Free · Open source · AGPL-3.0

Write 

research papers

10x faster, all in one free app.

A free, local-first workspace for serious research writing. Draft, compile, cite, and review in LaTeX, Typst, or Markdown. Use AI that can edit your project, compile it, and check the result. Your files stay on your disk, with every version tracked in Git.

A powerful research harness

From first citation to final PDF.

Draft, compile, proofread, search, cite, review, and publish without stitching together separate tools. Oleafly keeps your source, preview, references, AI, and Git history in one workspace you control.

Import what you have

Reconstruct many text-based PDFs into editable LaTeX locally, convert DOCX through a managed Pandoc, or let a vision model transcribe a photo of a page. Optional AI refinement after.

Export where you're going

Export PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown, and more from contextual menus. You can also download the whole project as a source ZIP.

Make it yours

Vim mode, light and dark themes, accent colors, seven layout presets, and editable keyboard shortcuts. An editor should fit your hands.

Write in Code or Visual

Flip any LaTeX or Markdown document into a visual editor: headings, lists, bold, links, edited directly, with coordinated undo across both modes. Unsupported commands stay visible as raw blocks instead of being silently dropped, so the round-trip back to source is non-destructive.

SyncTeX, word-level

⌘-click a word in the PDF and land on that exact word in the source. Jump back with ⌘⇧J.

Code intelligence

Go to definition, find references, and rename a label, citation key, or macro across every file.

Slash commands

Type / for a Notion-style insert menu: /figure, /table, /section, /cite, /math.

Citations by DOI

Paste a DOI, arXiv id, or URL. Oleafly fetches the BibTeX, dedupes it, and inserts the \cite.

Bring your whole library

Batch-import BibTeX, RIS, EndNote XML, and Zotero RDF. Everything is deduped against your project before a single entry lands in the .bib.

Command palette

⌘K fuzzy-searches every action in the app: projects, files, settings, the lot.

Model-agnostic AI

Use the model that fits the paper. Connect hosted providers, custom OpenAI-compatible endpoints, or local Ollama. Every file change uses the same approval controls, and MCP clients such as Claude Code and Cursor can connect too. You can also leave AI off.

Research on tap

The agent searches alphaXiv and OpenAlex, pulls paper content, and verifies citations against Crossref before they enter your bibliography.

Built-in proofreading

Proofread spelling and grammar locally with Hunspell and Harper. Oleafly ignores LaTeX commands and math so the checks stay focused on your prose.

An agent that remembers

Durable per-project memory notes and a visible plan checklist survive across chats, so the AI picks up where it left off.

From one page to six hundred

The editor and virtualized PDF viewer stay smooth whether it's a one-page resume or a book-length thesis.

A PDF viewer for real reading

Detach the preview to a second monitor, read two-page spreads, invert colors for late nights, or go fullscreen to present.

Diagram Composer

Describe a diagram and the AI writes the TikZ, compiles the figure in isolation, and fixes overlaps by looking at the render. Or draw it yourself: shapes, edges, and an inspector on a real canvas that round-trips with the generated TikZ. Export transparent high-res PNGs, fully offline.

Three engines, one workspace

LaTeX, Typst, and Markdown projects side by side in the same library, with the same Git history, preview, search, and AI workflow.

\begin{document}Hello, world.PDF compiled ✓

The LaTeX editor

Write in LaTeX, Typst, or Markdown with a live PDF preview and word-level SyncTeX. Compilers are included, so there is no TeX setup or build queue.

editcompileverify ✓

The AI assistant

Ask the agent to edit your source, compile the project, and read the resulting PDF. Oleafly is model-agnostic, so you can use a hosted provider, local Ollama, your own endpoint, or no AI at all.

doi:10.1145/3576915@article{gatto24}

The reference manager

Import BibTeX, RIS, EndNote, or Zotero with automatic deduplication. Paste a DOI or arXiv ID to create a reference verified against Crossref.

1 page ✓fork ×3 · per application

The resume builder

Start with an ATS-focused resume template, check the extracted text, and fork a tailored copy for each application without losing earlier versions.

+42 −7

The version control

Automatic Git checkpoints preserve every meaningful state. Compare changes, restore an earlier version, and push to GitHub from the same workspace.

PDFDOCXHTMLZIP

The PDF toolkit

Read long PDFs, reconstruct many text-based PDFs into LaTeX, and export PDF, DOCX, HTML, or a source archive for submission.

