.TEX File

.tex is LaTeX Source Document

Key Features: .TEX File Extension

Features	Description
File Extension	.tex
Format	Text
Created by	Donald Knuth
Category	Text

What's on this Page

How to open:
How to convert:

What is an .TEX file?

The tex file extension is most notably associated and used for TeX/LaTeX text document files.

LaTeX is a document preparation system for high-quality typesetting. The tex file is a plain text that contains markup conventions, which define document structure.

It is most often used for medium-to-large technical or scientific documents but it can be used for almost any form of publishing (computer science, electrical engineering, economics, statistics, etc.)

MIME types used for tex files:
application/x-tex
application/x-texinfo

Files with tex file extension can be mainly found as special documents prepared using the TeX/LaTeX document preparation software.

How to open:

Use any LaTeX editor to open and work with *.tex documents.

How to convert:

TEX documents can be for example exported to PDF or PostScript. This can be usually done with some dedicated export function or via a virtual printer driver.

LaTeX Source Document - File openers

Windows

File Viewer Plus
TeXworks
BaKoMa TeX
TeXnicCenter
Texmaker
LaTeX Editor
proTeXt
gVim

Mac

LyX/Mac
TeXworks
Texmaker
TeXShop
Skim
MacVim

Linux

TeXworks
Texmaker

Donald Knuth

Text

How to solve problems with TEX files

Associate the TEX file extension with the correct application. On :
Windows: Right click on any TEX file and then click "Open with" > "Choose another app". Now select another program and check the box "Always use this app to open *.TEX files". Mac: Right click (or Ctrl-click) the TEX file, then click "Open with" > "Other...". Then choose another program and check the "Always Open With" box. Linux: Right click on the file, and select "Open with" and choose another program. iPhone: Tap the file. If you do not see an app to open the file, then tap Share "Share" and choose an app. Alternatively, save the file. Then open the Files app Files app. There long-press on the file, then release your finger. You will see a black menu bar. Then tap "Share" and select an app. Android: Tap the Settings icon on your smartphone, then tap on the Apps section. There tap the Options icon in the top right-hand corner of the screen to change the default apps.
Update your software that should actually open .TEX is LaTeX Source Document. Because only the current version supports the latest TEX file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Donald Knuth manufacturer website after an available .TEX is LaTeX Source Document update.
To make sure that your TEX file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with antivirus software.