tex-ls for VS Code

tex-ls helps you write LaTeX documents and manage BibTeX references in VS Code. It suggests commands as you type, points out mistakes, and helps you find your way around a document.

Get started

1. Open Extensions in VS Code.
2. Search for tex-ls by Backmatter and click Install.
3. Open your document's folder, then a .tex or .bib file.

If VS Code asks whether you trust the folder, allow it if it is your own project or comes from someone you trust. tex-ls starts automatically.

You can also open the extension in the Marketplace. Use the desktop version of VS Code. You do not need to install a compiler to use these editing tools. Creating and viewing PDFs still needs a separate tool.

While you write

• Get suggestions for LaTeX commands, labels, and citations as you type.
• Hover over an underlined passage to see a problem. Click the light bulb for available fixes.
• Right-click a reference and choose Go to Definition to jump to its label.
• Use Rename Symbol to rename a label and update its references together.
• Use the Outline panel to move between sections.

To tidy up indentation and spacing, right-click your document, choose Format Document With..., then tex-ls. You can undo the changes as usual.

Useful commands

Open the Command Palette from the View menu and type tex-ls.

Settings and help

The defaults are enough to get started. For preferences, open Settings and search for tex-ls.

If you see duplicate suggestions or error messages, another LaTeX extension may be providing the same features. Disable its overlapping features, or disable that extension for this workspace.

If something is not working, report the problem. Include your operating system, what you expected, and what happened. A short example that shows the problem helps.

For formatting on save, remote computers, and other setup options, see the additional setup guide.