Typst vs LaTeX: Which Should You Use in 2026?
A comprehensive comparison of the modern Typst language versus the established LaTeX standard for academic writing.
Last updated: January 31, 2026
TL;DR
Choose Typst if you want faster compilation, cleaner syntax, better error messages, and are starting new projects or working on documents that don't require specific LaTeX templates.
Choose LaTeX if you need specific journal templates, massive package ecosystem, or are collaborating with researchers who only use LaTeX.
Best of both worlds: TypeTeX supports both Typst and LaTeX, letting you use whichever fits your needs. Start with Typst for new projects, import LaTeX when required.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | LaTeX | Typst | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Steep (weeks to months) | Gentle (hours to days) | Typst |
| Compilation Speed | Seconds to minutes | Milliseconds (incremental) | Typst |
| Syntax Complexity | Complex (backslashes, braces) | Clean (markdown-like) | Typst |
| Error Messages | Cryptic, hard to debug | Clear, actionable | Typst |
| Package Ecosystem | Massive (CTAN: 6000+) | Growing (100+ packages) | LaTeX |
| Journal Templates | Extensive (most journals) | Limited (but growing) | LaTeX |
| Math Support | Gold standard | Excellent (LaTeX-compatible) | Tie |
| Scripting & Logic | Possible but painful | Built-in, elegant | Typst |
| IDE Support | Excellent (many editors) | Good (VS Code, web) | LaTeX |
| Bibliography | BibTeX/BibLaTeX | Native + BibTeX import | Tie |
What is Typst?
Typst is a modern typesetting system designed as a more user-friendly alternative to LaTeX. Created in 2023 by Laurenz Mädje and Martin Haug, it aims to provide professional-quality document output with a dramatically simpler syntax.
Key innovations include:
- Incremental compilation — changes render in milliseconds, not seconds
- Markdown-like syntax —
*bold*instead of\textbf{bold} - Built-in scripting — loops, conditionals, and functions without arcane macros
- Clear error messages — tells you exactly what's wrong and where
What is LaTeX?
LaTeX (pronounced "LAY-tech" or "LAH-tech") is a document preparation system created by Leslie Lamport in 1984, built on Donald Knuth's TeX typesetting system from 1978. It's the de facto standard for academic and scientific publishing.
LaTeX's strengths:
- 40+ years of refinement — battle-tested, mature ecosystem
- 6000+ packages — solution for almost any typesetting need
- Universal acceptance — every major journal accepts LaTeX
- Gold-standard math — the benchmark for mathematical typesetting
Syntax Comparison
See how common tasks differ between LaTeX and Typst:
| Task | LaTeX | Typst |
|---|---|---|
| Bold text | \textbf{bold} | *bold* |
| Italic text | \textit{italic} | _italic_ |
| Section heading | \section{Title} | = Title |
| Subsection | \subsection{Title} | == Title |
| Bullet list | \begin{itemize}\item...\end{itemize} | - Item |
| Inline math | $x^2$ | $x^2$ |
| Display math | \[x^2\] or $$x^2$$ | $ x^2 $ |
| Figure | \begin{figure}...\end{figure} | #figure(image("...")) |
| Table | \begin{tabular}{|c|c|}...\end{tabular} | #table(columns: 2, [...]) |
| Citation | \cite{key} | @key |
Key insight: Typst's syntax is consistently shorter and more intuitive. The markdown-like approach means less time memorizing commands and more time writing.
Detailed Comparison
LaTeX:
Notoriously steep learning curve. Most researchers spend weeks or months becoming proficient. The syntax is verbose, error messages are cryptic, and debugging requires tribal knowledge. Common complaints:
- "Undefined control sequence" with no helpful context
- Package conflicts that require arcane solutions
- Float placement that seems random
- Complex table syntax
Typst:
Designed for learnability. Most users become productive within hours. The syntax borrows from Markdown (which millions already know), error messages explain exactly what's wrong, and the documentation is excellent.
LaTeX:
Full document compilation takes 2-30+ seconds depending on complexity. Multiple passes required for references and citations. Large documents with many figures can take minutes.
Typst:
Incremental compilation renders changes in milliseconds. Only recompiles what changed. Real-time preview as you type. Even 100+ page documents update instantly.
LaTeX:
CTAN (Comprehensive TeX Archive Network) hosts 6000+ packages covering every conceivable use case. Need Feynman diagrams? Package for that. Musical notation? Multiple options. Knitting patterns? Yes, really.
Typst:
Young but growing ecosystem with 100+ packages. Covers most common academic needs (IEEE, ACM templates, etc.). The built-in functionality handles more out-of-the-box than LaTeX, reducing package dependency.
LaTeX:
Universal acceptance. Every major journal (Nature, Science, IEEE, ACM, Elsevier, Springer, etc.) provides official LaTeX templates. Required format for many computer science conferences.
Typst:
Growing support with community templates for major formats (IEEE, ACM, NeurIPS, etc.). Most journals accept PDF submissions, which Typst produces beautifully. Some journals now officially support Typst.
LaTeX:
Possible via packages like expl3 or LuaTeX, but syntax is arcane. Simple loops require complex macros. Conditional logic is verbose and error-prone.
Typst:
Built-in scripting with clean syntax. Loops, conditionals, functions, and data manipulation are first-class features. Generate tables from data, create custom components, automate repetitive formatting.
// Generate a table from data in Typst #let data = ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6)) #table( columns: 3, ..data.flatten().map(str) )
LaTeX:
Traditionally local-only. Overleaf enables web-based collaboration but has free tier limitations. Git-based workflows work but require technical setup.
Typst:
Typst.app offers free real-time collaboration. TypeTeX provides unlimited free collaborators with both Typst and LaTeX. Modern tools built for collaboration from the start.
Who Should Use What?
- →You're starting a new project without specific LaTeX requirements
- →You value fast feedback and modern developer experience
- →You're new to academic writing tools
- →You need programmatic document generation
- →You're frustrated with LaTeX's complexity
- →Your journal accepts PDF submissions
- →Your journal/conference requires LaTeX source files
- →You need a specific package only available in LaTeX
- →Your collaborators only work in LaTeX
- →You're already proficient in LaTeX
- →You're working on an existing LaTeX project
The Best of Both Worlds: TypeTeX
Why choose when you can have both? TypeTeX supports both Typst and LaTeX in the same platform:
- Start new projects in Typst for speed and simplicity
- Import existing LaTeX projects seamlessly
- AI assistant works with both formats
- Export to either format as needed
- Unlimited free collaboration regardless of format
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Typst produces professional-quality PDFs comparable to LaTeX. The typography is excellent, math rendering is beautiful, and most readers couldn't tell the difference.
Partially. Tools like Pandoc can convert simple documents. Complex LaTeX with many packages may require manual adjustment. TypeTeX can help with AI-assisted conversion.
Most journals accept PDF submissions regardless of source. Some journals now officially support Typst. For journals requiring LaTeX source, you'd need to use LaTeX or convert.
Yes. Typst reached v1.0 stability and is used by thousands of researchers. It's particularly popular for theses, reports, and papers submitted as PDF.
Start with Typst. It's dramatically easier to learn and covers most use cases. Learn LaTeX later if specific requirements demand it.
Yes. Typst natively supports BibTeX bibliography files. Your existing .bib files work directly.
Ready to try modern academic writing?
TypeTeX supports both Typst and LaTeX with AI assistance. Start free today.
Disclaimer: This comparison aims to be objective and help researchers choose the right tool. TypeTeX supports both Typst and LaTeX. Features and ecosystem may change. Last updated: 1/31/2026.