The research loop

Research, write, verify, publish.

Move from literature search to submission without losing context. Oleafly keeps your sources, references, figures, compiler output, and history together in one inspectable workflow.

  1. 1

    Research

    Search open research sources, turn DOIs and arXiv IDs into BibTeX, and verify citations before they enter your bibliography.

  2. 2

    Write

    Write in LaTeX, Typst, or Markdown with templates, project-wide code intelligence, and an optional AI agent whose edits you approve.

  3. 3

    Verify

    Compile locally, read clear errors, and jump between the source and PDF. Preflight shows what parsers and screen readers will extract.

  4. 4

    Publish

    Export PDF, DOCX, or HTML, package the source for submission, and push to GitHub from the same folder where the work began.

How it compares

The one research workspace built to replace the rest.

Write, compile, proofread, search literature, manage citations, review PDFs, automate edits, and ship your paper from one place. Oleafly brings the entire research stack into one free, open-source app. See how the alternatives fall short below. Docs.

OleaflyOpenAI PrismOverleafTypst Web AppCurvenoteLyXTeXstudioTexifierVS Code + LaTeXPaperpalWritefullResume builders
Ownership and accessPriceFree and open source. No Oleafly subscriptionFree with a ChatGPT accountFree tier. Paid plans add featuresFree tier. Pro costs extraFree tier. Paid plans add private projectsFree and open sourceFree, GPLPaid. Free demoFree. AI has limits or paid plansFree tier. Prime costs extraFree tier. Premium costs extraVaries. Most use a subscription
No account requiredYesNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoVaries
Works offlineWrite, proofread, preview, and compile offlineNo, cloud workspaceNo, cloud serviceNo. The web app needs a connectionNo. The editor is a cloud serviceYesYesYesYesNoNoRarely
Files stay on your diskLocal folders you own. Self-hosted cloud syncCloud storageCloud storageCloud storage. The compiler can run locallyCloud storageYesYesLocal files and file providersYesCloud service and editor integrationsFiles stay in Word or OverleafUsually cloud storage
Version historyAutomatic Git checkpoints with diff and restoreCloud revisionsFull history on paid plansGit sync on ProBuilt-in version historyGit and other version controlManual or SVNUses file providers or Git toolsBuilt-in Git that you configureNot documentedUses the host app historyVaries
Real-time collaborationComing soon. Unlimited collaboration. Self-hostedUnlimited collaboratorsBuilt in. Limits depend on the planBuilt inReal-time editing and commentsNo live co-editingNo live co-editingNo live co-editingVia Live ShareUses Word, Google Docs, or OverleafUses Word or OverleafVaries
Cloud syncComing soon. Browser access while files stay on your machineCloud workspaceCloud workspace plus paid Git and Dropbox syncCloud workspace plus Pro Git syncCloud projects and connected publishingUse Git or your own sync serviceUse Git or your own sync serviceTexifier Connect live syncUse Git or your own sync serviceCloud workspaceWorks inside Word or OverleafUsually cloud storage
Team spacesComing soon. Shared templates, libraries, and review flowsShared projects with unlimited collaboratorsGroup and institutional plansShared projects plus on-premises for organizationsTeam workspaces and access controlsNo built-in team spaceNo built-in team spaceShared projects through Texifier ConnectGitHub organizations and Live ShareInstitutional dashboards and license managementInstitutional accessVaries
Writing and publishingDocument enginesLaTeX, Typst, and Markdown in one workspaceLaTeX onlyLaTeX onlyTypst onlyMyST Markdown and JupyterLaTeX and DocBookLaTeX onlyLaTeX and MarkdownVia extensionsWord, Google Docs, web, and OverleafWord and Overleaf LaTeXResume formats only
TeX setupBundled Tectonic and Typst. No TeX installNo install. Compiles in the cloudNo install. Compiles in the cloudNo TeX installNo TeX installInstall a TeX distributionInstall a TeX distributionBuilt-in typesetter and package managerInstall extensions and TeXUses Overleaf for LaTeXUses Overleaf for LaTeXNo TeX setup
Code + visual editingSource plus visual editing with lossless round tripsSource and previewSource and rich text modeSource and live previewVisual editor with LaTeX mathStructured visual editorSource onlySource and PDF previewSource onlyVisual writing assistantInline writing suggestionsVisual only
Project-wide code intelligenceAutocomplete plus definitions, references, and project-wide renameEditor and AI assistanceAutocomplete and reference searchErrors, completion, and AssistsStructured references and equationsLabels, references, outline, and completionStructure and reference checkerCompletion, outline, references, and searchLaTeX Workshop IntelliSenseNo LaTeX code toolsTeXGPT for LaTeX codeNo
