit and compile LaTeX offline?
The editor and your local files work offline. Tectonic needs internet to fetch packages it has not cached. A full LaTeX installation can compile using its installed packages offline. Downloads and remote Git operations need internet. Follow the offline setup checklist.
Where is the full documentation?
The setup and reference guide comes from the GitHub README. It includes compiler choices, troubleshooting, configuration and source builds.