A document processor is a document preparation system. Unlike a word processor, this type of application leads the author to concentrate on the structure of the document rather than its appearance. The author therefore focuses on what he/she wants to say, instead of fretting over page borders, font attributes, or formatting. Moreover, the author will be guided in the organization, structure, and flow within the document.
The software featured in this article all produce high quality professional documents. The majority of them rely on LaTeX as their rendering engine. LaTeX is a distinguished typesetting system which is designed for the production of scientific and technical documentation. It employs beautifully crafted typesetting algorithms. Academic journals will often accept submission in this format.
However, document processors are not only of practical use to technical authors and scientists. This type of application will help self-publishers to produce high grade documents, which survive translation into multiple formats.
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 10 high quality Linux document processors. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wants to make their writing look great.
If you’re happy to use no-charge proprietary software, Overleaf is worth a special mention. It’s an excellent LaTeX editing tool with a superb range of features that makes beautifully typeset documents easy.
Here’s our verdict on the best open source document processors.
Let’s explore the 10 document processors at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| Document Processors | |
|---|---|
| LyX | Power and flexibility of TeX/LaTeX with an intuitive interface |
| TeXstudio | Fully featured open source LaTeX editor |
| TeXmacs | WYSIWYG mathematical text editor using TeX fonts |
| TeXmaker | Integrates many different tools |
| TeXworks | Simple front-end modeled on TeXShop |
| Kile | KDE Integrated LaTeX Environment |
| AUCTeX | Edit LaTeX, ConTeXt, docTeX, Texinfo, and TeX files |
| Gummi | Simple LaTeX editor |
| GNOME LaTeX | Integrated LaTeX Environment for the GNOME desktop |
| Open LaTeX Studio | LaTeX editor supporting remote collaboration between users |
 Read our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software. The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. |
I need a simple .rtf word processor that handles images like WordPad does (no “handles” or “anchors” & covering up your text (or other images), & all that mess – just a rectangular clip to a simple clipboard (& .png save at the same time)) that can be pasted “in-line” with text (above or below it – not ON TOP OF IT). I don’t care if it is “free” or not.