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MacTeX for macOS

Typeset TeX and LaTeX documents on macOS with the complete TeX Live distribution, plus TeXShop, BibDesk, LaTeXiT and package-update tools.

macOSFree for personal and professional use; individual component licenses applyVersion 2026
Operating system
macOS 11 Big Sur or later
Architecture
Intel and Apple silicon (Arm), native code
Download package
Apple PKG installer; approximately 6.4 GB download
Download MacTeX for macOS (Intel and Apple silicon)

The full MacTeX 2026 distribution. BasicTeX and older macOS distributions are separate choices.

Link checked · Download guidance

What is MacTeX?

MacTeX packages the complete TeX Live distribution for macOS. It provides TeX, LaTeX, XeTeX, LuaTeX and ConTeXt, together with packages and fonts for document typesetting. It suits writers working with TeX-based documents who want the full distribution rather than adding missing components to a smaller installation.

The bundle includes Mac applications such as TeXShop, the BibDesk bibliography manager and LaTeXiT, along with TeX Live Utility for package updates and switching the active TeX Live distribution. Its installer uses Apple’s standard package format and contains native code for Intel and Apple silicon Macs.

The full download is approximately 6.4 GB, so this is a substantial installation rather than a lightweight editor alone. MacTeX 2026 requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later; older Macs need a different distribution or an older release. The screenshot shows a historical LaTeXiT interface supplied in the source gallery, not a verified view of the 2026 release.

What it offers

  • Install the complete TeX Live 2026 distribution with its packages and fonts.
  • Typeset documents with TeX, LaTeX, XeTeX, LuaTeX or ConTeXt.
  • Use bundled Mac applications including TeXShop, LaTeXiT, BibDesk and hintView.
  • Update TeX Live packages and select the active installed distribution with TeX Live Utility.

Good to know

  • The full package download is approximately 6.4 GB; BasicTeX is a separate, smaller alternative.
  • MacTeX 2026 requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later.
  • Bundled components have their own licenses; free use does not imply unrestricted redistribution.

Product images

Historical LaTeXiT window from the MacTeX gallery, showing source text, a typeset preview and display-mode controls.
Historical LaTeXiT window from the MacTeX gallery, showing source text, a typeset preview and display-mode controls. Image source ↗Historical application screenshot from the MacTeX for Mac gallery on Softonic. Copyright remains with the respective owners; no explicit screenshot reuse permission was found. Acquisition does not establish a reuse license.

Sources

References used for this listing. Retrieval dates do not indicate hands-on testing.

  1. Downloading - MacTeX - TeX Users Group ↗Retrieved
  2. MacTeX - TeX Users Group ↗Retrieved
  3. What’s in the package - MacTeX - TeX Users Group ↗Retrieved
  4. About MacTeX - TeX Users Group ↗Retrieved
  5. MacTeX (Mac) - Download ↗Retrieved

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