Side by side

GNU TeXmacs vs Slugline

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

GNU TeXmacs

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

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

Slugline

Free plan iPhoneMac

Slugline combines automatic screenplay formatting, outlining, comparison, and export tools for Mac and mobile writing. Writers who need control over margins or other layout settings should note its deliberate formatting limits.

Visit Slugline

The facts

	GNU TeXmacs	Slugline
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Windows	iPhone, Mac
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	See the plans
Plans published	1	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	texmacs.org	slugline.co
On writing apps	#41 of 135	#45 of 135

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.

Slugline: what it does well

Formats screenplays as you type using Fountain.
Exports PDF and Final Draft FDX files.
Live Compare marks modified text with asterisks.
Mac and mobile files can sync through iCloud or Dropbox.

What to know first

Most formatting settings and margin controls are intentionally absent.
One Mac plan is listed at $49.99 a month.
The listed one-time Mac plan unlocks writing beyond page six.

Alternatives to GNU TeXmacs Alternatives to Slugline The whole list