Source and PDF syncSource and PDF sync at word level, both directionsInstant PDF previewSource and PDF syncLive previewNo source and PDF syncSource and output previewAlmost word-levelSource and PDF syncDirect and reverse SyncTeXNoUses the Overleaf previewNo
PDF reading modesBuilt-in viewer plus detach, spreads, dark, and reader modesBuilt-in previewBuilt-in previewBuilt-in previewDocument previewUses a PDF viewerIntegrated viewerIntegrated PDF viewerExtension viewer with invert modeChat with PDFNo PDF readerDocument preview
Document templates100+ starters plus reusable custom templatesNot documentedLarge publisher template galleryTypst Universe and private Pro templatesProfessional templates on paid plansBuilt-in document classesBuilt-in and user templatesNot documentedSnippets and community templatesNot documentedNoCore feature
Project and document importFiles and ZIPs plus PDF, DOCX, Markdown, images, and foldersFolder, ZIP, or drag and dropFiles, ZIP, and paid integrationsConverts LaTeX, Word, and MarkdownJupyter content and reference importsLaTeX and other text formatsOpen local source filesLocal folders and cloud filesOpen local source filesPDF and document uploadsWord and Overleaf documentsUsually PDF or DOCX
Export formatsPDF and source ZIP plus DOCX, HTML, and MarkdownPDF and project filesPDF and source ZIPPDF, PNG, and SVGPDF, Word, LaTeX, Typst, and MySTPDF, HTML, Word, RTF, ePub, and morePDF and source filesPDF and source filesDepends on local toolsWord workflowsTracked Word changesUsually PDF and DOCX
Research and AIAI model choiceModel agnostic. Hosted providers, custom endpoints, or local OllamaOpenAI models built inBuilt-in research AI. Daily allowance varies by planCompiler AssistsNot documentedNoneNoneNoneCopilot, BYOK, or extensionsPaperpal AIWritefull models and GPTBuilt in. Model choice varies
Local AILocal Ollama. No hosted provider requiredNoNoNoNoNoNo built-in AINoBYOK or extensionsNoNoNo
Review AI edits before applyingReviewable diffs plus per-edit approval controlsKeep or UndoReview AI suggestionsReview each AssistNot documentedNo built-in AINo built-in AINo built-in AIReview changesReview writing suggestionsTrack ChangesVaries
AI checks the rendered resultEdits source, compiles, then checks the rendered PDFYou recompile to confirmYou recompile to confirmCompile previewNoNo built-in AINo built-in AINo built-in AIBuild checks without PDF reviewNo rendered PDF reviewNo rendered PDF reviewNo
Literature and citation searchLiterature search across alphaXiv and OpenAlex with Crossref verificationBuilt-in literature searchReference search plus AI citation suggestionsNo built-in searchDOI citation lookupNo built-in searchNoNo built-in searchVia AI or extensionsSearch across 250M+ articlesWritefull Cite finds missing citationsNo
Autonomous research agentsComing soon. Agents search literature, verify citations, draft, and hand you the diffNot documentedNot documentedNoNot documentedNoNoNoVia AI extensionsNoNoNo
Reference library importBibTeX, RIS, EndNote, and Zotero with pre-import deduplicationZotero syncReference integrations on paid plansZotero and Mendeley sync on ProZotero, Mendeley, and EndNoteBibTeX filesWorks with BibTeX filesBibTeX filesVia extensionsCitation generatorNo library importNo
MCP for external AI agentsBuilt-in MCP server for Claude Code, Cursor, and other agentsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNo
Spell and grammar checksPrivate offline spelling and grammar with LaTeX-aware prose checksAI proofreadingBuilt-in spellcheck plus research-tailored AI feedbackNot documentedNot documentedHunspell, Aspell, and thesaurusInteractive spell and grammar checksSpellcheckVia extensions or AIAcademic grammar and styleAcademic language feedbackBasic checks vary
Visual and AI diagram toolsVisual canvas plus AI-generated TikZ with render checksImage and voice to codeManual TikZ and AI toolsTypst packages and native drawingInteractive charts and figuresVisual tables and image toolsManual TikZ with editor helpersManual TikZManual or extensionsNoAI tables, equations, and figuresNo
Quality and submissionSubmission preflightCompile checks plus venue, ATS, accessibility, references, and privacyAI review without a submission suiteCompile checksCompiler errors and AssistsSCMS compliance toolsCompiler logs and optional ChkTeXErrors and warningsClear compiler errorsLinting via extensions30+ submission checksLanguage quality reviewResume checks only
ATS resume checksScored ATS checks plus extracted-text previewNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo built-in checkNoNoVaries. Scoring is often unclear
Accessibility preflightAccessibility checks plus tagged-export preparationNoNoNot documentedStructured web publishingStructured documents. No preflightNoNot documentedNo built-in checkNoNoVaries

