Migration resource

Overleaf to Typst Migration Checklist

A practical, reviewer-safe checklist for moving an Overleaf LaTeX project into Typst without losing citations, figures, cross references, or deadline confidence.

Convert an Overleaf projectOpen syntax cheat sheet
Input
Start with the full Overleaf source ZIP, not only the PDF.
Validation
Check citations, references, figures, tables, and publisher requirements before relying on the migrated file.
Use case
Best for researchers evaluating Typst, Overleaf alternatives, and faster academic writing workflows.

The checklist

Treat migration like a submission workflow. Convert only after you know what must survive the move.

1. Export a complete Overleaf ZIP
Download the full source project, not just the compiled PDF. Confirm the ZIP contains every .tex file, bibliography file, image, class file, and custom style file your paper depends on.
main .tex file
.bib files
figures and plots
custom .sty or .cls files
2. Classify package risk before converting
Simple packages usually map cleanly. Heavy macro systems, custom classes, TikZ diagrams, and niche journal packages should be reviewed before you move an active submission.
amsmath and graphicx
biblatex or natbib
TikZ or pgfplots
journal class files
3. Convert structure before polishing style
Start by preserving sections, headings, citations, figures, and tables. Leave cosmetic spacing and typographic polish until the document compiles reliably in Typst.
sections
labels and refs
tables
figure paths
4. Validate bibliography and cross references
A migrated paper is not safe until citations, reference keys, figure references, and equation references resolve cleanly in the compiled PDF.
all @citation keys resolve
figure references resolve
equation references resolve
reference list appears
5. Keep a submission-safe fallback
For journal deadlines, keep the original Overleaf export until the Typst PDF matches the submission requirements. Migration should reduce workflow risk, not create deadline risk.
original ZIP archived
converted PDF reviewed
journal rules checked
coauthor review complete

Should your project migrate now?

Use this fit matrix before you move an active paper, thesis, or grant document.

Short paper with standard packages
Good first migration
The structure, math, figures, and bibliography are usually straightforward to verify.
Thesis or dissertation
Migrate chapter by chapter
Large projects need staged validation so references, appendices, and front matter do not break silently.
Paper with heavy TikZ diagrams
Convert carefully
Export diagrams as PDF or SVG first, then decide whether to rebuild them with CeTZ or keep them as images.
Strict publisher class file
Wait until after submission if needed
Some publishers require exact LaTeX class files. Typst can still help drafting, but final submission may need LaTeX export.
For resource pages and roundups
Short description you can cite when listing TypeTeX as an Overleaf or Typst migration resource.

TypeTeX provides a browser-based Overleaf to Typst workflow for researchers who want faster compilation, AI-assisted editing, and a practical migration path from existing LaTeX projects.

Suggested citation:

TypeTeX, Overleaf to Typst Migration Checklist, a practical guide for moving LaTeX projects from Overleaf to Typst while preserving citations, figures, and submission safety.

URL: https://www.typetex.app/resources/overleaf-to-typst-migration-checklist

Best-fit inclusion targets:

Typst resource lists that explain migration from LaTeX
Academic writing software roundups that already mention Overleaf or Typst
University or lab resource pages for thesis writing workflows
TeX StackExchange or Reddit discussions where migration guidance is genuinely useful
Blog posts comparing Overleaf, Typst, and AI writing tools

Ready to test your migration?

Export your Overleaf project, convert the source, then verify the migrated paper with this checklist before relying on it for a deadline.

Start with the converter