Typst vs LaTeX Performance (2025)
Understanding the performance characteristics and tradeoffs between Typst and LaTeX for academic typesetting.
Last updated: December 2024
TL;DR - Key Takeaways
- Typst is significantly faster than LaTeX due to incremental compilation
- Incremental compilation makes Typst feel instant during active editing
- Feature parity for most academic writing needs
- LaTeX wins for journal templates and niche packages
Compilation Characteristics
How Typst and LaTeX handle compilation differently.
| Scenario | Typst | LaTeX | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short articles | Milliseconds | Seconds | Typst designed for instant feedback |
| Long documents (100+ pages) | Sub-second | Can take 30+ seconds | LaTeX recompiles entire document |
| Incremental changes | Near-instant | Full recompile required | Typst only recompiles affected parts |
| Documents with many figures | Fast | Slower | Image processing adds time in LaTeX |
| Bibliography processing | Integrated | Separate BibTeX pass | LaTeX requires multiple compile passes |
Resource Footprint
System resource differences between Typst and LaTeX.
Typst
Lightweight
LaTeX
Heavier
Typst is a single binary; LaTeX has many dependencies
Typst
Small (~50MB)
LaTeX
Large (2-5GB full)
Full TeX distributions are substantial
Typst
Single binary
LaTeX
Package manager
Typst is easy to install anywhere
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Typst | LaTeX | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical typesetting | Full | Full | Both excellent for equations |
| Bibliography (BibTeX/CSL) | Full | Full | Typst uses Hayagriva + BibTeX import |
| Cross-references | Full | Full | Both support figures, tables, equations |
| Custom styling | Easy | Complex | Typst uses modern scripting |
| Table of contents | Full | Full | Auto-generated in both |
| Multi-column layouts | Full | Full | Both support complex layouts |
| Custom fonts | Easy | Complex | Typst has native font support |
| Error messages | Clear | Cryptic | Typst designed for readable errors |
| Learning curve | Hours | Weeks/Months | Typst syntax is simpler |
| Package ecosystem | Growing | Massive | LaTeX has 40+ years of packages |
| Journal templates | Limited | Extensive | Most journals provide LaTeX templates |
| WYSIWYG preview | Instant | Requires compile | Typst compiles incrementally |
Real-World Scenarios
Typst
Instant preview while typing. See changes immediately.
LaTeX
Wait for compilation after each save to see result.
Typst
Incremental compilation means near-instant feedback.
LaTeX
Full recompile required, which can be slow.
Typst
May need to export and adjust. Fewer native templates.
LaTeX
Direct submission using journal's .cls file.
Typst
Simpler syntax, easier to learn. Can contribute faster.
LaTeX
Steep learning curve. Co-authors often avoid editing.
Typst
Full LaTeX math syntax supported. Native Unicode math.
LaTeX
Decades of refinement. Every edge case handled.
Typst
Modern scripting, but may need to build from scratch.
LaTeX
Thousands of existing templates and classes.
Why Compilation Speed Matters
With instant compilation, you see changes as you type. This transforms the writing experience—no mental context switching while waiting for output.
Tweaking figure placement, margins, or fonts? Fast compilation lets you experiment rapidly instead of waiting between each change.
For final PDF export before submission, even 45 seconds is fine. Speed mainly matters during active writing and editing phases.
Tools like latexmk with continuous compilation and SyncTeX help. LuaLaTeX is slower but offers modern features. XeLaTeX is middle-ground.
Key Technical Differences
- Typst uses incremental compilation - only recompiling what changed
- LaTeX requires full document recompilation for most changes
- Typst is a single modern binary; LaTeX has decades of accumulated packages
- LaTeX has an unmatched ecosystem of journal templates and packages
- Typst syntax is designed to be easier to learn than LaTeX
- Both produce high-quality typographic output for academic work
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for compilation. Typst was built from scratch with modern compiler design and incremental compilation. LaTeX's architecture dates from the 1980s and requires full document reprocessing. The difference is most noticeable on longer documents and during active editing.
For short documents, not much. For long dissertations or when you're iterating rapidly on formatting, the difference can be significant. Instant feedback changes how you work—you can experiment freely without waiting.
Depends on your needs. If you need specific journal templates or packages only available in LaTeX, stay with LaTeX. If you're starting fresh and value speed + simpler syntax, Typst is compelling. TypeTeX supports both.
LaTeX has an unmatched package ecosystem built over 40+ years. Typst's ecosystem is growing but smaller. Many common needs are covered, but niche packages may not exist yet.
The best way is to try both with your own documents. Typst is easy to install (single binary) and you can compare compile times directly. TypeTeX lets you experience Typst speed without local installation.
TypeTeX: Best of Both Worlds
TypeTeX gives you the speed benefits of Typst with practical flexibility:
- Typst-first editing: Instant preview, modern syntax, fast iteration
- LaTeX export: Generate LaTeX when journals require it
- Journal templates: One-click format switching
- Real-time collaboration: No waiting for compilation
Related Resources
Experience the speed difference yourself
Try TypeTeX free and see what instant compilation feels like. No LaTeX installation required.
Try TypeTeX FreePerformance characteristics are based on general architectural differences between Typst and LaTeX. Actual performance will vary based on system configuration, document complexity, and specific features used. We encourage testing with your own documents.