Privacy, precisely

Local by default. Network by choice.

Your projects stay on your machine. Oleafly uses the network only for features you choose, and shows crash reports before sending them. No Oleafly account. No telemetry. Privacy.

Always local

  • Project files, drafts, and automatic Git history
  • Writing, compiling, PDF review, and preflight checks
  • Offline spellcheck, grammar, diagrams, and optional Ollama

Network, only when you act

  • Hosted AI receives only the context you choose to send
  • GitHub sync and research searches run when you request them
  • Packages, templates, fonts, and app updates download as needed

Philosophy

Your research should outlive the tools used to create it.

Yourthesisshouldn'tneedfivesubscriptions.YourAIshouldn'tguessateditsitneverchecked.Yourreferencesshouldn'ttakeanafternoon.YourfirstPDFshouldn'twaitinabuildqueue.Yourtoolsshouldn'tcostmorethanyourresearch.Onefreeapp.Allofit.
The Oleafly Club: an illustrated celebration of researchers at work, complete with a robot dog, math jokes, and a thesis crown

Open source, seriously built

Independent by design. Built for real work.

Oleafly is built in the open. Reliability is part of the product, from cancellable compiles and safe file paths to Git recovery, PDF fallback, and tests across macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Inspect the code, report an issue, contribute a fix, or star Oleafly on GitHub.

FAQ

What to know before you switch.

What is Oleafly?

Oleafly is a local-first workspace for writing and shipping research. Draft in LaTeX, Typst, or Markdown, compile with bundled engines, proofread spelling and grammar locally, preview PDFs, manage citations, review AI edits, track versions in Git, and check resumes for ATS readability without moving between apps.

Is it really free?

Yes. Oleafly is free and open source. The desktop app does not add a subscription. If you connect a paid AI provider, that provider may charge for usage. Local models through Ollama do not require a paid API.

Which AI models does it work with?

Oleafly is model-agnostic. Use models from hosted providers, run local models through Ollama, or connect a custom OpenAI-compatible endpoint. You choose the model and supply credentials only when the provider requires them.

Do I need an account?

No. The desktop app has no Oleafly account or login. Your projects stay in ordinary local folders. Connected AI and Git hosting services may require their own credentials.

Which tools can it replace?

For many workflows, Oleafly can replace separate writing, proofreading, compilation, citation, PDF, resume, AI, and Git clients. It still works with ordinary files and GitHub, so you can adopt it without locking your work into a proprietary format.

Can I import an existing paper or resume?

Yes. Open an existing folder or import a ZIP, including exports from online LaTeX editors. Oleafly detects the main document. It can convert text-based PDFs to LaTeX locally, route DOCX through Pandoc, and use a vision model to transcribe scans or photos.

Is the PDF output ATS-friendly?

ATS readiness depends on the template and content, so Oleafly does not promise a score. Its resume templates use selectable Unicode text, embedded fonts, single-column layouts, and linear reading order. Preflight shows what a parser actually extracts before you send the PDF.

What about collaboration and sync?

Today, collaboration uses Git. Publish to GitHub, then push and pull from inside Oleafly. Real-time co-editing, comments, and managed sync are planned, but they are not in the app yet.

Built-in proofreading

Proofread spelling and grammar locally with Hunspell and Harper. Oleafly ignores LaTeX commands and math so the checks stay focused on your prose.

Download

Free. Open source. Yours.

Grab a prebuilt installer from the latest release, or build from source. No account, no telemetry.

Some builds may trigger an operating-system warning on first launch. The install guide explains what to check and how to continue.