What is Typst? The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Typst — the modern typesetting system that's becoming the preferred LaTeX alternative for researchers worldwide.
Last updated: January 31, 2026
TL;DR
Typst is a modern typesetting system designed as a more user-friendly alternative to LaTeX. It produces the same publication-quality output but with cleaner syntax, faster compilation (milliseconds vs seconds), and much better error messages.
Key benefits: Markdown-like syntax, instant preview, built-in scripting, modern tooling. Main tradeoff: Smaller ecosystem than LaTeX (but growing fast).
What is Typst?
Typst (pronounced like "typed" without the "d") is a markup-based typesetting system designed for academic writing, technical documentation, and anywhere you need professional-quality documents.
Created by Laurenz Mädje and Martin Haug in 2023, Typst was built from scratch to address the frustrations researchers face with LaTeX: complex syntax, slow compilation, cryptic errors, and arcane macro systems.
In simple terms:
Typst is what LaTeX would look like if it were invented today, designed with modern programming language principles and user experience in mind.
Key Features
*bold*, _italic_, = Heading. No verbose commands like \textbf{} or \begin{}.Typst Syntax Examples
See how common tasks are written in Typst compared to LaTeX:
LaTeX
\textbf{bold}
\textit{italic}
\texttt{monospace}Typst
*bold* _italic_ `monospace`
LaTeX
\section{Introduction}
\subsection{Background}
\subsubsection{Details}Typst
= Introduction == Background === Details
LaTeX
\begin{itemize}
\item First item
\item Second item
\end{itemize}Typst
- First item - Second item
LaTeX
Inline: $E = mc^2$
Display: \[ \int_0^\infty e^{-x} dx \]Typst
Inline: $E = m c^2$ Display: $ integral_0^infinity e^(-x) d x $
LaTeX
\begin{figure}[h]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=0.8\textwidth]{image.png}
\caption{My figure}
\label{fig:example}
\end{figure}Typst
#figure(
image("image.png", width: 80%),
caption: [My figure]
) <fig:example>LaTeX
\cite{smith2023}
\bibliography{refs}Typst
@smith2023
#bibliography("refs.bib")How Typst Works
Write in Typst markup
Create .typ files using Typst's clean syntax. Text, math, figures, and code all in one file.
Instant compilation
Typst compiles incrementally—only processing what changed. Results appear in milliseconds.
PDF output
Output is a publication-quality PDF with proper typography, embedded fonts, and professional layout.
Who Should Use Typst?
• Researchers starting new projects
• Students writing theses without specific LaTeX requirements
• Anyone frustrated with LaTeX complexity
• Technical documentation and reports
• Projects needing fast iteration cycles
• People who want modern tooling
• Your journal requires LaTeX source files (not just PDF)
• You need a very specific LaTeX package with no Typst equivalent
• Your entire team/lab uses LaTeX and won't switch
• You're maintaining existing LaTeX documents
Getting Started with Typst
Option 1: TypeTeX (Recommended)
Use Typst in your browser with AI assistance, real-time collaboration, and no installation required.
Start free on TypeTeXOption 3: Local Installation
Install the Typst CLI for offline use. Works with VS Code via the Typst LSP extension.
# macOS brew install typst # Windows (Winget) winget install --id Typst.Typst # Cargo (cross-platform) cargo install typst-cli
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Typst has its own syntax. Use `*bold*` not `\textbf{}`. Check the docs for Typst equivalents.
✅ Typst's ecosystem is younger. Check typst.app/universe for available packages, or build simple solutions with Typst's scripting.
✅ Typst uses `set` and `show` rules for styling. Learn these—they're more powerful and consistent than LaTeX's approach.
✅ Typst has many built-in functions (grid, table, figure, etc.). Check docs before trying to build from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Typst reached v1.0 in 2024 and is used by thousands of researchers for theses, papers, and books. It's actively maintained with regular updates.
Most journals accept PDF submissions regardless of source tool. Some journals now explicitly support Typst. Only a few require actual .tex source files.
Yes. Typst natively reads .bib files. Just add `#bibliography("refs.bib")` to your document and cite with `@key`.
Typst math is excellent and covers most use cases. Syntax is slightly different but easy to learn. Output quality is comparable to LaTeX.
Partially. Tools like Pandoc can convert simple documents. Complex LaTeX with many packages may need manual adjustment.
The Typst compiler is open source and free. Typst.app has a free tier. TypeTeX offers Typst with additional AI features.
Typst is the markup language/compiler. TypeTeX is a research writing platform that supports Typst (and LaTeX) with AI assistance, collaboration, and additional features.
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Try TypeTeX FreeNote: This guide is maintained by the TypeTeX team. Typst is developed independently by Typst GmbH. We aim to provide accurate, helpful information. Features may change. Last updated: 1/31/2026.