Typst vs Overleaf (LaTeX)
Should you use Typst or stick with Overleaf? Here's an honest comparison for academic writers.
The Bottom Line
Choose Typst If...
- You value instant preview and fast iteration
- You collaborate with multiple people
- You're frustrated with LaTeX syntax
- You want AI writing assistance
Choose Overleaf If...
- Your journal requires LaTeX source files
- You have years of LaTeX investment
- You need very specific LaTeX packages
- All collaborators already use Overleaf
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Typst (TypeTeX) | Overleaf (LaTeX) |
|---|---|---|
| Compilation Speed | Instant (<50ms) | 5-30 seconds |
| Collaborators (Free) | Unlimited | 1 collaborator |
| Real-Time Preview | Yes, instant | Delayed |
| Syntax Complexity | Simple, modern | Complex (LaTeX) |
| Learning Curve | Hours | Days to weeks |
| Template Library | Growing (100+) | Large (1000s) |
| Journal Acceptance | PDF accepted | Native LaTeX |
| Error Messages | Clear, helpful | Often cryptic |
| AI Assistance | Built-in | None native |
| Offline Editing | Browser-based | Browser-based |
Typst compiles in milliseconds. No more waiting for preview updates.
Work with your entire team without paying per-seat fees.
Clean, readable markup without backslashes and braces everywhere.
Start being productive immediately. Concepts transfer from LaTeX.
Journals explicitly accept LaTeX. Decades of templates available.
Thousands of templates from journals, conferences, and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most journals accept PDF submissions, and Typst produces high-quality PDFs. Some journals requiring LaTeX source can use our LaTeX export feature.
Yes. Typst is stable and used by researchers worldwide. It's particularly popular in computer science and engineering fields.
Yes, we have a LaTeX to Typst converter that handles most common LaTeX patterns. Complex custom macros may need manual adjustment.
TypeTeX exports to both PDF and LaTeX, so you can share with Overleaf users. Or invite them to try Typst—most prefer it after trying.
Ready to Try Typst?
Experience instant preview and modern syntax. No commitment required.