Side by side

Dropbox Paper vs GNU TeXmacs

Both stand on word processing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Dropbox Paper

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1

Dropbox Paper combines collaborative documents with task and timeline features at no charge. Its web-based access and mobile timeline limitation are important to consider.

Visit Dropbox Paper

Choose GNU TeXmacs if you need a free desktop editor for technical documents, with offline editing, multiple output formats, and extensibility through Scheme. Its tutorials may need checking against the current menus and shortcuts, and user support is directed to a mailing list.

Visit GNU TeXmacs

The facts

	Dropbox Paper	GNU TeXmacs
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, iPhone, Web	Linux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid plan	See the plans	Free or on request
Plans published	6	1
Maker	Dropbox Paper	Not published
Website	dropbox.com	texmacs.org
On word processing software	#8 of 45	#12 of 45

Dropbox Paper: what it does well

Free to use
No limit on Paper documents
To-dos support assignees and due dates
Timelines offer four time views
Supports real-time collaboration and offline editing

What to know first

Requires a Dropbox account and sign-in
Separate mobile app was discontinued
Mobile timelines are read-only
Desktop app opens documents on dropbox.com unless exported

GNU TeXmacs: what it does well

Free plan costs nothing.
Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows desktop use.
Works offline and supports track changes.
Exports PDF or PostScript and converts several document formats.
Scheme extensions and plug-ins can customize the editor.

What to know first

Some tutorials may describe changed menus or shortcuts.
The project points novice users to a mailing list for support.

Alternatives to Dropbox Paper Alternatives to GNU TeXmacs The whole list