LyX is an advanced open source document processor. It is called a “document processor”, because unlike standard word processors, LyX encourages an approach to writing based on the structure of documents, not their appearance.
Based on a document preparation system for TeX typesetting, LyX can handle documents ranging from books, notes, theses to articles in refereed journals. It also supports right-to-left languages such as Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew.
LyX is very popular among technical authors and scientists for its advanced mathematical modes. However, it is also frequently used by social scientists, as it features polished bibliographic database integration and multiple file managing and organizing features.
On screen, LyX looks like any word processor; its printed output — or richly cross-referenced PDF, just as readily produced — looks like nothing else.
With the Hollywood template, LyX becomes a powerful screen writing tool.
Features include:
- Graphical User Interface that gives access to all functions via menus and mouse, as well as configurable keybindings.
- Standard word processor operations, like cut/paste, multiple open documents, infinite undo/redo, spellchecking (uses ispell in the background).
- Different textclasses allow you to type letters, articles, books, movie scripts, LinuxDoc, slides. Textclasses for scientific societies, such as AMS, APS, IEEE, or specific journals like Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Numbered section headings, table of contents (with hypertext functionality), nested lists (aka “outline mode”).
- Interactive WYSIWYG math editor.
- Support for writing documents in most European languages, as well as Right-to-Left languages like Hebrew and Arabic, including multi-lingual documents.
- Postscript figures, with rotation, scaling, and captions.
- Interactive WYSIWYG tables.
- Footnotes and margin notes.
- Labels/references and bibliography (including BibTeX support).
- Access to all LaTeX functionality with plain-latex-style.
- Import LaTeX. Export LaTeX, Postscript, DVI, ASCII, or send a fax.
- SGML-tools support (both LinuxDoc and DocBook DTDs).
- Literate programming support, via the “noweb” tool.
- Menus, error messages, and keybindings are available in many languages.
- Extensive documentation, including a beginner’s tutorial.
- Multiple work areas.
- Split views.
- Citation and Symbols dialogs.
- Fullscreen capabilities.
- Visual mode for bidrectional cursor movement.
- Language and script support.
- Support for the LaTeX-package hyperref.
- Math macros.
Website: www.lyx.org
Support: Wiki, Mailing Lists
Developer: The LyX team
License: GNU GPL v2
LyX is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Document Processors | Return to Editors | Return to Scientific | Return to Script Writing | Return to LaTeX Tools
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