InLaTeXbot
@InLaTeXbot
FreeInline modeEN
Type @inlatexbot and a LaTeX formula in any chat, watch the preview redraw as you type, and send it as an image. Longer code sent to the bot directly comes back as an image and a vector PDF.
Key features
- Inline mode with a live preview in any chat
- Syntax errors shown instead of a broken image
- Image and vector PDF for code sent to the bot directly
- Custom preamble for your own packages and macros
- Adjustable resolution and optional source code in the caption
What InLaTeXbot does
A study group working through a problem set runs into formulas sooner or later. Typed as plain text, an integral with limits is unreadable, and a photo of a notebook is worse. InLaTeXbot handles the everyday case through inline mode: type @inlatexbot and your LaTeX in any chat, the preview updates as you type, syntax errors appear instead of the picture, and a tap sends the rendered image.
For longer expressions, send the code to the bot itself. It replies with an image and a PDF, and the PDF keeps the formula as vector graphics you can scale on a slide or edit in Inkscape. The preamble is yours to change, so your packages and macros work in every later query, and settings control the image resolution and whether the source code goes into the caption.
The bot has been open source under GPL-3.0 since 2017, and its author still updates it (the latest change is from April 2026). Inline queries are capped at roughly 250 characters, and it assumes you already know LaTeX.
How to start
- In any chat, type @inlatexbot followed by a formula
- Wait for the preview and tap it to send
- For long code or a PDF, open @InLaTeXbot and send the code there
Commands
/setcustompreambleSet your own preamble/getmypreambleShow your current preamble/setdpiImage resolution, 100 to 1000 DPI/setcodeincaptiononAdd the source code to the caption/helpAll commandsPricing and limits
Free
Pros / Cons
- Live preview while you type
- Works in any chat without adding the bot
- Vector PDF for slides and papers
- Free and open source
- Inline queries are limited to about 250 characters
- You need to know LaTeX syntax
- A one-person project that has gone offline before
Alternatives
Compare InLaTeXbot with
Score breakdown
| Criterion | Weight | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functionality | 25 | 8 / 10 | |
| Reliability & speed | 15 | 7 / 10 | |
| Popularity & trust | 15 | 7 / 10 | |
| Price & free tier | 10 | 10 / 10 | |
| Usability | 10 | 7 / 10 | |
| Safety & privacy | 10 | 9 / 10 | |
| Freshness | 5 | 6 / 10 | |
| Localization | 5 | 10 / 10 | |
| No intrusive ads | 5 | 10 / 10 | |
| Score | 100 | 80.0 |
FAQ
How long can a formula be?
In inline mode, about 250 characters, the length of a Telegram inline query. Longer code goes to the bot in a private chat, and a custom preamble can be up to 4,000 characters.
Can I use my own packages and macros?
Yes. Send /setcustompreamble and then your preamble; the bot compiles it to check it and uses it for all your later formulas, inline ones included.
Does it work in a group chat?
Yes, through inline mode. Type @inlatexbot in the group's message field; nobody needs to add the bot to the group, as long as the group allows inline bots.
Technical details
- Inline mode
- Mini App
- Works in groups
- Works in channels
- Accepts voice
- Accepts files
- Requires phone number
- Requires registration
- Shows ads
