LocalLeaf: Local LaTeX Editing yet Synced to Overleaf
A VS Code extension for a workaround solution to collaborate on LaTeX documents using Overleaf while editing them locally.
Features
Two-way sync with Overleaf projects
Real-time collaboration - see collaborators' cursors
Conflict resolution with visual diff view
Auto-sync on file changes
Ignore patterns support (like .gitignore)
Status bar items showing Overleaf account, sync status, real-time collaboration status.
Also shown on the right in this example includes VS Code's error/warning indicators and LaTeX Workshop's build status.
Run LocalLeaf: Login command and enter your Overleaf cookies (see how to get cookies)
Open a folder and run LocalLeaf: Link Folder to Overleaf Project
Start editing - changes sync automatically!
[!WARNING]
Only paste cookies when the server URL is the real Overleaf host (https://www.overleaf.com). The extension sends the cookie to whatever URL you enter; avoid lookalike URLs such as https://www.overleaf.com.attacker.test or ones that hide another host (e.g., https://www.overleaf.com@evil.com).
Cookies are stored in VS Code Secret Storage, not in your workspace, but they still grant full account access. Treat them like a password and clear credentials with LocalLeaf: Logout if you suspect exposure.
Commands
Command
Description
LocalLeaf: Login
Authenticate with Overleaf
LocalLeaf: Logout
Clear stored credentials
LocalLeaf: Verify Credentials
Check if your session is still valid
LocalLeaf: Refresh Cookie
Re-authenticate without full re-login
LocalLeaf: Link Folder to Overleaf Project
Connect a local folder to an Overleaf project
LocalLeaf: Unlink Folder
Disconnect folder from Overleaf project
LocalLeaf: Sync Now
Manually trigger two-way sync
LocalLeaf: Pull from Overleaf
Download changes from Overleaf
LocalLeaf: Push to Overleaf
Upload local changes to Overleaf
LocalLeaf: Show Sync Status
Display sync status and options to resync/reconnect
LocalLeaf: Edit Ignore Patterns
Configure files to exclude from sync
LocalLeaf: Set Main Document
Set the main .tex file for compilation
LocalLeaf: Configure Settings
Open extension settings
LocalLeaf: Jump to Collaborator
Navigate to a collaborator's cursor position
Settings
Setting
Default
Description
localleaf.defaultServer
https://www.overleaf.com
Overleaf server URL (for self-hosted instances)
localleaf.autoSync
true
Automatically sync when files change
Philosophy
LocalLeaf focuses solely on local file synchronization with Overleaf. Unlike browser-based solutions, LocalLeaf:
Creates a local replica of your Overleaf project that you can edit with any tool
Does not provide online PDF compilation - use Overleaf's web interface or local tools for that
Works seamlessly with LaTeX Workshop for local editing, compilation, and preview
This approach gives you the best of both worlds: Overleaf's collaboration features and your preferred local editing environment.
Related Projects
This project was inspired by and references Overleaf-Workshop, which takes a different approach by providing a more integrated Overleaf experience within VS Code, including online PDF preview and compilation. LocalLeaf instead focuses on maintaining a synchronized local copy of your files, leaving PDF compilation to dedicated tools like LaTeX Workshop or Overleaf's web interface.
Attribution
The LocalLeaf logo is an original Minecraft-style pixelated design depicting a leaf growing from local ground, inspired by the Overleaf logo. LocalLeaf is not affiliated with or endorsed by Overleaf.
