Convert TEX to PDF
Max file size 100mb.
TEX vs PDF Format Comparison
| Aspect | TEX (Source Format) | PDF (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
TEX / LaTeX
Document Preparation System
LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system designed for scientific and technical documentation. Created by Leslie Lamport as a macro package for Donald Knuth's TeX system, it's the standard for academic publishing, especially in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Scientific Academic |
PDF
Portable Document Format
PDF is a universal document format developed by Adobe in 1993. It preserves exact document formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and platforms. PDF is the de facto standard for sharing final documents, official records, and print-ready files worldwide. Universal Print-Ready |
| Technical Specifications |
Structure: Plain text with markup commands
Encoding: UTF-8 or ASCII Format: Open standard (TeX/LaTeX) Processing: Compiled to DVI/PDF Extensions: .tex, .latex, .ltx |
Structure: Binary format with text streams
Encoding: Various (fonts embedded) Format: Open standard (ISO 32000) Features: Forms, signatures, multimedia Extensions: .pdf |
| Content Comparison |
LaTeX source code: \documentclass{article}
\title{My Document}
\author{John Doe}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\section{Introduction}
This is a paragraph with
\textbf{bold} and \textit{italic}.
\begin{itemize}
\item First item
\item Second item
\end{itemize}
$E = mc^2$
\end{document}
|
PDF renders as formatted output: My Document
John Doe
─────────────────────
1 Introduction
This is a paragraph with
bold and italic text.
• First item
• Second item
E = mc²
(Exact typeset appearance with fonts) |
| Content Support |
|
|
| Advantages |
|
|
| Disadvantages |
|
|
| Common Uses |
|
|
| Best For |
|
|
| Version History |
TeX Introduced: 1978 (Donald Knuth)
LaTeX Introduced: 1984 (Leslie Lamport) Current Version: LaTeX2e (1994+) Status: Active development (LaTeX3) |
Introduced: 1993 (Adobe)
ISO Standard: 2008 (ISO 32000-1) Current Version: PDF 2.0 (2017) Status: Active development |
| Software Support |
TeX Live: Full distribution (all platforms)
MiKTeX: Windows distribution Overleaf: Online editor/compiler Editors: TeXstudio, TeXmaker, VS Code |
Adobe Acrobat: Full creation and editing
Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari Preview (Mac): Native viewing Mobile: iOS, Android native support |
Why Convert LaTeX to PDF?
Converting LaTeX documents to PDF is the most common and natural workflow for LaTeX users. PDF is the standard output format for LaTeX, preserving the precise typesetting, mathematical equations, and professional layout that LaTeX is famous for. This conversion compiles your TEX source into a polished, shareable document.
LaTeX's primary purpose is to produce high-quality typeset documents, and PDF is the ideal format for distributing these documents. When you convert TEX to PDF, all the careful typography, equation rendering, and layout work is preserved exactly as intended, ready for printing or digital distribution.
PDF (Portable Document Format), developed by Adobe in 1993 and now an ISO standard, is universally readable on any device. Unlike Word documents that may display differently across software versions, PDF maintains exact fidelity to the original formatting. This makes it essential for academic submissions, official documents, and professional publications.
Most academic journals, conference proceedings, and publishers require PDF submissions. By converting your LaTeX document to PDF, you create a publication-ready file that meets professional standards and can be easily shared with reviewers, collaborators, and readers worldwide.
Key Benefits of Converting TEX to PDF:
- Perfect Formatting: Preserves all LaTeX typesetting and equations exactly
- Universal Viewability: Opens on any device without special software
- Print-Ready: Professional quality for printing or publishing
- Journal Submission: Required format for most academic publishers
- Compact Size: Efficient compression with embedded fonts
- Archival Quality: PDF/A standard for long-term preservation
- Hyperlinks: Clickable references, citations, and table of contents
Practical Examples
Example 1: Academic Paper
Input TEX file (paper.tex):
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\title{Advances in Quantum Computing}
\author{Dr. Alice Chen\\
Department of Physics\\
Stanford University}
\date{January 2024}
\begin{document}
\maketitle
\begin{abstract}
This paper presents novel algorithms for
quantum error correction...
\end{abstract}
\section{Introduction}
Quantum computing represents a paradigm
shift in computational capability.
\section{Theoretical Framework}
The quantum state is described by:
\begin{equation}
|\psi\rangle = \alpha|0\rangle + \beta|1\rangle
\end{equation}
where $|\alpha|^2 + |\beta|^2 = 1$.
