Overleaf From $8.20/mo · Free plan 9.2 Visit Kile
kile.sourceforge.io
What it is
Kile is a free, open-source desktop editor for TeX and LaTeX on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can compile, convert, and view a document with one click, and provides completion for (La)TeX commands alongside advanced editing commands. Templates and wizards help start documents. Projects group related files and support inserting citations and references. Forward and inverse search connect the editor with a DVI viewer, while QuickPreview shows a selected document section. The maker describes Kile’s build system as flexible and smart for compiling LaTeX documents. The download page provides source code and lists 64-bit Windows binaries for version 3.0 beta 3; it also displays a SHA-256 hash for the 3.0 beta 4 source archive. For Linux, the maker recommends installing a matching distribution package through the package manager when available. Technical questions can be sent to the kile-devel mailing list, and problems can be reported through KDE’s bug tracking system.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Kile is a user-friendly TeX/LaTeX editor.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Platforms
- The maker lists PC, Mac, BSD, Linux, and Microsoft Windows among supported architectures and operating systems.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Security
- The download page displays a SHA-256 hash for the Kile 3.0 beta 4 source archive.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Support
- Users can ask technical questions through the kile-devel mailing list and report problems through KDE's bug tracking system.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Build system
- The maker describes Kile as having a flexible and smart build system for compiling LaTeX documents.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Compatibility note
- The help page says its compilation instructions cover Kile for KDE4 on Linux and BSD, and recommends distribution packages for system-wide installation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Compile and view
- Kile can compile, convert, and view a document with one click.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Downloads
- The download page offers source code and lists 64-bit Windows binaries for version 3.0 beta 3.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Editing
- Kile supports auto-completion of (La)TeX commands and advanced editing commands.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Installation
- The maker recommends installing a matching Linux distribution package through its package manager when one is available.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Preview
- QuickPreview previews a selected part of a document.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Projects
- Users can group related documents into a project and insert citations and references in projects.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Search
- Kile supports inverse and forward search between the editor and DVI viewer.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
- Templates
- Templates and wizards help users start a new document.Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
Plans and prices
Kile Free Downloadable desktop application · source code available Read 4 Oct 2026 · kile.sourceforge.io
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open source
- One-click compile, conversion, and viewing
- Templates and wizards for new documents
- Project support for citations and references
- Forward and inverse DVI search
Limits
- Windows binaries listed are beta 3
- Linux installation depends on distribution packages
- Desktop application only
Who it suits
Kile suits LaTeX authors who want a desktop editor with project organization, command completion, document previews, and DVI navigation. It is available across Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Verdict
Kile provides focused TeX/LaTeX editing with project tools, previews, and document navigation. Check the available package or binary for your operating system before installing.
Where Specifiction places it
- LaTeX Editors#11 of 328.0
