# Installing LaTeX
The process and software choices for installing LaTeX vary by platform, so choose your platform to find out how to install.
In general for each system a distribution of LaTeX is installed together with an editor or development environment to make life a little easier.
The most beginner friendly option for any platform is the editor LyX (opens new window), which presents an interface more like a standard word processor. If you decide to use LyX, you need to install a LaTeX distribution first.
# Windows
For Windows the standard distribution is MikTex (opens new window).
Here is a video explaining the installation process for Windows.
Two popular choices for LaTeX editors are linked below, with installers available for Windows.
# macOS
For macOS, the standard installation is MacTex (opens new window), this bundles the MacTex distribution together with the TeXShop editor and some other utilities. One install file is all you need.
Download the installer (opens new window) to get started.
View the video for a complete overview of using MacTex
# Linux
For Linux, TexLive is the standard distribution, with several different LaTeX specific editors and IDEs available.
For any Debian or Redhat derived system, installation is a simple terminal command.
To write LaTeX documents you can use any editor or IDE, you may already be a vim or emacs fan in which case stick with what you know. Here are some alternative editors you may want to try.
# Online
Using an online service simplifies much of the process, as there's no need to install anything.
Overleaf (opens new window), is one of the main online LaTeX services. It is primarily a paid service, but a free tier is available which lacks the collaborative features of the paid service.