\end{document}
Output PDF file (paper.pdf) - Visual description:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │ Advances in Quantum Computing │ │ │ │ Dr. Alice Chen │ │ Department of Physics │ │ Stanford University │ │ January 2024 │ │ │ │ Abstract │ │ This paper presents novel │ │ algorithms for quantum error │ │ correction... │ │ │ │ 1 Introduction │ │ Quantum computing represents a │ │ paradigm shift in computational │ │ capability. │ │ │ │ 2 Theoretical Framework │ │ The quantum state is described by: │ │ │ │ |ψ⟩ = α|0⟩ + β|1⟩ (1) │ │ │ │ where |α|² + |β|² = 1. │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘
Example 2: Thesis Chapter
Input TEX file (chapter.tex):
\chapter{Literature Review}
\section{Historical Background}
The field of machine learning has evolved
significantly since the 1950s.
\subsection{Early Developments}
\begin{enumerate}
\item Perceptron (Rosenblatt, 1958)
\item Backpropagation (1986)
\item Deep Learning revolution (2012)
\end{enumerate}
\section{Current State of the Art}
Modern architectures achieve:
\begin{table}[h]
\centering
\begin{tabular}{|l|c|}
\hline
Model & Accuracy \\
\hline
ResNet & 96.4\% \\
Transformer & 98.1\% \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{table}
Output PDF file (chapter.pdf) - Visual description:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Chapter 2 │ │ Literature Review │ │ ═══════════════════════════════ │ │ │ │ 2.1 Historical Background │ │ The field of machine learning has │ │ evolved significantly since the │ │ 1950s. │ │ │ │ 2.1.1 Early Developments │ │ 1. Perceptron (Rosenblatt, 1958) │ │ 2. Backpropagation (1986) │ │ 3. Deep Learning revolution (2012) │ │ │ │ 2.2 Current State of the Art │ │ Modern architectures achieve: │ │ │ │ ┌─────────────┬──────────┐ │ │ │ Model │ Accuracy │ │ │ ├─────────────┼──────────┤ │ │ │ ResNet │ 96.4% │ │ │ │ Transformer │ 98.1% │ │ │ └─────────────┴──────────┘ │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘
Example 3: Mathematical Document
Input TEX file (calculus.tex):
\section{Fundamental Theorems}
\subsection{Mean Value Theorem}
If $f$ is continuous on $[a,b]$ and
differentiable on $(a,b)$, then:
\begin{equation}
f'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}
\end{equation}
for some $c \in (a,b)$.
\subsection{Taylor Series}
\begin{equation}
f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}
\frac{f^{(n)}(a)}{n!}(x-a)^n
\end{equation}
Output PDF file (calculus.pdf) - Visual description:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐ │ 1 Fundamental Theorems │ │ │ │ 1.1 Mean Value Theorem │ │ If f is continuous on [a,b] and │ │ differentiable on (a,b), then: │ │ │ │ f(b) - f(a) │ │ f'(c) = ─────────── (1) │ │ b - a │ │ │ │ for some c ∈ (a,b). │ │ │ │ 1.2 Taylor Series │ │ ∞ │ │ ___ f⁽ⁿ⁾(a) │ │ f(x) = ╲ ────── (x-a)ⁿ (2) │ │ ╱ n! │ │ ‾‾‾ │ │ n=0 │ └─────────────────────────────────────┘
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this the same as compiling LaTeX locally?
A: Yes, the conversion produces the same result as running pdflatex or similar tools on your local machine. The advantage is that you don't need to install a LaTeX distribution - the conversion happens on our servers with a full TeX Live installation.
Q: Will all my LaTeX packages work?
A: Our converter supports most common LaTeX packages from the TeX Live distribution. Standard packages like amsmath, graphicx, hyperref, and tikz work well. Very specialized or custom packages may not be available. If your document compiles locally, it should work here.
Q: What about images in my document?
A: For documents with images, you'll need to upload all associated files (images, bibliography files, etc.) or use a single TEX file with no external dependencies. Images referenced via includegraphics should be in formats like PNG, JPG, or PDF.
Q: Can I convert multi-file LaTeX projects?
A: Currently, the converter works best with single TEX files. For complex projects with multiple files, include statements, or custom class files, consider using a local LaTeX installation or Overleaf. We're working on supporting multi-file projects in the future.
Q: How are mathematical equations rendered?
A: Equations are rendered using LaTeX's native math capabilities, producing the same high-quality output as a local LaTeX installation. All standard math environments (equation, align, gather, etc.) and AMS-LaTeX features are fully supported.
Q: Is the PDF suitable for journal submission?
A: Yes, the generated PDF is publication-quality and suitable for journal submissions. It includes embedded fonts, proper hyperlinks, and high-quality rendering. For specific journal requirements, you may need to use their provided document class.
Q: Can I create PDF/A for archival?
A: The converter produces standard PDF output. For PDF/A archival format, you would need to use the pdfx package in your LaTeX source or post-process the PDF. Standard PDF files are suitable for most purposes including long-term storage.