Lattice: Local-First LaTeX App for macOS with AI Agent Integration

What changed

Lattice has been released as a local-first, agent-first LaTeX writing application specifically for macOS. This new tool aims to consolidate various aspects of academic paper creation into a single native window. Key features include side-by-side source and PDF editing with live updates, visual editing of .tex files, and customizable workspace layouts. The application supports multiple AI agents, including Claude Code and Codex, or custom OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible APIs, allowing users to bring their preferred AI models. It also offers robust research capabilities, enabling users to add papers via arXiv ID, DOI, or BibTeX, and provides tools for checking and auditing bibliographies against Crossref. Collaboration is facilitated through two-way Overleaf sync, mirroring live presence, chat, comments, and tracked changes. Beyond LaTeX, Lattice supports other formats like Markdown, tldraw whiteboards, and interactive HTML pages within the same project. Version control is enhanced with a unified timeline for saved versions, agent edits, and Overleaf history, alongside Git integration for repositories. The latest release, v0.16.14, brings these functionalities to users. Experimental builds are available for Linux and Windows, though with some limitations such as the absence of the built-in agent on Linux and automatic updates on Windows.

Why it matters for builders

Lattice offers a comprehensive solution for academic writers and researchers who rely on LaTeX. By integrating AI agents directly into the editor, it promises to automate tedious tasks like proofreading, polishing text, and even suggesting revisions based on annotations. The local-first architecture ensures that projects remain accessible offline and compatible with standard Git workflows, appealing to developers who value control and versioning. Furthermore, the ability to connect custom AI models via API endpoints provides flexibility for builders who want to experiment with different AI backends or fine-tune their writing assistants.

Practical impact

Builders can download the latest .dmg for macOS (with specific versions for Intel and Apple Silicon) and begin using Lattice. For those on Linux or Windows, experimental builds are available, requiring manual installation and potentially lacking full AI agent functionality. Users can start new projects from templates, import existing Overleaf projects, or connect their local folders. The application guides new users through a setup checklist, including installing TeX Live if needed. Experimenting with the AI agent by selecting text for proofreading or polishing, or by using it to fix build errors, is a key next step. Collaborators can continue using Overleaf while Lattice users benefit from seamless sync. Exploring the integration of other file types like Markdown notes or tldraw whiteboards within a LaTeX project can also enhance workflow efficiency.

Caveats and source limits

The source material indicates that Lattice is primarily designed for macOS, with experimental builds for Linux and Windows that have limitations, including the absence of the built-in agent on Linux and potential SmartScreen warnings on Windows. The AI agent functionality requires users to bring their own models or API keys, as Lattice does not include its own AI subscription. The whiteboard feature uses the tldraw SDK, which requires a license key for production use; without it, it runs in an unlicensed, watermarked mode. The panel layout component, Trellis, has a non-commercial license for free tier use, meaning commercial organizations may need a separate license. The source does not provide independent benchmark results for the AI agent's performance or specific details on the number of AI or developer signals beyond a general mention.