GitLaTeX IDE

A simple web-based IDE for LaTeX projects with Git support. Create workspaces, clone repos, edit in a Monaco-powered editor, compile to PDF, and push changes—without Overleaf or the command line.

Installation

Install from PyPI:

pip install gitlatex

Requirements: Python 3.8+, and (for full use) Git and a LaTeX distribution with pdflatex (e.g. TeX Live, MiKTeX).

Quick start

gitlatex

Your browser will open at http://localhost:5000. Create a workspace or clone a repo, then open it to edit, compile, and use Git (status, diff, pull, push) from the toolbar.

Options:

Example: gitlatex --port 3000 --repos /path/to/my/repos

Features

• Workspaces – Create local folders or clone from a Git URL (e.g. GitHub).
• File tree – Create, rename, move, delete, and upload files and folders.
• Editor – Monaco editor, multiple tabs, resizable panels.
• Compile – Build with pdflatex, view PDF in-app, see errors in the console.
• Git – Status, diff, pull, and push from the Git dropdown in the toolbar. Push commits all changes with a timestamp message, then pushes; pull and push are enabled only when there is something to pull or push.
• Settings – Light/dark theme; optional remote Compiler API (URL + API key) to compile via a web service instead of local pdflatex.

Workflow

1. Run gitlatex and open the app in your browser.
2. Add a project – Create a new workspace or clone from a Git URL.
3. Open – Click a repo to open the editor.
4. Edit – Use the file tree and editor; click Compile to build.
5. Git – Use the Git menu for Status, Diff, Commit, Push.

Projects are stored in the repos directory (or the path you set with --repos).

Troubleshooting

• Compile fails – Install a LaTeX distribution and ensure pdflatex is on your PATH.
• Port in use – Use another port: gitlatex --port 3000.
• Windows: "The process cannot access the file... gitlatex.exe" – Another instance is running. Close it, then run gitlatex again.

Development

Run from source (no PyPI install): clone the repository, then from its root:

pip install -e .
gitlatex

Or run the package without installing:

pip install flask gitpython
python -m gitlatex

Author Note

This project was introduced to me by Atiq Bro. He was learning node. Then I kinda hijacked his project and made some ui change, added some features and then created another branch to publish it as a python package.

License

ISC