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SPECIFICTION
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Kile

apps.kde.org

Free plan WindowsLinux
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Spec score 7.8 #14 of 32 in LaTeX Editors

What it is

Kile is a free desktop editor for TeX and LaTeX on Linux and Windows, combining a graphical interface with interactive previews. It can compile, convert, and view documents with one click, while automatic completion for (La)TeX commands and advanced editing commands support authoring. Templates and wizards provide starting points for articles, books, letters, reports, and presentations. A structure view lists sections and lets you jump between them. Forward and inverse search connect source-editor positions with matching locations in DVI or PDF viewers. Kile groups related files into projects and supports citations and references. QuickPreview compiles a selected part of a document for faster checking of edits. The editor is based on Kate. KDE lists GPL-2.0+ licensing, Linux installation through Discover or a distribution package manager, and a Flathub link. Help is available through the Kile Handbook and a forum. Release 3.0b4 is dated 2024-03-17. The Kile plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Kile is a user-friendly TeX/LaTeX editor that provides a graphical interface for LaTeX and interactive previews.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Support
The KDE page links to the Kile Handbook and a forum for help.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
License
KDE lists Kile under the GPL-2.0+ license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Compilation
It can compile, convert, and view documents with one click.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Download
KDE lists Linux installation through Discover or a distribution package manager and links to Flathub.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Editing
It supports automatic completion of (La)TeX commands and advanced editing commands.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Editor component
Kile is based on the Kate editor component.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.kde.org
Navigation
Its structure view lists document sections and lets users jump to them.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Projects
Kile can collect related documents into a project and supports citations and references in projects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Quick preview
QuickPreview can compile a selected part of a document to speed up previewing edits.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.kde.org
Release
The KDE page lists release 3.0b4 dated 2024-03-17.Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Source search
Forward and inverse search link positions in the source editor with corresponding positions in the DVI or PDF viewer.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.kde.org
Templates
Templates and wizards help users start documents, including articles, books, letters, reports, and presentations.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.kde.org

Plans and prices

Kile Free GPL-2.0+ · TeX/LaTeX editor Read 8 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Every Kile plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • One-click compilation, conversion, and viewing
  • Automatic LaTeX command completion
  • Templates cover common document types
  • Forward and inverse source search
  • Project support includes citations and references

Limits

  • Listed release is 3.0b4 from 2024-03-17
  • Linux installation routes are documented; Windows details are limited
  • No free trial is listed

Who it suits

It suits TeX and LaTeX authors who want graphical editing, templates, document navigation, and integrated DVI or PDF preview workflows. It is listed for Linux and Windows desktop use.

Verdict

Kile brings structured editing, project organization, and linked previews to TeX and LaTeX work. Its free GPL-2.0+ license and desktop availability suit writers who prefer a graphical authoring environment.

Where Specifiction places it

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