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Overleaf

Create, store, and collaborate on documents effortlessly with an intuitive interface and real-time collaboration features.

  • Free plan available
  • No credit card

What is Overleaf?

Overleaf is a web-based platform for creating and editing documents, particularly suited for academic and technical writing. It provides a collaborative environment where multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, seeing changes in real-time. The tool is built around LaTeX, a document preparation system widely used in mathematics, physics, and other technical fields, though it also supports other document types. Users can create documents from scratch, use templates, or import existing work. The platform handles version control automatically, so you can track changes and revert to earlier versions if needed. Overleaf eliminates many of the setup headaches associated with LaTeX by providing everything in the browser, meaning you don't need to install software or manage dependencies locally.

Key features

Real-time collaboration

multiple users can edit documents simultaneously with live updates

LaTeX editing

native support for LaTeX documents with integrated compiler and preview

Template library

thousands of pre-built templates for academic papers, theses, CVs, and reports

Version control

automatic tracking of document changes with the ability to restore previous versions

Project organisation

folders and file management to keep related documents organised

Rich text editor

visual editing mode for users who prefer not to write LaTeX code directly

Pros & cons

Advantages

  • No software installation required; works entirely in a web browser
  • Particularly strong for academic and scientific writing where LaTeX is standard
  • Built-in collaboration removes friction from shared document work
  • Extensive template collection saves time for common document types

Limitations

  • Steep learning curve if you're unfamiliar with LaTeX syntax
  • Free tier has limited features; paid plans required for some collaboration and file storage options

Use cases

Academic researchers writing and collaborating on research papers and theses

University departments managing thesis templates and student submissions

Technical teams creating documentation and reports with complex formatting

Authors preparing manuscripts with consistent scientific formatting

Students learning LaTeX in academic settings

Ready to try Overleaf?

Pricing

Free

Free

Basic LaTeX editing, limited real-time collaborators (one), 1GB storage, community support

Standard

£2.50/month (or equivalent)

Unlimited real-time collaborators, 10GB storage, priority support, full history access

Professional

£3.50/month (or equivalent)

All Standard features, 40GB storage, enhanced support, advanced collaboration options

Get started with Overleaf

Click through to Overleaf and start using it now.

  • Free plan available
  • No credit card