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BasicTeX
basictex · v2026.0301
3
6.0
Compact TeX distribution as alternative to the full TeX Live / MacTeX
brew install --cask basictex Note: You must restart your terminal window for the installation of MacTeX CLI
tools to take effect.
Alternatively, Bash and Zsh users can run the command:
eval "$(/usr/libexec/path_helper)"
Conflicts with: mactex, mactex-no-gui
8.5K
30-day installs
24.1K
90-day installs
69.6K
365-day installs
Install trend
Trust Score 3/10
✗ Open source +0
✗ Active development +0
✗ Licensed +0
✗ No auto-updates +0
✓ Not deprecated +1
✓ Established (>1yr) +1
✓ Popular (>1K installs/mo) +1
Review
Mar 10, 2026BasicTeX is a lightweight TeX distribution offering essential tools for LaTeX typesetting without the need for a full installation. Ideal for users requiring a minimal setup, it provides core functionalities for document creation and compilation.
Provides a compact TeX distribution for LaTeX typesetting.
Maturity: The project is maintained but hasn't seen recent updates, with the last commit in January 2023.
Community: No community discussion found yet.
Pros
- + Lightweight and minimal installation
- + Ideal for users needing only basic TeX tools
- + Suitable for developers preferring a compact setup
Cons
- - No automatic updates available
- - Limited community engagement
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